What is Videh Kshetra ?
Videh Kshetra is a term from Jain cosmology describing the lands of the middle world (Madhyaloka) around Jambudweep. The concept divides Madhyaloka into five major regions or Kshetras, called:
- Bharat Kshetra
- Airavat Kshetra
- Mahavideh (Maha Videh) Kshetra
- Ramyak Kshetra
- Haimavat Kshetra
Key points:
- These are geographic divisions within the middle world where living beings reside and spiritual activities occur.
- Maha Videh Kshetra is especially noted for its spiritual significance: it is described as a land where Tirthankaras are present and where liberation-minded souls may be born or reborn with favorable conditions. In many Jain texts, Simandhar Swami is associated with Maha Videh as a living Tirthankar in that region. There are variations in how Digambar and Shwetambar traditions describe the details, but both traditions recognize the five Videh Kshetras within Madhyaloka. You can read more here