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.