CHAPTER – 19

 JATYADHI KARANAM: CLASSIFICATION OF VIMANAS
In this chapter on classification of vimanas as per different Yugas and Yugadharma, the text explains the types of vimanas and their names featuring in the yugas. In Krita-yuga, people by their own powers acquired through righteous living could fly on their own volition from place to place without the aid of flying machine.

  • In Threthayuga flying machines were of Mantrika category.

  • In Dwaparayuga flying machines under classification Tantrika were used.

  • In Kaliyuga, flying machines of Kritaka category were specified.

Prominent works referred to in Yuga-wise classification are as follows:

  • Vimana Chandrika

  • Vyomayaana Tantra

  • Yantra Kalpa

  • Kheta-yaana-pradeepika

  • Vyomayaana-arkaprakashika

Observations:

  • Yuga-wise classification needs deeper study.

  • Many texts seem to have existed covering vimanas; their authors however are not mentioned.

  • The next sootra deals with the names of vimanas as classified yuga-wise:

    • Tretha-yuga – Mantrika type – 25 varieties of flying machines starting from Pushpaka.

    • Dwapara-yuga – Tantrika type – 56 varieties starting from Bhyravi.

    • Kali-yuga – Kritaka type – 25 varieties starting from Shakuna.

     

  • Besides Maharshi Bharadwaja the other preceptors detailing the classification are Shounaka, Goutama, Manibhadra and Lallacharya.

Observations:

  • The large number of vimanas hints at conception of application-specific varieties.

  • It is significant to note that ‘Tripura’ vimana covered in the text is distinctly missing from the Kritaka variety.

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