Jainism Tirthankar Timeline
Key descriptions of Jain cosmology are found in the Upāṅga Āgamas, particularly the Sūrya-prajñapti and Jambū-dvīpa-prajñapti . These ancient texts were compiled by the Śruta-kevalīs, who learned directly from Mahāvīra, the Omniscient. Many of the original manuscripts were destroyed over time due to invasions, including Aryan migrations and later Muslim invasions of India. However, this knowledge was preserved through oral tradition and the dedication of Jain followers. According to Jain cosmology, time is bound in an infinite, oscillating pendulum known as kāla (time cycles), divided into ārās . There are six descending cycles, followed by six ascending cycles. After the sixth cycle, time reverses direction and progresses back toward the first, continuing endlessly. Name of the Ara Degree of happiness Duration of Ara Maximum height of people Maximum lifespan of people 1. Suṣama-suṣamā Utmost happiness and no sorrow 400 trillion sāgaropamas Six miles tall Three palyopam years 2. Suṣ...