Significance of Bhavanapati
Bhavanapati in Jainism refers to a specific category of beings that inhabit the Ratnaprabha-earth and are characterized by unalloyed happiness and minimal suffering. These entities are arranged in rows and illustrate the variability among living beings. They are also recognized as one of the four types of gods in Jain cosmology, serving as rulers of particular realms. Additionally, Bhavanapati denotes divine beings that have constructed a low wall of silver with gold around a dais, similar to other classifications like Vanavyantaras.
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Jain concept of 'Bhavanapati'
Bhavanapati in Jainism encompasses divine beings linked to the lower world, characterized by unalloyed happiness, spatial roles as overseers, and serving as a classification of beings amidst the cosmic hierarchy.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Beings who made a wall of silver, representing devotion, resembling Mt. Vaitadhya.[1] (2) A group of celestial beings or deities that inhabit the conducive domains within the cosmological framework.[2] (3) Devas recognized as rulers or overseers of specific realms or spaces.[3] (4) The term refers to a group or category of beings positioned in two rows located in the north and south, resembling rows of shops.[4] (5) Beings or entities that reside within the thickness of the Ratnaprabha-earth, found in the dwellings existing in this layer.[5]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A classification of beings or entities, similar in nature to other mentioned groups like Vanavyantaras.[6] (2) A specific group of beings that are said to have unalloyed happiness and seldom experience misery.[7] (3) A group of beings mentioned to illustrate the variability in increase and decrease among living entities.[8] (4) One of the four types of gods identified in Jain cosmology.[9]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Types of gods mentioned in the text that played a role during the significant moments in Mahavira's life.[10]