Patala is the infernal regions, inhabited by Nagas or serpents, Daityas, Danavas, Yakshas, and others. Patala is the lowest of the seven regions in the interior of the earth, extending downwards ten thousand yojanas. They are seven in number, and their names, according to the
Vishnu Purana, are Atala, Vitala, Nitala, Gabhastimat, Mahatala, Sutala, and Patala
The color of the seven regions are soil white, black purple, yellow sandy, stony, and of gold. They are inflated with magnificent palaces, in which dwell several Danavas, Daityas, Yakshas, and great snake gods.
The Muni Narada, after his return from those regions to the skies, declared amongst the spaces that Patalas was much more enchanting than
Lord Indra`s heaven. In the Patala the Nagas are decorated with dazzling, striking and pleasure-shedding jewels. In this place the good-looking daughters of the Daityas and Danavas wander about, fascinating even the most austere where the rays of the sun diffuse light, and not heat, by day; and where the moon shines by night for illumination, not for cold. In Patala the sons of Daityas and Danavas are happy in the enjoyment of delicious viands and strong wines. There are beautiful groves and streams and lakes where the lotus blows and the skies are resonant with Koel`s song. Fine ornaments, fragrant perfumes, rich unguents, the blended music of the lute and pipe and tabor and many other pleasurable are the common portion of the Danavas, Daityas, and snake gods, who inhabit the regions of Patala.
The
Padma Purana gives the names of the seven regions and their respective rulers as follows, Atala was subject to Mahamaya, Vitala, ruled by a form of Siva called Hatakeswara, Sutala was ruled by Bali, Talatala was ruled by Maya, Mahatala, where reside the great serpents, Rasatala, where the Daityas and Danavas dwell and Patala, the lowermost, in which Vasuki reigns over the chief Nagas or snake-gods.
According to the
Shiva Purana there are eight Patala, Tala, Atala, Vitala, Tala, Vidhipatala, Sarkarabhumi, and Vijaya.
