Nigoda

In Jainism cosmology, the Nigoda is a realm existing in which the lowest forms of life reside in endless numbers, and without any hope of release by self-effort. Jain scriptures describe nigodas which are sub-microscopic creatures living in large clusters and having a very short life and are said to pervade each and every part of universe, even in tissues of plants and flesh of animals. The Nigoda exists in contrast to the Supreme Abode, also located at the Siddhashila (top of the universe) where liberated souls exist in omnisciencent and eternal bliss. According to Jain tradition, it is said that when a human being rises to this state after death and achieves liberation (Moksha), another from the Nigoda is given the potential of self-effort and hope.

Charactersitics

The life in Nigoda is that of a sub-microscopic organism possessing only one sense, i.e., of touch.

References

• Jaini, Padmanabh S. (1998) [1979], The Jaina Path of Purification, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 81-208-1578-5