Jain Metaphysics and Science: 6.4 Two-and - Half Islands

Surrounding the Jambudweep is Lavana Ocean whose outer diameter is 5, 00,000 yojana. Aquatic beings are found in Lavana Ocean, Kalodaka Ocean and the last Swayambhuramana Ocean only. Other oceans of middle   loka do not have lands of action and no aquatic beings as well. The entire region of middle   loka between the Manushottara Mountain and the middle half of last Swayambhuramana Island contains lands of enjoyment of low level and only animals inhabitat these regions. The outer half of Swayambhuramana Island contains lands of action where largest size of animals, (excluding human) are found.

There are many small islands in Lavana Ocean. There are 8 solar islands in main directions and 16 lunar islands in the intermediate directions. All these islands are circular and serpentine youths of Belandhar class inhabitat them. Islands are also found opposite the delta of Ganga and Sindhu rivers and at entry to the Jambudweep. There are a total of 24 islands on the inner side and 24 islands on the outer side of Lavana Ocean. Thus there are 48 islands in Lavana Ocean. Similarly, there are 48 islands on both sides of Kalodaka Ocean. Human beings having animal face (kumanush) inhabitat these islands. They live under the trees and eat fruits and vegetables. They are born in pairs and enjoy the facilities available on islands. They are reborn as mansion dwelling celestial beings after death.

Dhatkikhand is 400000 yojana wide. There are two mountain ranges in the north and south side, which divide Dhatikikhand in two parts, the east and west. Each part has a mount Meru, 84000 yojana high, and one Bharat region and one Airavat region. So there are two mount Meru, two Bharat and two Airavat regions in Dhatikikhand. There are six lands of action, 12 lands of enjoyment and other mountain and rivers in Dhatikikhand.

The Kalodaka Ocean surrounding the Dhatikikhand is 800000 yojana wide. There are 24 lands of bad enjoyment (Kubhoga) on each side of this ocean. The Pushkarvara Dweep surrounding the Kalodaka Ocean is 1600000 yojana wide. The circular Manushottar Mountain divides it in two circular halves. This mountain is 1721 yojana high, 1022 yojana wide at the base and 424 yojana wide at the top. There are two mount Meru, one on east and the other one on west side of the inner half of the Dweep. Human beings are found only in the inner half.