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Decode Hindu Mythology

Lokas, the Planets of Advanced Aliens

All Creations of God stretch Infinitely,
All Times, Past, Present and Future,
Worlds imagined and unimagined..
Everything that Can be,
Everything that Cannot be,
All exist somewhere..
Beyond this world are myriad worlds,
And beyond all worlds,
Is the One that is Eternal..
The Hindu New Year has just started and Chaitra Navratri gets over today. Calculations tell us
that we are in the 5114th Year of the Era of Kaliyuga, a thought that was enough to get me
started on an exploration of the scriptures once again.
Hindu scriptures have always used mind-boggling numbers for the Age of the Universe
and the Gods inhabiting it. For example, Brahma, the Creator-God, has an impressive
life span that runs into trillions of Solar Years!
The 'Chemical locha' in my brain makes me look for a scienctific sub-text in
every religious text that I read. How can it be, that the demi-gods and their Superior
gods have such long time-spans that make them seem almost IMMORTAL to us??
For some time now, I have been nursing this notion- COULD the multilimbed gods and goddesses with super-human abilities, space-crafts and
atomic-weaponry, be actually super-advanced ALIENS with a keen interest
in our world??
Gods as Alien Benefactors of Human-kind

I don't intend this statement to be blasphemous, as I myself am as much a Man of

FAITH as of SCIENCE and completely believe in the Divinity of Supreme Lord and
the Holy Trinity. What I propose here is a new understanding of the DEMI-GODS as
denizens of the same Universe living on different planets called LOKAS.
They have access to highly advanced Science (that we percieve as supernatural
abilities) and a much better grasp of the Supreme Lord's Cosmic Plan! Of course, they
are Spiritually more advanced too and perform their individual roles in
running the Universe impeccably viz. Indra-the Lord of Rain, Varun-the Lord of
Oceans and Yamaraj-the Lord of Death.
Could the Scientific advancement of these beings have resulted in their extended lifespans as well?? To us, the World seems to be ending, but our Brahma has JUST hit
Middle-age, and is currently near the Noon of the 1st Day of the 51st year of his life!
By my calculation, Lord Brahma's current age of 50 Deva Years (~155 Trillion Human
Years) + Half a Day (~1.85 Billion Years) amounts to the massive figure of 155.521852
Trillion Solar Years which would also be the Age of OUR Universe approximately!!
Brahma, the 150 Trillion Year old God!

It is noteworthy that unlike any other belief system in the World, Hindu Cosmology
talks about Time frames that are even FURTHER in the mists of time than
the approximations arrived at by current Science (Age of Universe - 14 Billion years).
Whether we consider them advanced aliens or demi-gods, these beings would be FAR
FAR Superior to us in Scientific as well as Spiritual pursuits and we should keep that in
our mind while reading about their super-human feats in the ancient chronicles.
Respecting the authority of these same sources, in this post, let us embark on a journey
of Scriptural Space-Exploration.

Do Aliens Exist?
Our planet is the only KNOWN planet which has given birth to Life; however, it does not
follow that it is the ONLY one capable of supporting Life!
There are Billions and Billions of Stars in each Galaxy; Billions of Galaxies in each Universe,
and as we learnt in the 2nd post (Black Holes and Bhagavatam), Billions of Universes in the
Material Creation!! It is more likely than not, that Life in its myriad forms exists in not
just one but many other planets as yet undiscovered by the human race.

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Billions of stars in our Galaxy Milky Way

Trillions of Galaxies in the Universe

Zillions of Universes emerging from Shri Maha-Vishnu

Scientifically, it is still undetermined whether the universe exists by itself or is just one
of the countless trillions within a larger Multiverse, itself contained within the
Omniverse that is the Material World.
Even if we forget the Multi-verse and Parallel Universes we encountered in a previous
post, there are still enough planets within our OWN Universe, which could be
inhabited by alien species. Here, I would quote my favorite author, Arthur C. Clarke
to put a very valid point acrossAlmost certainly there is enough land in the sky to give every member of the human
species, his own private world! But how many of those potentially habitable worlds
are ALREADY inhabited, we have no way of knowing!
Yet, as he quite eloquently states, the barriers of distance are crumbling; one day
SOON we may meet our Equals, or our Masters, among the stars.
Advanced Aliens from a Hollywood flick

Sadly, Human race today, is like the proverbial Frog-in-the-well. We have been cocooned
by our Atmosphere and sheltered from the harsh realities of Universe for so long, that we
just can't remember how things are outside of it. But there are entire Solar Systems,
Galaxies and even Universes that are inaccessible to us right now and it would be good
to remember the plausability of Life existing somewhere out there.

Different Worlds in Our Universe

Let us begin our journey with a brief insight into our current place in the Universe by means of
this animation:
Zoom out from Earth to the Universe

It would be immediately clear from this video that we are an extremely tiny and
insignificant part of this gigantic Universe and there are billions and zillions of worlds
out there about which we have absolutely no clue even today. Fortunately for us, the
Ancients were NOT as short-sighted or limited by Scientific Theories as we are
today, and have described planets, galaxies and even multiple Universes in this
Material Realm which would act like what Science calls an Omniverse.
The Puraans give THREE different divisions of our Universe and label them as the:

Urdhva-loka (Highest abodes),

Madhya or Bhu-loka (Middle ones), and
Adho-loka (the Lower realms).

Various scriptures talk about these different realms within Material Creation. In the
Great War of Mahabharat, when Arjuna faltered in his duty, Lord Krishna gave him the
Divine discourse of Shrimad Bhagavad Geeta, and let him have a glimpse of His
Supreme Virat-Roop.
In this Universal Form of the Lord, Arjun could see the entire cosmos. Eternity
manifests itself in endless ways on endless planes of existence and from head to toe,
Arjuna saw the body of Lord Krishna encompassing 14 different planetary
dimensions!!
Virat Roop of Lord Vishnu

Let us try to understand what the fourteen planetary systems or Lokas refer to and
what is their geographical and spatial arrangement.

Lokas in Our Universe

Each Universe is shaped like an egg (Brahmand) and within it exist the three levels
of Lokas. There are 14 planetary systems comprising the three Lokas and below them
exist the 28 different Hells. It is interesting to note that various Puraans claim the
original abode of Shiva to be at the boundary of this Universe and NOT Kailash.
Brahmand and its Lokas

The Vayu Puraan, Chapter 39 sheds more light on the details of this place and says
that beyond Brahmaloka and beneath the upper crust of the Cosmic Egg in between
these two is the PURA (Shivas city), his divine abode MANOMAYA (consisting of the
mind).
This, then is the Original and Supreme abode of Shiva where He resides till the end of
Creation and is visited by the other gods in their space-crafts (aliens again?). This
would also make sense, since geologically, the Himalayas (of which Mount Kailash is a
part), did not rise up till about 5o million years ago!
The Hari-vamsha says that Higher planetary systems are the realms of Devas,
Angels, Spirits and Manes; Middle Planets (Bhu-Loka) the abode of mortal beings like
Humans and animals; and the Lower planets are populated by the Demons and Nagas.
Since the names in the Image above may not be very clear, I am jotting down the 14
systems here:
Higher Lokas - Lower Lokas
Satyaloka

Atal

Tapoloka

Vital

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Janloka

Sutal

Maharloka 4

Rasatal

Swargaloka 5

Talatal

Bhuvarloka 6

Mahatal

Bhuloka

Patal

All these planets are within the material world and under the control of Devi Durga,
therefore the Material Creation is also known as Devi-dham.
Development of higher consciousness, starts with human beings, and further increases
among the denizens of higher planetary systems. Our Earth is situated close to the
middle of these planetary systems and represents the Mortal Realms known as the
Bhu Mandala.
Jain Scriptures also describe a similar form known as the Lok-purush or the
Cosmic Man. The torso and head of the Cosmic Man contain a series of heavenly
realms where the inhabitants experience lives of pleasure. The legs represent a series of
seven hells, which offer an endless variety of torments.
Lokas in Jain cosmology

For us, the most important part of the universe, is the disk at the Loka-purush's waist,
representing the MIDDLE-WORLD, where humans live and great teachers can be

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born. In this post, I shall take you through the 14 planetary systems starting with
the Top planets first and gradually progressing to the Lower ones.

URDHVA-LOKA or The Higher Planets

The Higher Planets are abodes of super-intelligent, super-human, semi-divine and
spiritually advanced beings. Loosely they may be understood as the Heavenly planets
compared to the Middle Realm of Earth-like planets and the lower Hellish realms.
Comparative arrangement of Lokas

This group contains SIX planetary systems shown in the image above as the top six
Lokas. The lowest of these, the Bhuvar-Loka, lies immediately above the Earthly Realm
or Bhu-Loka.

SATYA-LOKA
The HIGHEST planet in the Material Realm is the abode of Lord Brahma, the

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progenitor of this universe. Along with him are present, his consort Saraswati and
other spiritual entities who, after eons of spiritual penance have been able to transcend
the bonds of Material world and reach this plane by traversing through the Milky Way.
Satya-Loka or Brahma-Loka

At the time of final dissolution of the material planets the residents here transform
their subtle bodies into spiritual bodies and enter the eternal Vaikuntha planets
which begin 26,200,000 yojanas ABOVE the Satyaloka.

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TAPO-LOKA
This is the abode of the four Kumars named Sanat, Sanak, Sanandan, and
Sanatan and is located 120,000,000 yojanas below the Satya-Loka.
They are the first incarnations of Lord Vishnu and represent the Gyan-shakti (power
of knowledge) of the Lord. They are collectively referred to as the Kumars because they
are immortal and live for the entire duration of universal time, yet retain
their appearance of 5 year old kids!
The 4 Kumars preaching Supreme Knowledge

Because of their pure nature, they have easy access to the Brahma-Loka as well as
the Spiritual Realm and regularly visit Lord Vishnu in the Vaikuntha.

JANA-LOKA & MAHAR-LOKA

The next Loka lies 80,000,000 yojanas below the Tapaloka and is the abode of great
rishis. 20,000,000 yojanas below Janaloka is the Maharloka which is another abode of
great saints and sages.
These Lokas are populated by mystics who can move between any planets within the
material universe at speeds unthinkable to modern Science and the greatest of sages,
such as Bhrigu Muni, live in this place. The inhabitants have a life span of one whole
day of Brahma (4.32 Billion years)!

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Sages of Jana-Loka and Mahar-loka worshipping the Lord

When the fire of devastation reaches this planet the residents transport themselves to
Satyaloka where they live further before the highest of planets is also destroyed.
They then transform their subtle bodies to spiritual and enter the spiritual realms.
Here, by means of his Karma, a soul can either go higher, up to Satyaloka
and become Brahma's associate, or down, to the level of the Devas or demigods.

SWARGA-LOKA

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The abode of the 33 Vedic gods also known as the Trayastria in Buddhist
cosmology is located on the peak of Mount Meru, the central mountain of the world,
at a height of 80,000 yojans.
This Loka corresponds to the concept of Heaven as described in the Western sense of
the term. Here the King of the Gods, Indra rules with his brothers and companions.
His entourage comprises of Angels, Gandharvas, Apsaras, Maruts, Vasus and
other divine beings.

The Heavenly Realm

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This is one of the most opulent planetary system with unimaginable riches, wishfulfilling trees, supersonic space-crafts, ability to travel in different dimensions, long
life-spans, and freedom from disease and disability. The duty of these Demi-gods is
to manage the affairs of the universe, protecting its inhabitants against the demons.
The capital city of this world is Amravati - Abode of the Immortals. Indra and his
fellow-residents obtain all the pleasures of life because of the wish-fulfilling cow
Kamdhenu. This divine cow, the three-headed White Elephant Airavat as well as
the Flying Horse Uchhaihshrava (~Greek Pegasus) were the riches Indra obtained
after the Churning of the Cosmic Ocean.
Indra riding the winged-horse Ucchaihshrava

However, the 33 gods do not have a completely worry-free life here. In particular, they
find themselves frequently challenged by the Asuras who dwell at the foot of Sumeru,

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plotting for ways to overthrow the Devas and take over their kingdom.
Devas getting ready for a battle with Asuras

Image courtesy Grant Morrison's 18 Days

{Art by Mukesh Singh}

Scriptural references make it equivalent to the Biblical Heaven or Islamic Jannat

where the good souls go after death to reap the benefits of their good Karma.
If they become advanced in devotional service, they can advance to one of the
higher Munilokas but if they become attached to material enjoyment, they will
degrade into a lower position of a semi-divine being of even a Human again.

BHUVAR-LOKA
This planetary system roughly corresponds to our Solar System and contains Five

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major planets plus the Sun-God. However, there are two planets outside the Solar
System included in this - Dhruva Loka or Pole Star and the realm of the Saptarishis or Big Dipper.
These Lokas are the abodes of Semi-divine beings who are one notch higher than the
Humans. They assist the demigods in various ways and sometimes interact with the
humans. By advancement in their service they can become a Demigod or by indulging
in enjoyment, be born as a Human on the Earthly Realms.
Dhruv-Loka
It is the planetary complex revolving around the Polestar that is said to be 10,000,000
yojans below the Maharloka. It is described as the center of a bright ring of stars
identified with our galaxy, Milky Way.
In every material universe, there is one Vaikunth planet with an ocean of milk where
Lord Vishnu resides on an island called Shvetadvipa. In our Universe, this planet is
situated in the Eastern side of Dhruvaloka and is the abode of Lord Kshirodakshayi
Vishnu!
Brahma and the demigods meditating on Lord Vishnu at the Shvet-dvipa in Dhruv
Loka

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This transcendental island is 200,000 square miles and covered with desire trees for
the pleasure of the Supreme Lord who resides here with Goddess Lakshmi and other
pure, transcendental entities.
As it is a spiritual planet, it is eternal and therefore remains when all other planets
within the material universes are destroyed. It is believed to be the pivot for all
material stars and planets with even the Sun, revolving at the speed of 16,000 miles
per second around the Dhruvaloka.
As mentioned in a previous post {Black Holes and Bhagavatam}, this Loka is
located at the Galactic Center which is formed by a Super-massive Black Hole which
may act as a portal between the Physical and Spiritual Realms.
Sapta-rishi Loka

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The abode of the Seven Great Seers or the Sapta-rishis located 100,000 Yojans below
the Dhruva-Loka.
The seven rishis are the most advanced spiritual guides for Humanity and have been
present at all major time periods of our History. Astronomically, their abode is
recognized in the form of the Big Dipper or Ursa Major constellation and it always
revolves around the Dhruv-Loka or Pole Star.
Sapta-rishi Loka revolves around the Pole Star

Rishi Vasishth was the preceptor of the Solar Dynasty or Suryavansh while
Vishwamitra was the guru of Lord Rama. There are numerous stories and legends in
the ancient scriptures which relate the immense services these rishis have provided to
different rulers on our planet since the beginning of time.
Nakshtara-Loka
Nakshatra Mandala is the stellar neighborhood of the Solar System perceived as the
starry night sky. It is generally equated with the Zodiac Map around the Earth and
represents the different constellations visible to us from Earth.
Nakshatra-Mandal

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Lokas of Solar Planets

The next Lokas are those of the major Solar planets viz. Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter
and Saturn which are the abodes of the divine-beings called Budh, Shukra,
Mangal, Brihaspati and Shanaichar respectively.
The Lokas of Solar Planets

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An alternate view is that these are spherical shell regions in which the respective
planet's orbits are situated and these shells contain one after the other in the order of
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. These are believed to be located at a
respective distance of 2,00,000 Yojans each.

Surya-Loka
Similarly, the Surya-Loka refers to the sphere of the Sun-god and the Solar
neighborhood. It is located at a height of 1,00,000 Yojans above the Earth.
The Most importnt thing about this Loka is that it is situated bang in the middle of the
Bhuloka and Bhuvarloka, rotating through the time circle of the zodiac. Thus, it
represents not only the center of the Solar System, but ALSO the center of the
Universe!!
Surya-Loka represents the center of our Universe

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Since all observable data has shown the Universe to be expanding all around us,
it MAY in fact BE true that our Solar System occupies the central position in the Eggshaped Universe that we exist in. Those interested in knowing more can go through
this article by Dr. Russel Humphrey - {Our-galaxy-is-the-centre-of-the-universequantized-redshifts-show}.
It is not so easy to determine the real space structure of the universe because there's
no INDEPENDENT measure of distance in the universe. Hence, the astronomers have
to look at a map of redshifts and directions in the sky from where the light has come.
Then to get the distance to the source galaxy they have to assume the Hubble law.
Such observations have confirmed that numerical values of galaxy redshifts are
quantized, tending to fall into distinct groups. According to Hubbles Law, redshifts
are proportional to how far a Galaxy is from us and an analysis of these shifts shows
that galaxies tend to be grouped into (conceptual) spherical shells concentric around
our home galaxy, the Milky Way.

Chandra-Loka
Chandra/Soma is the Sanskrit name of the Moon-god and hence, this Loka
includes the satellite of Moon as well as its orbital neighborhood.
It should be remembered that when the scriptures talk about the Sun or the Moongods, it does not imply that the Star and the Satellite themselves are revered as Gods!

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There are deities who have been given the responsibility of these Heavenly bodies
and THEY are the ones referred to by these terms.
Chandra-Loka, abode of the Moon-god

Moon influences the tidal processions and growth of vegetation therefore it is

considered the life-giver for all living beings on earth. Here the celestial, intoxicating
beverage called Soma is also available which is consumed by Indra and other Devas
especially when they are getting ready for a battle.

Rahu
Rahu is the North node of the Moon's orbit while its counterpart Ketu is the southern
one. It is said to be situated 80,000 miles above the three previous Lokas and is
responsible for causing the Solar and Lunar eclipses.
Astronomically, Rahu and Ketu are identified with the Ascending and Descending
Nodes of the Moon which are the points where the orbits of Sun and Moon intersect
and if the alignment is correct, either a Solar or Lunar eclipse may occur.
Rahu and Ketu as Nodes of the Lunar orbit

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Thus, these are not imaginary entities which periodically swallow the Sun and the
Moon to cause an eclipse but ACTUAL positions contributing to the eclipses. The
ancients were after all NOT crazy and the myths actually have underlying science
inherent in them.

Siddhaloka, Charanaloka, & Vidyadharaloka

These planets are spread from above the Antariksh to the orbit of the Moon. Their
residents are born with all the mystic siddhis naturally, including the ability to travel to
other planets without using mechanical contraptions.
Vidyadhars/Angels visit Earth as messengers

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The Vidyadhars are winged-creatures corresponding to the western concept

of Angels and Siddhas are advanced beings who do not need wings to fly on account
of their mystic Yogic powers. Chaarans spend most of their time traveling between
the different planetary systems, eulogizing the Lord.
To me, the above mentioned three dimensions seem to represent the DIVISIONS of
ATMOSPHERE which is quite neatly divided into three bands as well!
The Layers of Atmosphere between Sun and Earth

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It is quite possible, that the three Lokas mentioned here, actually refer to
the Atmospheric layers of Thermosphere, Mesosphere and Stratosphere and these
entities exist there in an ethereal form.

Antariksh
The sky called Antariksh is the lowest of the higher Lokas and exists immediately
above the Earth realm. It extends as far as the wind blows and clouds float in the sky
and within it are the residences of Yakshas, Rakshashas, Pisachas, Ghosts, and
other etheral beings.
Now that we are done with the Higher planets, let's move on to the Middle level Earthlike worlds known as th Mrityu-Loka or Bhu-Loka.

MADHYA-LOKA or The Middle Planets

The Bhumandala comprises of SEVEN Planets giving rise to the Mortal Realm.
These are:

Jambu-dvipa,

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Plaksha-dvipa,
Salmali-dvipa,
Kusha-dvipa,
Krauncha-dvipa,
Shaka-dvipa,
Pushkar-dvipa

We have already identified JAMBUDWEEP as our planet, in a previous post

{Jambudvip - The Global Island}. The other six planets are arranged in a
concentric fashion around the central planet Earth.
Dvipas in their orbits with Earth in the Centre

I wouldn't go much into the details of the different planets here because
the descriptions more or less follow the same pattern as those of the Earth. All these
planets have land surrounded by huge oceans and comprise of Humanoid species.

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However, the denizens here live longer and are more materially opulent than the
denizens of our world becuase right from Plaksh-dvipa to Shak-dvipa, there is a
perpetual Treta-Yuga which is a more conducive age than our present Kailyuga.
I hope most of you would have grasped the point to be noted here - Besides Earth,
there are SIX more planets which have Human-beings/Humanoids
inhabiting them!
The significance of this information is huge!! If only we could identify these planets, we
would be able to identify the location of OTHER intelligent species similar to us as
well. I for one would be most eager to join if someone with access to astronomical
resources needed for this endeavor decides to take the initiative..
Till then, let us do what we can and learn more about the other Lokas.

ADHO-LOKA or The Lower Planets

About 70,000 Yojans below the earth begin the seven lower planetary systems. It
should be remembered that these planets may be LOWER in spatial co-ordinates but
are materially MORE opulent than even the Higher Planets hence they are known as
the Bila-Swarga!
These geographically lower worlds are:

Atal
Vital
Sutal
Talatal
Mahataal
Rasaatal
Pataal

The residents here enjoy a standard of material comfort UNMATCHED by even the
higher planets because the denizens of these worlds are concerned only with Material
enjoyment and have very loittle Spiritual inclination.
These lower worlds are dark planets, devoid of any Sunshine and are hence
artificially-lit by means of huge reflecting surfaces in the form of crystals and gems!
Since time is not divided into days and nights due to no sunshine reaching these
planets, they have no fear produced by time.
These planets are the residence of Daityas, Danavas, Panis, Nivat-kavachs,
Rakshasas, Kalkeyas, Nagas, Uragas who are all engaged in illusory material
enjoyment with no thought of spiritual liberation. All residents bathe in elixirs which
free them from any anxiety or physical disease, as well as any signs of physical aging.

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Rakshas denizens enjoy all Material opulences

The visual beauty of these artificial heavens surpasses even that of the higher planets
and hence they are known as Bila-Swarga. There are incredible feats of architecture
in their cities bedecked with valuable jewels.
This sensual atmosphere completely captures the mind, allowing no thoughts but those
directed toward fulfillment of pleasure. Demon live in these lower planetary systems
with their wives and children, always engaged in sense gratification and not fearing
their next births.
There are some details which are worth mentioning here

The planet Sutal is the abode of Bali Maharaj, the most benevoent and just
king of the Asura race, who was blessed by Lord Vishnu to become the Indra
for the next Manvantar.

In the Lower planets of Mahataal and Pataal, reside the Nagas or the semihuman serpent people. The Nagaloka is a splendid place with unimaginable

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riches. All darkness is banished here because of the brilliantly glowing jewels on
the hoods of the huge serpents. The King of the Nagas, Vasuki resides here in
his capital Bhogavati.

Naga city of Bhogavati

Buddhist texts mention eight major kings of the Nagas - Vasuki, Takshak,
Nanda, Upananda, Sagar, Balvan, Anavatapta and Utpal. The same
are also referred to as the 'Eight Dragon Kings' in Chinese and Japanese
legends.

Below the lowest planet of Pataal, is the planet of the Manes or ancestors who
are known as the Pitras.

Texts like the Mahabharat repeatedly give incidents of Nagas emerging from under
the ground (inspired probably by their tendency to live in burrows) and Naga

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princesses abducting handsome men deep down under water. Maybe a thorough
underwater exploration can help shed some light on the possible existence of portals
between these worlds and our Earth.
Till now, we have encountered planets with advanced beings having multiple
limbs who can transport themselves from one place to another in a fraction of a
second (Vaikunth-Loka). We saw planets where people travel on airplanes and
space-crafts rather than ground-cars (Swarga-Loka) and also read about planets that
do not need the Sun for survival (Bila-Swarga)
Beneath all these, and slightly above the Garbhodak ocean, are the Naraklokas,
or the hellish planets.

NARAK-LOKA or The Hellish Planets

Narak is the Hindu counterpart of Christian Hell and Islamic Dozakh.
This place acts as a purgatory for the souls who have commited the most abominable
actions on the earthly plane. Unlike the Eternal Hell of Western religions though, this
place is temporary and once the soul has learnt its lesson, it is free to move back into
the regular dimension.
Lowest of all are the Planets of Hell

There are 28 different hells described in the Vedic literature and these planets are:
Raurav, Sukar, Rodha, Tal, Vishsan, Mahajwal, Taptakumbh, Lavan, Vilohit,
Rudhiramabh, Vaitarni, Krimish, Krimibhojan, Asipatravana, Krishna,

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Lalabhaksha, Darun, Puyuvah, Pap, Vahnijwal, Adhahshira, Sandansh, Kalsutra,
Tamas, Avichi, Swabhojan, Apratishthit and Aprachi.

The different Hells

The ancient sages have made provisions of expiation for those sinners who feel guilty
in their conscience after committing their sins. Only those sinners who do not expiate
for their sins fall into these hells. Although life here seems to go on for an eternity, in
actual fact the duration of one's Karmic sentence here may be only seconds or
moments.
All these Hells are under the domain of Surya-putra Yamaraj where he delivers
judgement according to the record kept by his assistant Chitra-gupta.

Yamraj in his Court of Justice

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Image courtesy Dominique Amendola

As I understand, the sins are paid off in hell only when you have achieved the human
form at the end of the 84 lakh births you have taken.. at all other times, the soul is
immediately transferred to a new body as soon as it leaves the previous one.
Below these planets is the Garbhodak Ocean which forms the bottom of the
Universal Egg or the Brahm-and.

Foundation of Our Universe

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At the base of our Universe lies the immense Garbhodak Ocean on which reclines the
second form of Lord Vishnu - Shri Garbhodakshayi Vishnu, resting on the Eternal
serpent, Ananta-Shesha. {For details check this link - Creation by Brahma}.
Final arrangement of the Lokas

Anant-Shesh has thousands of hoods and each of the hoods carries a bright
gemstone that illuminates the azimuths. At the end of every Kalpa, Brahma goes to
sleep and rests for the night.
The time has come now for the Maha-pralaya when fiery poison emanates from
Ananta's thousands of hoods and destroys all Creation. This is the Sankarshan form
of the Lord from whose eyebrows appears the three-eyed Rudra who destroys the
three worlds and dances the dance of destruction known as the Tandav.
Lord Sankarshan destroys the creation at the end of Brahma's day

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From all that we have read about the different Lokas, Bhu-Loka or the EarthRealm seems to be sort of a Launch-pad from where you can reach the other worlds
based on your Karma.
Through GOOD Karma and right inclination, one can ascend to the Spiritually
advanced Higher planets; through OKAYish Karma, indulgence of senses and
unbridled desires, one can descend to the Spiritually deprived but Materially advanced
Lower planets. And through really really really BAD Karma, one may have to suffer in
one of the Hellish planets!
This, I believe is the central learning from all this knowledge. Even if you are a Deva or
a Rishi, there's no guarantee that you won't be born as a Rakshas or an ant or a

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bacteria in your next birth! There are numerous instances where a Divine being was
cursed to be born as a Human or an animal because of his bad Karma.
The only certain way to get out of this Samsara or the Never-ending Cycle
of Birth and Death is to keep the Lord in your heart in every action that
you do, in every thought that comes to your mind, and in every breath that
you take.
I conclude this post with a statement from the Brahma-Vaivarta Puraan Harer naam Harer naam Hare naam Kevalam,
Kalau na asti eva na asti eva na asti eva gatih anyathha!
Only the name of Hari, Only the name of Hari, Only the name of Hari,
There's no other delieverance, no other deliverance, no other deliverance in this Age of
Kali!
.