According to Hindu scriptures, particularly the Puranas (Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Shiva Purana, and others), Pātālaloka consists of seven realms or subterranean regions. These layers are said to exist beneath Bhūloka (Earth) and are described as highly advanced, luxurious, and mystical realms inhabited by powerful beings such as Nagas (serpent deities), Asuras, Danavas, and Daityas.
The Seven Lokas of Pātāla
Atala (अतल) – The First Layer of Pātāla
- Ruled by Bala, the son of Maya Danava.
- It is a mystical place where sorcery and magical potions exist.
- Bala is said to possess a power called Hatakarana Vidya, which gives people superhuman strength and the ability to control others.
- It is described as a land of enjoyment, where there are pleasurable illusions and desires.
Vitala (वितल) – The Second Layer of Pātāla
- Home of Hara-Bhairava, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, along with Bhutas (spirits).
- This realm is associated with Tantric practices and mystical energy.
- It is also a place where magical gold-like substances called "Hataka" are found.
- Lord Shiva is said to reside here, guarding the wealth of Pātāla.
Sutala (सुतल) – The Third Layer of Pātāla
- Ruled by Maharaja Bali, the great devotee of Lord Vishnu.
- King Bali was sent to Sutala by Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu, where Vishnu granted him protection and made it more luxurious than Indraloka (heaven).
- Described as a paradise, it is a place free of fear, suffering, or death.
- It is a spiritually evolved realm, where King Bali still rules with divine blessings.
Talātala (तलातल) – The Fourth Layer of Pātāla
- Ruled by Maya Danava, the greatest architect of the Asuras.
- This is a realm of mystical weapons, technology, and illusionary warfare.
- Lord Shiva himself protects this realm from destruction.
- It is also a place of demonic sorcery, where Maya Danava built great palaces.
Mahātala (महातल) – The Fifth Layer of Pātāla
- Inhabited by the Nagas (serpent kings), including Kaliya, Takshaka, Vasuki, and Ananta.
- It is a land of serpentine beings who have their own advanced civilization.
- The Nagas are said to have underground palaces and great wealth in this realm.
- It is also a region of eternal conflict between Nagas and Garuda (the eagle mount of Lord Vishnu).
Rasātala (रसातल) – The Sixth Layer of Pātāla
- Home to the Daityas, Danavas, and Asuras.
- They are mortal enemies of the Devas (gods) and reside here after being defeated in wars.
- It is a hidden kingdom where Asuras plot against the Devas.
- Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra ensures they never rise to power again.
Pātāla (पाताल) – The Seventh and Deepest Layer
- The lowermost realm, home to Vasuki (king of the Nagas) and Shesha Naga.
- Described as the most opulent realm, filled with jewels, divine palaces, and unearthly beauty.
- Shesha Naga, the thousand-hooded cosmic serpent, holds the entire cosmos upon his hoods.
- This realm is closer to the cosmic waters, where Vishnu rests in the form of Ananta Shesha.
Comparison of Pātālaloka with Scientific Theories
Some scholars and modern thinkers believe that Pātālaloka could represent:
- Subterranean civilizations (the Hollow Earth theory).
- Advanced civilizations that existed underground or in a hidden part of Earth.
- Another dimension or parallel world (higher vibrational frequency realms).
There are also interpretations that Pātāla could represent distant lands across oceans, possibly South America, Mesoamerica, or even the lost city of Atlantis.
Is Pātālaloka a Hell?
- Unlike Naraka (Hindu Hell), which is a place of punishment, Pātālaloka is a place of extreme wealth, luxury, and mystical power.
- The beings here do not suffer but are engaged in their own ways of living, sometimes opposing Devas (gods).
- Pātāla is not a place of torment but a different plane of existence.
Conclusion
- Pātālaloka consists of seven mystical realms beneath the Earth, each ruled by different powerful beings.
- It is not a place of suffering but a highly advanced world filled with mystical beings, technology, and supernatural elements.
- Some interpret it as a real geographical location (such as the Americas), while others view it as a symbolic representation of a spiritual dimension.
- King Bali, Vasuki, Maya Danava, and various serpent kings rule over different layers of Pātāla.