Question

According to Jain philosophy, what is the total number of Indras (Celestial Lords)?

• A. One hundred
• B. Five hundred
• C. One thousand
• D. Infinite

Hint:

The term "Shatendra" (Shat + Indra) literally means "One Hundred Indras." This is a recurring number in Jain hymns (Stutis) praising the Tirthankaras.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In Jain cosmology, the celestial beings (Devas) are organized into a hierarchy. Unlike monotheistic religions where there is only one "God," Jainism recognizes multiple "Indras" who are the kings of different celestial regions or classes. The traditional number of these sovereign lords is 100, often referred to as Shatendra.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The 100 Indras are categorized based on the four classes of celestial beings and other special categories:
1. Bhavanvasi Indras (Residential Deities): There are 10 classes of Bhavanvasi gods, and each class has a North and South Indra, totaling 20 Indras. However, in an expanded classification, the total number associated with Bhavanvasi is often cited as 40.
2. Vyantara Indras (Peripatetic Deities): There are 8 classes of Vyantara gods, with North and South Indras for each, totaling 16 or 32 Indras depending on the tradition.
3. Jyotishi Indras (Stellar Deities): This includes the Moon and the Sun as the primary lords, totaling 2.
4. Kalpavasi Indras (Heavenly Deities): There are 12 heavens in some accounts or 16 in others. The standard count for Indras in these heavens is 12 or 24.
5. Non-Celestial Indras: To complete the count of 100, Jainism also recognizes a "human king" (Manushyendra, usually the Chakravartin) and a "king of animals" (Tiryagyendra, usually the lion).
When adding all these sovereign rulers of different realms together, the symbolic and mathematical total is 100. These 100 Indras are said to attend the Panchakalyanaka (five auspicious events) of every Tirthankara.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The total number of Indras in the universe is 100 (Ekashatam).