Article: Images of the universe

Links

Jain universe

The Herenow4U website provides a detailed diagram of the Jain universe and a summary of traditional cosmology. It is a page from the 2008 edition of Introduction to Jainism by Rudi Jansma and Sneh Rani Jain.

http://www.herenow4u.net/index.php?id=66141

Hymn 'Jena Smaran Thi-Shankheshwar Prabhu'

This hymn on YouTube is Jena Smaran Thi-Shankheshwar Prabhu. The 2009 slideshow features various statues of Jinas and gods and goddesses, pictures of temples and the Jain symbol. The symbol incorporates the hand, svastika, three dots representing the 'three gems' of right insight, right knowledge and right conduct. At the top is the home of liberated souls – siddha-śilā. These holy symbols are all within the shape of the universe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heVOTxOVBG4&playnext=1&list=PL2AE8C0D2F6197426

Three-dimensional model of Jambū-dvīpa

This slideshow from the Digambar Jain Trilok Shodh Sansthan – Digambar Jain Institute of Cosmographic Research – in Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh, shows photos of its three-dimensional model of Jambudweep – Jambū-dvīpa in Sanskrit – and other pictures of the institute. Some 70 metres across, the model of the first continent houses a 30-metre-tall Mount Meru up which visitors can climb.

http://www.jambudweep.org/gallery/index.html

Ayodhyapuram temple

This 2009 photo on Flickr shows the recently built temple of Ayodhyapuram in Vallabhipur in Gujarat, which is dedicated to R̥ṣabha. Taking an innovative design, the temple houses a very large statue of the first Jina in the lotus position, which weighs around 23 tonnes. 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22051758@N05/3218938082/

Nandīśvara-dvīpa brass sculpture

This freestanding brass sculpture depicts the mythical continent of Nandīśvara, where the gods go to perform religious duties. Depictions of Nandīśvara-dvīpa are frequently worshipped among the Digambara sect, but a metal image is rare. The sculpture features 52 Jinas, both sitting and standing. This piece of art is described as part of a lot auctioned by Christie's in 2002.

http://goo.gl/SDwoH

Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjaka nuns and their staffs

A lay woman talks to Śvetāmbara Mūrtipūjaka nuns, who hold up their long wooden staffs, known by the Sanskrit word daṇḍa. This photograph on Flickr clearly shows the tops of their slim staffs, which is an elaborately sculpted knob in four parts, symbolising elements of cosmic and doctrinal belief.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/clodreno/133373811/in/set-72057594061325828

Āryikā Jñānamati – Jain Triple World Research Institute

One of the most influential women in contemporary Jainism, Āryikā Jñānamati is a Digambara nun. Her achievements and character inspired the 1974 foundation of the Digambar Jain Trilok Shodh Sansthan – Jain Triple World Research Institute – in Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh. Here described by her name in modern Hindi, Āryikā Jñānamati is profiled on the institute's website.

http://www.jambudweep.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65&Itemid=29

Digambar Jain Trilok Shodh Sansthan

Opened in 1985, the Digambar Jain Trilok Shodh Sansthan – Digambar Jain Institute of Cosmographic Research – in Hastinapur, Uttar Pradesh, was founded by Āryikā Jñānamati. A centre of research into Jain cosmology, the institute publishes the Vira Jñānodaya Granthamālā series and the Samyagjñāna journal and also houses a boys' boarding school. Several temples attract pilgrims but the main draw is the large 3-D model of Jambūdvīpa, complete with a 30-metre-tall Mount Meru.

http://www.jambudweep.org/