As till humans have seen solar system and galaxy only with their eyes. But where are swarg narak, siddhshila, and the 3 lok??
Answer
In Jain Dharma, Swarg, Narak, Siddhashila, and the 3 Lok are not understood as places that can be seen by ordinary human eyes or modern telescopes.
They belong to the Jain description of the universe called Lokākāś — the inhabited universe where souls, matter, motion, rest, time, and space exist.
According to Jain cosmology:
- Adho Lok — the lower world, where the hellish realms are located.
- Madhya Lok — the middle world, where humans, animals, plants, and other earthly beings exist.
- Ūrdhva Lok — the upper world, where heavenly beings reside.
- Siddhashila — the very top of Lokākāś, where liberated souls permanently exist.
Explanation
Jain Dharma teaches that the universe is much larger and subtler than what ordinary senses can perceive.
Human eyes can see only limited physical objects. Even scientific instruments observe only material phenomena. But Jain Agams describe many realms that are beyond ordinary sensory perception.
In Jain understanding:
- Swarg is in the upper regions of Lok.
- Narak is in the lower regions of Lok.
- Humans live in Madhya Lok, especially in specific parts such as Bharat Kshetra.
- Siddhashila is at the highest boundary of Lok, above all heavenly realms.
These are not “planets” like Mars or Jupiter, and not “galaxies” like the Milky Way. They are realms described through Jain cosmology, accessible according to the soul’s karma, not by rockets or telescopes.
Spiritual Understanding
The purpose of Jain cosmology is not only to describe the universe, but to awaken detachment.
It teaches us:
- Swarg is still within saṃsār and is temporary.
- Narak is a painful result of intense sinful karma.
- Human birth is rare and spiritually valuable.
- Siddhashila is the final destination of a liberated soul.
A soul does not reach Siddhashila by physical travel. It reaches there by destroying all karmas through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
Takeaway
Swarg, Narak, Siddhashila, and the 3 Lok are part of Jain cosmology. They are not visible like the solar system or galaxy because they are not ordinary objects for human eyesight. Jain Dharma explains them as real realms within Lokākāś, known through the teachings of the Jinas and understood through spiritual knowledge.