“Words may be few, but their meanings are infinite.”
In the same way, a visual might be small, yet the emotions, joy, and knowledge that emerge from it are vast and endless. That is the hallmark of this Gagar Ma Sagar series.
We have already discussed the three realms (Lokas) of the universe in Jain cosmology—Urdhva Lok (upper world), Madhya Lok (middle world), and Adho Lok (lower world).
In today’s post, we explore the first of these: Urdhva Lok – the upper realm.
📍 Location and Structure
Urdhva Lok spans just under 7 Rajlok in height. It comprises a central pillar surrounded by regions populated by various beings. Inside the central pillar lie the celestial abodes (Deva Loka), where divine beings (Devas) reside. Outside this, only non-mobile beings such as Earth-bodied, Air-bodied, Water-bodied, Plant-bodied, and subtle beings exist. Beyond that – nothing.
Let’s understand Urdhva Lok from the topmost point downward, gradually moving toward the middle world.
✨ The Structure of Urdhva Lok
- Siddha Kshetra (Realm of Liberated Souls)
At the very top lies Siddha Shila, the eternal home of liberated souls (Siddhas) who have attained Moksha. Their bodily dimensions stabilize at 333 Dhanush (a unit based on the span of both arms).- The Siddha Shila has a diameter of 540,000 km (45 lakh Yojan × 12 km/Yojan).
- In the center, its height is 96,000 km, tapering to a sharp edge, thinner than a fly’s wing.
- Though delicate in shape, it is indestructible, harder than diamond, and incredibly smooth and flawless.
- Five Anuttara Vimans
Below Siddha Shila are five peerless celestial abodes:- Vijay, Vijayant, Jayant, Aparajit, and Sarvartha Siddha Mahaviman (the central and most supreme).
- These are occupied by Devas who are destined for Moksha in one or very few future lives.
- These are called Anuttara, meaning “unsurpassed” or “matchless”.
- Nine Graiveyak Vimans
Positioned below Anuttara, these are nine neck-like celestial planes—named:- Bhadde, Subhadde, Sujaaye, Sumānase, Priyadarśane, Sudarśane, Āmohe, Supadibaddhe, Jasodhare
- A total of 318 Vimans are spread across these 9 realms:
- 111 in the first triad, 107 in the second, and 100 in the third
- No females exist here. Devas are deeply engaged in spiritual contemplation.
- Twelve Deva Loks (Heavenly Abodes)
Below the Graiveyak are twelve levels of Deva Loks. They are named:- Sudharma, Ishan, Sanatkumar, Mahendra, Brahma, Lāntak, Mahashukra, Sahasrar, Anant, Prānat, Āraṇ, and Achyuta
- The lowest levels still have female deities, whereas from the third upward, only male Devas exist.
- These levels have structured societies with kings, ministers, armies, and royal courts (Sudharma Sabha).
- Devas are born not through wombs but directly on divine beds amidst flowers.
- Their bodies are Vaikriya (transformative and subtle), capable of assuming any form.
🔍 Other Notable Characteristics
- Devas do not sleep or eat like humans.
- Their energy is derived from special particles and atoms in the atmosphere, absorbed rarely—once every thousands of years.
- Their lifespan begins from 10,000 years upward.
- No suicide is possible in these realms; only natural death at lifespan completion occurs.
- The higher the realm, the greater the power, serenity, and spiritual advancement.
🧘 Conclusion
This is just a glimpse of the incredible and intricate structure of Urdhva Lok in Jain cosmology—a celestial world full of divinity, purity, and infinite order. Every detail, from Siddha Shila to the Deva Loks, shows how vast and spiritual the Jain worldview is.
Even with all this said, we’ve barely scratched the surface. Urdhva Lok is so vast and profound that entire discourses can be dedicated to just one level.
I encourage you to reflect on this knowledge. And if interested, we’ll continue the journey in upcoming posts—next stop: Mount Meru and Madhya Lok.