Jain cosmology is among the most precise descriptions of the universe ever formulated before modern science. The Loka (universe) is eternal — never created, never to be destroyed — governed entirely by natural law. No God created it.
Sixteen heavens of increasing bliss. Devas reside here per accumulated merit. At the apex lies Siddhashila — the crescent realm where liberated Siddhas rest in eternal pure consciousness.
The only realm where moksha is possible. Concentric islands and oceans with Jambudvipa at the centre — our Earth. Mount Meru rises from its heart.
Seven descending Naraka levels of increasing darkness, cold, and suffering — karmic consequence, not eternal punishment. Even here the soul retains its nature and will eventually exhaust its karma.
Beyond the Loka's outer boundary lies Aloka — infinite, empty space with no matter, no soul, no motion. The Loka floats in Aloka like a lamp flame in a vast dark room.
Jain metaphysics divides all existence into exactly six substances. Everything — from a rock to a soul, from space to time — falls into one of these six.
The living soul. Eternal, conscious, capable of liberation. The only Dravya that can attain moksha.
Matter — from the atom (Paramāṇu) to large aggregates. Karma itself is Pudgala.
Medium of motion — the physical principle making movement possible.
Medium of rest — makes stillness possible. Uniquely Jain.
Space — Loka-akasha (finite occupied) and Aloka-akasha (infinite beyond).
Time — an active substance enabling change and transformation. Infinite past and future.
Time is cyclic, not linear. The universe endlessly cycles through infinite Kalpas of ascent (Utsarpini) and descent (Avasarpini). We live in the 5th Ara of a descending Avasarpini.
Golden Age. Perfect bliss, no disease, infinite lifespan. Humans born as twins. 4×10¹⁴ Sagaropama years.
Mostly happy. Slight diminishment of conditions. No illness or conflict.
More happy than unhappy. First Tirthankaras appear. Civilisation begins.
More unhappy than happy. Last great Tirthankaras appear — Parshvanatha, Mahavira.
Current era. Diminished virtue. Mahavira's nirvana marked its start (527 BCE). 21,000 years total.
Darkest age. Maximum suffering. Then the wheel turns and an ascending cycle begins again.