Question

Match List I (Metaphysical Regions) with List II (Specific Names/Descriptions):

List I		List II
A.	Siddhashila	I.	Achyuta
B.	Naraka (Hell)	II.	Ishat-pragbhara
C.	Swarga (Heaven)	III.	Haimavat
D.	Kshetra (Region)	IV.	Ratnaprabha

• A. A-IV, B-I, C-III, D-II
• B. A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III
• C. A-I, B-IV, C-II, D-III
• D. A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I

Hint:

Remember: Ratnaprabha is the 1st Hell. Ishat-pragbhara is the synonym for the abode of the Siddhas at the top of the universe. Haimavat sounds like "Himavat" (Himalaya), placing it in the Middle World regions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Jain cosmology (Loka-purusha) describes the structure of the universe in three main parts: the Upper World (Urdhva-loka), the Middle World (Madhya-loka), and the Lower World (Adho-loka). Each part has specific names for its regions, heavens, and hells.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Siddhashila (A): This is the region at the very top of the universe where liberated souls (Siddhas) reside. In Jain scriptures, this special abode is also known as Ishat-pragbhara (II), which literally means "slightly bent forward." It is shaped like an inverted umbrella.

2. Naraka (Hell) (B): Jainism describes seven levels of hell in the Lower World. The first and uppermost level of hell is named Ratnaprabha (IV) (Jewel-hued). As one goes deeper into the other six levels, the misery increases.

3. Swarga (Heaven) (C): The Upper World contains several heavens inhabited by celestial beings. One of the highest heavens (usually listed as the 16th in some systems) is named Achyuta (I). Celestial beings here live for immense periods of time in great sensory comfort.

4. Kshetra (Region) (D): This term usually refers to the geographical divisions in the Middle World where humans live. One of the regions to the North of the Himalayan mountains is called Haimavat (III). Other such regions include Bharat, Videha, and Airavat.

Thus, the correct mapping is A-II, B-IV, C-I, and D-III.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Siddhashila is Ishat-pragbhara, the first Hell is Ratnaprabha, a specific Heaven is Achyuta, and a specific region is Haimavat.