vimānaṁ

adjective

1. perplexed, consternated Mil.23, Mil.118; Pv-a.274.
2. infatuate Thig.380.
3. distracted, distressed Thag.1051; Ja.vi.523.

vi + mano

neuter lit. covering a certain space, measuring; the def^ns given by Dhpāla refer it to “without measure,” i.e. immeasurable. Thus = vigata-māne appamāṇe mahanta vara-pāsāda Vv-a.131; = visiṭṭhamānaṃ, pamāṇato mahantaṃ Vv-a.160
■ applied meaning: heavenly (magic) palace, a kind of paradise elysium.

1. General remarks:
   1. The notion of the vimāna is peculiar to the later, fantastic parts of the Canon, based on popular superstition (Vimāna & Peta Vatthu, Apadāna, Jātaka and similar fairy tales). It shows distinct traces of foreign (Hellenic-Babylonian influence and rests partly on tales of sea-faring merchants (cp. location of V. in mid-ocean). On the other hand it represents the old (Vedic); ratha as chariot of the gods to be driven at will (cp. below 5, 7, 8). Thus at Vv.16 (here as 500 chariots!), Vv.36, Vv.63, Vv.64; Ja.i.59 (deva-vimānasadisa ratha)
   2. The vimānas are in remote parts of the world (cp. the island of the blessed), similar to the elysium in Homer’s Odyssey, e.g. iv.563 sq.: ̓σἐς ̓*Ηλύσιον πεδίον κα ̓σἐς ̓*Ηλύσιον πεδίον και πείρατα γαίης ἀχάνατοι πεμψουσιν etc. (translation G. Chapman: “the immortal ends of all the earth, the fields Elysian Fate to thee will give; where Rhadamanthus rules, and where men live a nevertroubled life, where snow, nor show’rs, nor irksome winter spends his fruitless pow’rs, but from the ocean zephyr still resumes a constant breath, that all the fields perfume”). Cp. Ehni, Yama p. 206 sq
   3. In popular religion the influence of this eschatological literature has been very great, so great in fact as to make the Vimāna and Peta-vatthus & the Jātakastories exemplifying the theory of retribution as appealing to an ordinary mind by vivid examples of mythology, greater favourites than any other canonical; book. From this point of view we have to judge Mhvs.14, Mhvs.58: Petavatthuṃ Vimānañ ca sacca-saṃyuttaṃ eva ca desesi thero…
2. The descriptions of the Vimānas are in the most exuberant terms. The palaces (kingdoms in miniature) are of gold, crystal or exquisite jewels, their pillars are studded with gems their glittering roofs are peaked with 700 pinnacled turrets (Vv-a.244, Vv-a.289; also as “innumerable” Vv-a.188, or 18,000 Tha-ap.63). Surrounded are these towering (ucca) mansions by lovely, well-planned gardens, the paths of which are sprinkled with gold dust; they are full of wishing-trees, granting every desire. There is a variety of stately trees, bearing heavenly flowers fruit, swaying gently in delicious breezes. Lotus ponds with cool waters invite to refreshing baths; a host of birds mix their songs with the strains of cymbals and lutes, played by heavenly musicians. Angelic maidens perform their dances, filling the atmosphere with a radiant light which shines from their bodies. Peace and happiness reign everywhere, the joys of such a vimāna cannot be expressed in words. This elysium lasts for aeons (cira-ṭṭhitika Vv.80#1, kappa-ṭṭhāyin Thag.1190) in short it is the most heavenly paradise which can be imagined
   ■ For a monograph of vimāna the Vimāna Vatthu and its Commentary should in the first place be consulted.
3. The inhabitants of the Vimānas are usually happy persons (or yakkhas: see Stede, P. V. trsl. 39–41), called devatā, who have attain