The 3-layered planetary systems and the 14 worlds described in Bhagavata Purana which is 8th puran of Hinduism
(Open the #thread 🧵 to get amazed by universal truth)
🔹 The fourteen worlds -lokas- or spheres
🔹 The 14 planetary systems are named as follows, from highest to lowest
🔹 The seven lower planetary system
🔹 Description of the upper, heavenly realms
🔹 Naraka - 28 Hells
(Open the #thread 🧵 to get amazed by universal truth)
🔹 The fourteen worlds -lokas- or spheres
🔹 The 14 planetary systems are named as follows, from highest to lowest
🔹 The seven lower planetary system
🔹 Description of the upper, heavenly realms
🔹 Naraka - 28 Hells
🔹Loka-traya - the 3 planetary systems
There are three planetary systems, namely the lower worlds, the intermediate worlds and the
upper worlds. The human beings on earth are situated at the beginning of the intermediate worlds, but living beings like Brahmā and his contemporaries live in the upper worlds, of which the topmost is Satyaloka. In Satyaloka the inhabitants are fully cognizant of Vedic wisdom, and thus the mystic cloud of material energy is cleared. As stated in the Bhagavad-gītā, there are three divisions of material spheres in this universe, namely the ūrdhva-loka (topmost planets), madhya-loka (midway planets) and adho-
loka (downward planets). Beyond the ūrdhva-loka planets, that is to say above the Brahmaloka,
are the material coverings of the universes, and above that is the spiritual sky, which is unlimited
in expansion, containing unlimited self-illuminated Vaikuṇṭha planets inhabited by God Himself along with His associates, who are all eternally liberated living entities.
Ūrdhvaloka (ऊध्वर्लोक).—The “upper world” or ūrdhvaloka is above mount Meru. The celestial world, the realms of the gods or heavens, the svarga-lokas - heavenly planets.
Madhya-loka – the middle planetary system, world of mortals, the realms of the humans, animals and plants.
Adhaloka (अधलोक).—The adha-loka (Adholoka) is the lower world, the subterranean heavens, Bila-Swarga, the realms of beings other than humans, like Daityas, Dānavas and Nāgas etc.
There are three planetary systems, namely the lower worlds, the intermediate worlds and the
upper worlds. The human beings on earth are situated at the beginning of the intermediate worlds, but living beings like Brahmā and his contemporaries live in the upper worlds, of which the topmost is Satyaloka. In Satyaloka the inhabitants are fully cognizant of Vedic wisdom, and thus the mystic cloud of material energy is cleared. As stated in the Bhagavad-gītā, there are three divisions of material spheres in this universe, namely the ūrdhva-loka (topmost planets), madhya-loka (midway planets) and adho-
loka (downward planets). Beyond the ūrdhva-loka planets, that is to say above the Brahmaloka,
are the material coverings of the universes, and above that is the spiritual sky, which is unlimited
in expansion, containing unlimited self-illuminated Vaikuṇṭha planets inhabited by God Himself along with His associates, who are all eternally liberated living entities.
Ūrdhvaloka (ऊध्वर्लोक).—The “upper world” or ūrdhvaloka is above mount Meru. The celestial world, the realms of the gods or heavens, the svarga-lokas - heavenly planets.
Madhya-loka – the middle planetary system, world of mortals, the realms of the humans, animals and plants.
Adhaloka (अधलोक).—The adha-loka (Adholoka) is the lower world, the subterranean heavens, Bila-Swarga, the realms of beings other than humans, like Daityas, Dānavas and Nāgas etc.
🔹The 3-layered planetary systems and the 14 worlds
According to the purāṇas this universe is called loka-traya- the three lokas (Bhūrloka, Bhuvarloka and Svarloka), or three spheres (or worlds) consisting of 14 planetary systems. In the material
world, the planetary systems are arranged in three spheres, called triloka, or Svarga, Martya and Pātāla.
The three worlds are the upper, lower and middle intermediate planets of the universe. The human beings on earth are situated at the beginning of the intermediate worlds, but living beings
like Brahmā and his contemporaries live in the upper worlds, of which the topmost is Satyaloka.
When we speak of loka-traya, we refer to the three primary planetary systems
Bhūḥ, Bhuvaḥ and Svaḥ—into which the universe is divided. Surrounding these planetary systems are the eight directions, namely east, west, north, south, northeast, southeast, northwest
and southwest. Lokāloka Mountain has been established as the outer boundary of all the lokas to
distribute the rays of the sun and other luminaries equally throughout the universe. bhagwan Brahmā is the creator of the three worlds, namely the lower planets, called the Pātālalokas,
the middle planets, called the Bhūrlokas, and the upper planets, called the Svarlokas. Still higher
planets, such as Maharloka, Tapoloka, Satyaloka and Brahmaloka. The upper three planetary systems are called sāttvika planets because they provide facilities for a long duration of life and
relative freedom from disease and old age, as well as a sense of fearlessness. The great sages and saints are promoted beyond the heavenly planets to Maharloka. In the creation, during Brahmā's day, the three planetary systems—Svarga, Martya and Pātāla—revolve, and the inhabitants,
including the lower animals, human beings, demigods and Pitās, appear and disappear in terms of their fruitive activities. The cosmic manifestation is grossly divided into three worlds, the upper, lower and middle planetary systems, and then it broadens into the cosmos of fourteen planetary systems. There are fourteen divisions, Caturdaśa-bhuvana. There are seven down and seven up. We are in the middle. This is called Bhūrloka. Above this, there is Bhuvarloka. Above that, there is Janaloka. Above that, there is Maharloka. Above that, there is Satyaloka. Above that, there is Brahmaloka, the highest planetary system. Similarly, down also, we have got Tala, Atala, Talātala, Vitala, Pātāla,
Rasātala. This information we get from Vedic literature, fourteen worlds. Each and every universe is consisting of these fourteen planetary systems, and there are innumerable universes.
According to the purāṇas this universe is called loka-traya- the three lokas (Bhūrloka, Bhuvarloka and Svarloka), or three spheres (or worlds) consisting of 14 planetary systems. In the material
world, the planetary systems are arranged in three spheres, called triloka, or Svarga, Martya and Pātāla.
The three worlds are the upper, lower and middle intermediate planets of the universe. The human beings on earth are situated at the beginning of the intermediate worlds, but living beings
like Brahmā and his contemporaries live in the upper worlds, of which the topmost is Satyaloka.
When we speak of loka-traya, we refer to the three primary planetary systems
Bhūḥ, Bhuvaḥ and Svaḥ—into which the universe is divided. Surrounding these planetary systems are the eight directions, namely east, west, north, south, northeast, southeast, northwest
and southwest. Lokāloka Mountain has been established as the outer boundary of all the lokas to
distribute the rays of the sun and other luminaries equally throughout the universe. bhagwan Brahmā is the creator of the three worlds, namely the lower planets, called the Pātālalokas,
the middle planets, called the Bhūrlokas, and the upper planets, called the Svarlokas. Still higher
planets, such as Maharloka, Tapoloka, Satyaloka and Brahmaloka. The upper three planetary systems are called sāttvika planets because they provide facilities for a long duration of life and
relative freedom from disease and old age, as well as a sense of fearlessness. The great sages and saints are promoted beyond the heavenly planets to Maharloka. In the creation, during Brahmā's day, the three planetary systems—Svarga, Martya and Pātāla—revolve, and the inhabitants,
including the lower animals, human beings, demigods and Pitās, appear and disappear in terms of their fruitive activities. The cosmic manifestation is grossly divided into three worlds, the upper, lower and middle planetary systems, and then it broadens into the cosmos of fourteen planetary systems. There are fourteen divisions, Caturdaśa-bhuvana. There are seven down and seven up. We are in the middle. This is called Bhūrloka. Above this, there is Bhuvarloka. Above that, there is Janaloka. Above that, there is Maharloka. Above that, there is Satyaloka. Above that, there is Brahmaloka, the highest planetary system. Similarly, down also, we have got Tala, Atala, Talātala, Vitala, Pātāla,
Rasātala. This information we get from Vedic literature, fourteen worlds. Each and every universe is consisting of these fourteen planetary systems, and there are innumerable universes.
🔹 The fourteen worlds -lokas- or spheres
The fourteen lokas or worlds are generally called as Caturdaśa-bhuvanas. Of these, six lokas
(worlds) are above the earth (Bhuloka) and seven below it. The vedic concept of the 14 lokas state that they are divided into 7 upper worlds (Svargaloka) and the 7 lower ones, generally known as the Pātālas.
The fourteen worlds are enumerated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Second Canto, Fifth Chapter. The upper planetary systems are (1) Bhū, (2) Bhuvar, (3) Svar, (4) Mahar, (5) Janas, (6) Tapas and (7) Satya. The seven lower planetary systems are (1) Tala, (2) Atala, (3) Vitala, (4) Nitala, (5) Talātala, (6) Mahātala and (7) Sutala.
The lower planets, as a whole, are called Pātāla.Among the upper planetary systems, Bhū, Bhuvar and Svar constitute Svargaloka, and the rest are called Martya. The entire universe is thus known as Triloka.
The universe is divided into fourteen planetary systems. Seven planetary systems, called Bhūr, Bhuvar, Svar, Mahar, Janas, Tapas and Satya, are upward planetary systems, one above the other. There are also seven planetary systems downward, known as Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talātala,
Mahātala, Rasātala and Pātāla. Modern enterprisers (the astronauts who travel in space) may take information from Śrīmad-
Bhāgavatam that in space there are fourteen divisions of planetary systems. The situation is
calculated from the earthly planetary system, which is called Bhūrloka.
Above Bhūrloka is Bhuvarloka, and the topmost planetary system is called Satyaloka. These are the upper seven lokas, or planetary systems. And similarly, there are seven lower planetary systems, known as Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talātala, Mahātala, Rasātala and Pātāla lokas. All these planetary systems are scattered over the complete universe, which occupies an area of two billion times two billion square miles.
The fourteen lokas or worlds are generally called as Caturdaśa-bhuvanas. Of these, six lokas
(worlds) are above the earth (Bhuloka) and seven below it. The vedic concept of the 14 lokas state that they are divided into 7 upper worlds (Svargaloka) and the 7 lower ones, generally known as the Pātālas.
The fourteen worlds are enumerated in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Second Canto, Fifth Chapter. The upper planetary systems are (1) Bhū, (2) Bhuvar, (3) Svar, (4) Mahar, (5) Janas, (6) Tapas and (7) Satya. The seven lower planetary systems are (1) Tala, (2) Atala, (3) Vitala, (4) Nitala, (5) Talātala, (6) Mahātala and (7) Sutala.
The lower planets, as a whole, are called Pātāla.Among the upper planetary systems, Bhū, Bhuvar and Svar constitute Svargaloka, and the rest are called Martya. The entire universe is thus known as Triloka.
The universe is divided into fourteen planetary systems. Seven planetary systems, called Bhūr, Bhuvar, Svar, Mahar, Janas, Tapas and Satya, are upward planetary systems, one above the other. There are also seven planetary systems downward, known as Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talātala,
Mahātala, Rasātala and Pātāla. Modern enterprisers (the astronauts who travel in space) may take information from Śrīmad-
Bhāgavatam that in space there are fourteen divisions of planetary systems. The situation is
calculated from the earthly planetary system, which is called Bhūrloka.
Above Bhūrloka is Bhuvarloka, and the topmost planetary system is called Satyaloka. These are the upper seven lokas, or planetary systems. And similarly, there are seven lower planetary systems, known as Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talātala, Mahātala, Rasātala and Pātāla lokas. All these planetary systems are scattered over the complete universe, which occupies an area of two billion times two billion square miles.
1) Satya-loka, 2) Tapa-loka, 3) Jana-loka, 4) Mahar-loka, 5) Svar-loka, 6) Bhuvar-loka, 7) Bhūr- loka, 8) Atala-loka, 9) Vitala-loka, 10) Sutala-loka, 11) Talātala-loka, 12) Mahātala-loka, 13)
Rasātala-loka, 14) Pātāla-loka.
The planetary systems are situated within the stem of the lotus flower growing from the navel of bhagwan Viṣṇu. From Viṣṇu's navel, the stem of a lotus flower grows, and on that lotus flower the first creature, Brahmā, is born. Within the stem of that lotus flower are fourteen divisions of planetary systems, which are created by Brahmā.
Rasātala-loka, 14) Pātāla-loka.
The planetary systems are situated within the stem of the lotus flower growing from the navel of bhagwan Viṣṇu. From Viṣṇu's navel, the stem of a lotus flower grows, and on that lotus flower the first creature, Brahmā, is born. Within the stem of that lotus flower are fourteen divisions of planetary systems, which are created by Brahmā.
🔹 The seven lower planetary systems
below the earth by 70,000 yojanas are the 7 lower planetary systems—Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talātala, Mahātala, Rasātala and Pātāla. Demons and Rakṣasas live in these lower planetary
systems with their wives and children, always engaged in sense gratification and not fearing their next births. The sunshine does not reach these planets, but they are illuminated by jewels fixed
upon the hoods of snakes. Because of these shining gems there is practically no darkness.
In the planet Atala, the yawning of a demon has produced three kinds of women, called svairiṇī (independent), kāmiṇī (lusty) and puṁścalī (very easily subdued by men). Below Atala is the planet Vitala, wherein Lord Śiva and his wife Gaurī reside. Because of their
presence, a kind of gold is produced called hāṭaka. Below Vitala is the planet Sutala, the abode of Bali Mahārāja, the most fortunate king. Bali Mahārāja was favored by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vāmanadeva, because of his intense devotional service. The Lord went to the
sacrificial arena of Bali Mahārāja and begged him for three paces of land, and on this plea the
Lord took from him all his possessions. When Bali Mahārāja agreed to all this, the Lord was very pleased, and therefore the Lord serves as his doorkeeper. The description of Bali Mahārāja appears in the Eighth Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Below Sutala is the planet Talātala, the abode of the demon Maya. This demon is always
materially happy because he is favored by Lord Śiva, but he cannot achieve spiritual happiness at any time. Below Talātala is the planet Mahātala, where there are many snakes with hundreds
and thousands of hoods. Below Mahātala is Rasātala, and below that is Pātāla, where the serpent Vasukī lives with his associates."
below the earth by 70,000 yojanas are the 7 lower planetary systems—Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talātala, Mahātala, Rasātala and Pātāla. Demons and Rakṣasas live in these lower planetary
systems with their wives and children, always engaged in sense gratification and not fearing their next births. The sunshine does not reach these planets, but they are illuminated by jewels fixed
upon the hoods of snakes. Because of these shining gems there is practically no darkness.
In the planet Atala, the yawning of a demon has produced three kinds of women, called svairiṇī (independent), kāmiṇī (lusty) and puṁścalī (very easily subdued by men). Below Atala is the planet Vitala, wherein Lord Śiva and his wife Gaurī reside. Because of their
presence, a kind of gold is produced called hāṭaka. Below Vitala is the planet Sutala, the abode of Bali Mahārāja, the most fortunate king. Bali Mahārāja was favored by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vāmanadeva, because of his intense devotional service. The Lord went to the
sacrificial arena of Bali Mahārāja and begged him for three paces of land, and on this plea the
Lord took from him all his possessions. When Bali Mahārāja agreed to all this, the Lord was very pleased, and therefore the Lord serves as his doorkeeper. The description of Bali Mahārāja appears in the Eighth Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Below Sutala is the planet Talātala, the abode of the demon Maya. This demon is always
materially happy because he is favored by Lord Śiva, but he cannot achieve spiritual happiness at any time. Below Talātala is the planet Mahātala, where there are many snakes with hundreds
and thousands of hoods. Below Mahātala is Rasātala, and below that is Pātāla, where the serpent Vasukī lives with his associates."
🔹Description of the upper, heavenly realms
Satyaloka The highest planet is Satyaloka, or Brahmaloka, where the prime person of this universe,
Lord Brahmā, resides. We have seen already that we can hardly calculate the wondrous condition of life in Brahmaloka, but the highest condition of life, the mode of goodness, can bring us to this. The human beings on earth are situated at the beginning of the intermediate worlds, but living
beings like Brahmā and his contemporaries live in the upper worlds, of which the topmost iTapa-
lokas Satyaloka. In Satyaloka the inhabitants are fully cognizant of Vedic wisdom, and thus the mystic cloud of material energy is cleared. In that planet of Satyaloka, there is neither bereavement, nor old age nor death. There is no pain of any kind, and therefore there are no anxieties, save that sometimes, due to consciousness, there is a feeling of compassion for those unaware of the process of devotional service, who are subjected
to unsurpassable miseries in the material world. The duration of life in Satyaloka is calculated to
be 15,480,000,000,000 years.
🔹Tapa-loka
Tapoloka means those who have performed here severe penances, and they are transferred there
in Tapoloka. In Tapoloka, when there is destruction, annihilation of this material world, in the Tapoloka there is no destruction. The higher planetary systems, beginning with Maharloka,
Janaloka and Tapoloka, are not inundated at the time of this devastation. In the upper planetary systems (Svargaloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka, Maharloka, Brahmaloka, etc.) the living entities enjoy a longer duration of life, an increased amount of knowledge, and a generally
more blissful existence. Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura estimates that Dhruvaloka, the polestar, is
3,800,000 yojanas above the sun. Above Dhruvaloka by 10,000,000 yojanas is Maharloka, above
Maharloka by 20,000,000 yojanas is Janaloka, above Janaloka by 80,000,000 yojanas is Tapoloka,
and above Tapoloka by 120,000,000 yojanas is Satyaloka. Thus the distance from the sun to Satyaloka is 233,800,000 yojanas, or 1,870,400,000 miles.
🔹Jana-loka
Great saintly persons, after death, they go to Janaloka or Maharloka. One in goodness attains higher planetary systems, like Brahmaloka or Janaloka, and there enjoys godly happiness. The
word amalān is significant; it means "free from the modes of passion and ignorance." There are impurities in the material world, but the mode of goodness is the purest form of existence in thematerial world. There are different kinds of planets for different kinds of living entities. Those
who die in the mode of goodness are elevated to the planets where great sages and great devotees live.
🔹Mahar-loka
The yogī alone goes beyond this circle of Śiśumāra and attains the planet [Maharloka] where purified saints like Bhṛgu and others enjoy a duration of life of 4,300,000,000 solar years. This
planet is worshipable even for the saints who are transcendentally situated. The great sages and saints are promoted beyond the heavenly planets to Maharloka, but that also is
not the place of complete fearlessness because at the end of one kalpa the Maharloka is annihilated and the inhabitants have to transport themselves to still higher planets.
In the Maharloka one can live even at time of partial annihilation of the universe. The annihilation begins with volcanic flames of fire emanating from the mouth of Shesha Ananta Deva from the lowest portion of the universe. By such big blazing fire, the heat reaches up to Maharloka and the
residents thereof pass to Brahmaloka
Satyaloka The highest planet is Satyaloka, or Brahmaloka, where the prime person of this universe,
Lord Brahmā, resides. We have seen already that we can hardly calculate the wondrous condition of life in Brahmaloka, but the highest condition of life, the mode of goodness, can bring us to this. The human beings on earth are situated at the beginning of the intermediate worlds, but living
beings like Brahmā and his contemporaries live in the upper worlds, of which the topmost iTapa-
lokas Satyaloka. In Satyaloka the inhabitants are fully cognizant of Vedic wisdom, and thus the mystic cloud of material energy is cleared. In that planet of Satyaloka, there is neither bereavement, nor old age nor death. There is no pain of any kind, and therefore there are no anxieties, save that sometimes, due to consciousness, there is a feeling of compassion for those unaware of the process of devotional service, who are subjected
to unsurpassable miseries in the material world. The duration of life in Satyaloka is calculated to
be 15,480,000,000,000 years.
🔹Tapa-loka
Tapoloka means those who have performed here severe penances, and they are transferred there
in Tapoloka. In Tapoloka, when there is destruction, annihilation of this material world, in the Tapoloka there is no destruction. The higher planetary systems, beginning with Maharloka,
Janaloka and Tapoloka, are not inundated at the time of this devastation. In the upper planetary systems (Svargaloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka, Maharloka, Brahmaloka, etc.) the living entities enjoy a longer duration of life, an increased amount of knowledge, and a generally
more blissful existence. Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura estimates that Dhruvaloka, the polestar, is
3,800,000 yojanas above the sun. Above Dhruvaloka by 10,000,000 yojanas is Maharloka, above
Maharloka by 20,000,000 yojanas is Janaloka, above Janaloka by 80,000,000 yojanas is Tapoloka,
and above Tapoloka by 120,000,000 yojanas is Satyaloka. Thus the distance from the sun to Satyaloka is 233,800,000 yojanas, or 1,870,400,000 miles.
🔹Jana-loka
Great saintly persons, after death, they go to Janaloka or Maharloka. One in goodness attains higher planetary systems, like Brahmaloka or Janaloka, and there enjoys godly happiness. The
word amalān is significant; it means "free from the modes of passion and ignorance." There are impurities in the material world, but the mode of goodness is the purest form of existence in thematerial world. There are different kinds of planets for different kinds of living entities. Those
who die in the mode of goodness are elevated to the planets where great sages and great devotees live.
🔹Mahar-loka
The yogī alone goes beyond this circle of Śiśumāra and attains the planet [Maharloka] where purified saints like Bhṛgu and others enjoy a duration of life of 4,300,000,000 solar years. This
planet is worshipable even for the saints who are transcendentally situated. The great sages and saints are promoted beyond the heavenly planets to Maharloka, but that also is
not the place of complete fearlessness because at the end of one kalpa the Maharloka is annihilated and the inhabitants have to transport themselves to still higher planets.
In the Maharloka one can live even at time of partial annihilation of the universe. The annihilation begins with volcanic flames of fire emanating from the mouth of Shesha Ananta Deva from the lowest portion of the universe. By such big blazing fire, the heat reaches up to Maharloka and the
residents thereof pass to Brahmaloka
🔹 Svar-loka
The karmīs, or fruitive workers, can elevate themselves to the Svargaloka planets, which include the sun and the moon. The moon, the sun and higher planets are called svargaloka. There are three different statuses of planets: higher, middle and lower planetary systems. The earth belongs to the
middle planetary system. In the word svārājyasya, svar refers to Svargaloka, the heavenly planet, and svārājya refers to the ruler of the heavenly planet, Indra. The denizens of heaven, who live in the planetary systems beginning from Svarloka, cannot even
see Lord Viṣṇu in Śvetadvīpa. Unable to reach the island, they can simply approach the beach of the milk ocean to offer transcendental prayers to the Lord, appealing to Him on special occasions to appear as an incarnation.
At the end of Lord Brahmā’s day, everything up to Svargaloka is inundated with water, and the
next morning, when there is darkness in the universe, Brahmā again brings the phenomenal manifestation into existence. Therefore he is described here as he who manifests this universe.
🔹 Bhuvar-loka
The demigods, semi-demigods, Gandharvas, Cāraṇas, Vidyādharas, etc., are all highly intelligent
persons in the upper planets, the human beings are inhabitants of the intermediate planets, and
the asuras are inhabitants of the lower planets. While He was passing in the northern direction, all the celestial denizens known as Cāraṇas and
Gandharvas, as well as the munis and the damsels of the heavenly planets, prayed and offered Him all respects. The ocean offered Him oblations and a place of residence.
🔹Bhūr-loka
The planetary system in which we are living is called Bhūrloka, so this is called bhūrloka, earthly planet. If you keep yourself in the rajo-guṇa, then you will keep within this Bhurloka. And if you are infected with the tamo-guṇa, then you again go to lower grade life, again animal life, plant life.
🔹Antarikṣa
Antarikṣa, is the space between Bhūrloka and Bhuvarloka. The sun is situated [vertically] in the middle of the universe, in the area between Bhūrloka and Bhuvarloka, which is called antarikṣa, outer space. The distance between the sun and the circumference of the universe is twenty- five koṭi yojanas [two billion miles]. Beneath Vidyādhara-loka, Cāraṇaloka and Siddhaloka, in the skycalled antarikṣa, are the places of
enjoyment for the Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, Piśācas, ghosts and so on. Antarikṣa extends as far as the wind blows and the clouds float in the sky. Above this there is no more air
🔹 Bila-svarga
Bila-svarga is known as the heavenly subterranean worlds. The heavenly places of enjoyment are divided into three groups: the celestial heavenly planets, the heavenly places on earth, and the bila heavenly places, which are found in the lower regions. Among these three classes of heavenly places (bhauma-svarga-pada-ni), the heavenly places on earth are the eight varṣas other than Bhārata-varṣa.
The karmīs, or fruitive workers, can elevate themselves to the Svargaloka planets, which include the sun and the moon. The moon, the sun and higher planets are called svargaloka. There are three different statuses of planets: higher, middle and lower planetary systems. The earth belongs to the
middle planetary system. In the word svārājyasya, svar refers to Svargaloka, the heavenly planet, and svārājya refers to the ruler of the heavenly planet, Indra. The denizens of heaven, who live in the planetary systems beginning from Svarloka, cannot even
see Lord Viṣṇu in Śvetadvīpa. Unable to reach the island, they can simply approach the beach of the milk ocean to offer transcendental prayers to the Lord, appealing to Him on special occasions to appear as an incarnation.
At the end of Lord Brahmā’s day, everything up to Svargaloka is inundated with water, and the
next morning, when there is darkness in the universe, Brahmā again brings the phenomenal manifestation into existence. Therefore he is described here as he who manifests this universe.
🔹 Bhuvar-loka
The demigods, semi-demigods, Gandharvas, Cāraṇas, Vidyādharas, etc., are all highly intelligent
persons in the upper planets, the human beings are inhabitants of the intermediate planets, and
the asuras are inhabitants of the lower planets. While He was passing in the northern direction, all the celestial denizens known as Cāraṇas and
Gandharvas, as well as the munis and the damsels of the heavenly planets, prayed and offered Him all respects. The ocean offered Him oblations and a place of residence.
🔹Bhūr-loka
The planetary system in which we are living is called Bhūrloka, so this is called bhūrloka, earthly planet. If you keep yourself in the rajo-guṇa, then you will keep within this Bhurloka. And if you are infected with the tamo-guṇa, then you again go to lower grade life, again animal life, plant life.
🔹Antarikṣa
Antarikṣa, is the space between Bhūrloka and Bhuvarloka. The sun is situated [vertically] in the middle of the universe, in the area between Bhūrloka and Bhuvarloka, which is called antarikṣa, outer space. The distance between the sun and the circumference of the universe is twenty- five koṭi yojanas [two billion miles]. Beneath Vidyādhara-loka, Cāraṇaloka and Siddhaloka, in the skycalled antarikṣa, are the places of
enjoyment for the Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, Piśācas, ghosts and so on. Antarikṣa extends as far as the wind blows and the clouds float in the sky. Above this there is no more air
🔹 Bila-svarga
Bila-svarga is known as the heavenly subterranean worlds. The heavenly places of enjoyment are divided into three groups: the celestial heavenly planets, the heavenly places on earth, and the bila heavenly places, which are found in the lower regions. Among these three classes of heavenly places (bhauma-svarga-pada-ni), the heavenly places on earth are the eight varṣas other than Bhārata-varṣa.
🔹 Description of the lower, subterranean realms
There are seven lower planetary systems, known as Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talātala, Mahātala,
Rasātala and Pātāla lokas. All these planetary systems are scattered over the complete universe, which occupies an area of two billion times two billion square miles.
🔹 Atala
In the planet Atala, the yawning of a demon has produced three kinds of women, called svairiṇī independent), kāmiṇī (lusty) and puṁścalī (very easily subdued by men). In Atala there is a demon, the son of Maya Dānava named Bala, who created ninety-six kinds of mystic power. Some so-called yogīs and svāmīs take advantage of this mystic power to cheat people even today. Simply by yawning, the demon Bala created three kinds of women, known as svairiṇī, kāmiṇī and puṁścalī. The svairiṇīs like to marry men from their own group, the kāmiṇīs
marry men from any group, and the puṁścalīs change husbands one after another.
🔹 Vitala
Below Atala is the planet Vitala, wherein Lord Śiva and his wife Gaurī reside. Because of their
presence, a kind of gold is produced called hāṭaka. The next planet below Atala is Vitala, wherein Lord Śiva, who is known as the master of gold
mines, lives with his personal associates, the ghosts and similar living entities. Bhagwan shiv, as the
progenitor, engages in sex with Bhavānī, the progenitress, to produce living entities, and from the
mixture of their vital fluid the river named Hāṭakī is generated. When fire, being made to blaze by
the wind, drinks of this river and then sizzles and spits it out, it produces gold called Hāṭaka. The demons who live on that planet with their wives decorate themselves with various ornaments
made from that gold, and thus they live there very happily.
There are seven lower planetary systems, known as Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talātala, Mahātala,
Rasātala and Pātāla lokas. All these planetary systems are scattered over the complete universe, which occupies an area of two billion times two billion square miles.
🔹 Atala
In the planet Atala, the yawning of a demon has produced three kinds of women, called svairiṇī independent), kāmiṇī (lusty) and puṁścalī (very easily subdued by men). In Atala there is a demon, the son of Maya Dānava named Bala, who created ninety-six kinds of mystic power. Some so-called yogīs and svāmīs take advantage of this mystic power to cheat people even today. Simply by yawning, the demon Bala created three kinds of women, known as svairiṇī, kāmiṇī and puṁścalī. The svairiṇīs like to marry men from their own group, the kāmiṇīs
marry men from any group, and the puṁścalīs change husbands one after another.
🔹 Vitala
Below Atala is the planet Vitala, wherein Lord Śiva and his wife Gaurī reside. Because of their
presence, a kind of gold is produced called hāṭaka. The next planet below Atala is Vitala, wherein Lord Śiva, who is known as the master of gold
mines, lives with his personal associates, the ghosts and similar living entities. Bhagwan shiv, as the
progenitor, engages in sex with Bhavānī, the progenitress, to produce living entities, and from the
mixture of their vital fluid the river named Hāṭakī is generated. When fire, being made to blaze by
the wind, drinks of this river and then sizzles and spits it out, it produces gold called Hāṭaka. The demons who live on that planet with their wives decorate themselves with various ornaments
made from that gold, and thus they live there very happily.
🔹 Sutala
Below the planet Vitala is another planet, known as Sutala, where the great son of Mahārāja Virocana, Bali Mahārāja, who is celebrated as the most pious king, resides even now. Bali
Mahārāja was favored by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vāmanadeva, because of his intense devotional service. The Lord went to the sacrificial arena of Bali Mahārāja and begged
him for three paces of land, and on this plea the Lord took from him all his possessions. When Bali Mahārāja agreed to all this, the Lord was very pleased, and therefore the Lord serves as his doorkeeper. The description of Bali Mahārāja appears in the Eighth Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
🔹 Talātala
Below Sutala is the planet Talātala, the abode of the demon Maya. This demon is always materially happy because he is favored by Lord Śiva, but he cannot achieve spiritual happiness at
any time. Talātala is ruled by the Dānava demon named Maya. Maya is known as the ācārya of all the māyāvīs, who can invoke the powers of sorcery. For the benefit of the three worlds, Bhagwan shiv , who is known as Tripurāri, once set fire to the three kingdoms of Maya, but later, being pleased with him, he returned his kingdom. Since that time, Maya Dānava has been protected by Lord Śiva, and therefore he falsely thinks that he need not fear the Sudarśana cakra of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
🔹Mahātala
Below Talātala is the planet Mahātala, where there are many snakes with hundreds and thousands of hoods. Mahātala is the abode of many-hooded snakes, descendants of Kadrū, who are always very angry. The great snakes who are prominent are Kuhaka, Takṣaka, Kāliya and Suṣeṇa. The
snakes in Mahātala are always disturbed by fear of Garuḍa, the carrier of Lord Viṣṇu, but although
they are full of anxiety, some of them nevertheless sport with their wives, children, friends and relatives.
🔹Rasātala
Beneath Mahātala is Rasātala, which is the abode of the demoniac sons of Diti and Danu. They are called Paṇis, Nivāta-kavacas, Kāleyas and Hiraṇya-puravāsīs [those living in Hiraṇya-pura]. They are all enemies of the demigods, they reside in holes like snakes. From birth they are extremely powerful and cruel, and although they are proud of their strength, they are always
defeated by the Sudarśana cakra of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who rules all the planetary systems. When a female messenger from Indra named Saramā chants a particular curse,
the serpentine demons of Mahātala become very afraid of Indra.
🔹Pātāla
Below Rasātala is Pātāla, where the serpent Vasukī lives with his associates. Pātāla is also known as Nāgaloka, where there are many demoniac serpents, the masters of Nāgaloka, such as Śaṅkha, Kulika, Mahāśaṅkha, Śveta, Dhanañjaya, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Śaṅkhacūḍa, Kambala, Aśvatara and Devadatta. The chief among them is Vāsuki. They are all extremely angry, and they have many,
many hoods — some snakes five hoods, some seven, some ten, others a hundred and others a thousand. These hoods are bedecked with valuable gems, and the light emanating from the gems illuminates the entire planetary system of bila-svarga.
Below the planet Vitala is another planet, known as Sutala, where the great son of Mahārāja Virocana, Bali Mahārāja, who is celebrated as the most pious king, resides even now. Bali
Mahārāja was favored by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vāmanadeva, because of his intense devotional service. The Lord went to the sacrificial arena of Bali Mahārāja and begged
him for three paces of land, and on this plea the Lord took from him all his possessions. When Bali Mahārāja agreed to all this, the Lord was very pleased, and therefore the Lord serves as his doorkeeper. The description of Bali Mahārāja appears in the Eighth Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
🔹 Talātala
Below Sutala is the planet Talātala, the abode of the demon Maya. This demon is always materially happy because he is favored by Lord Śiva, but he cannot achieve spiritual happiness at
any time. Talātala is ruled by the Dānava demon named Maya. Maya is known as the ācārya of all the māyāvīs, who can invoke the powers of sorcery. For the benefit of the three worlds, Bhagwan shiv , who is known as Tripurāri, once set fire to the three kingdoms of Maya, but later, being pleased with him, he returned his kingdom. Since that time, Maya Dānava has been protected by Lord Śiva, and therefore he falsely thinks that he need not fear the Sudarśana cakra of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
🔹Mahātala
Below Talātala is the planet Mahātala, where there are many snakes with hundreds and thousands of hoods. Mahātala is the abode of many-hooded snakes, descendants of Kadrū, who are always very angry. The great snakes who are prominent are Kuhaka, Takṣaka, Kāliya and Suṣeṇa. The
snakes in Mahātala are always disturbed by fear of Garuḍa, the carrier of Lord Viṣṇu, but although
they are full of anxiety, some of them nevertheless sport with their wives, children, friends and relatives.
🔹Rasātala
Beneath Mahātala is Rasātala, which is the abode of the demoniac sons of Diti and Danu. They are called Paṇis, Nivāta-kavacas, Kāleyas and Hiraṇya-puravāsīs [those living in Hiraṇya-pura]. They are all enemies of the demigods, they reside in holes like snakes. From birth they are extremely powerful and cruel, and although they are proud of their strength, they are always
defeated by the Sudarśana cakra of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who rules all the planetary systems. When a female messenger from Indra named Saramā chants a particular curse,
the serpentine demons of Mahātala become very afraid of Indra.
🔹Pātāla
Below Rasātala is Pātāla, where the serpent Vasukī lives with his associates. Pātāla is also known as Nāgaloka, where there are many demoniac serpents, the masters of Nāgaloka, such as Śaṅkha, Kulika, Mahāśaṅkha, Śveta, Dhanañjaya, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Śaṅkhacūḍa, Kambala, Aśvatara and Devadatta. The chief among them is Vāsuki. They are all extremely angry, and they have many,
many hoods — some snakes five hoods, some seven, some ten, others a hundred and others a thousand. These hoods are bedecked with valuable gems, and the light emanating from the gems illuminates the entire planetary system of bila-svarga.
Naraka - 28 Hells
The word naraka means “hell.” The Twenty-sixth Chapter of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam describes how a
sinful man goes to different hells, where he is punished in various ways by the assistants of Yamarāja. Śukadeva Gosvāmī affirms the existence of the Naraka planets, which lie between the Garbhodaka Ocean and Pātālaloka. Yamarāja is appointed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead to see that the human beings do not violate His rules and regulations. in the fifth Canto, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Śukadeva Gosvāmī has given a vivid description of the naraka
🔹describes the following twenty-eight hells: Tāmisra, Andhatāmisra, Raurava,
Mahāraurava, Kumbhīpāka, Kālasūtra, Asi-patravana, Sūkaramukha, Andhakūpa, Kṛmibhojana,
Sandaṁśa, Taptasūrmi, Vajrakaṇṭaka-śālmalī, Vaitaraṇī, Pūyoda, Prāṇarodha, Viśasana, Lālābhakṣa, Sārameyādana, Avīci, Ayaḥpāna, Kṣārakardama, Rakṣogaṇa-bhojana, Śūlaprota,
Dandaśūka, Avaṭa-nirodhana, Paryāvartana and Sūcīmukha.
The word naraka means “hell.” The Twenty-sixth Chapter of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam describes how a
sinful man goes to different hells, where he is punished in various ways by the assistants of Yamarāja. Śukadeva Gosvāmī affirms the existence of the Naraka planets, which lie between the Garbhodaka Ocean and Pātālaloka. Yamarāja is appointed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead to see that the human beings do not violate His rules and regulations. in the fifth Canto, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Śukadeva Gosvāmī has given a vivid description of the naraka
🔹describes the following twenty-eight hells: Tāmisra, Andhatāmisra, Raurava,
Mahāraurava, Kumbhīpāka, Kālasūtra, Asi-patravana, Sūkaramukha, Andhakūpa, Kṛmibhojana,
Sandaṁśa, Taptasūrmi, Vajrakaṇṭaka-śālmalī, Vaitaraṇī, Pūyoda, Prāṇarodha, Viśasana, Lālābhakṣa, Sārameyādana, Avīci, Ayaḥpāna, Kṣārakardama, Rakṣogaṇa-bhojana, Śūlaprota,
Dandaśūka, Avaṭa-nirodhana, Paryāvartana and Sūcīmukha.
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