 Loka, within Hinduism and other Indian religions, encompasses the notions of a planet, the universe, a plane, or a realm of existence. Additionally, it can be understood as a mental state that individuals can encounter. A fundamental principle in multiple Indian religions is the belief that diverse lokas serve as abodes for various divine beings, with individuals being born into these realms in accordance with their karma.
Lokas are the seven spheres above the earth. The Puranas affirm that there are Seven Lokas or realms. Hindu mythology defines the fourteen worlds and seven higher worlds with seven lower ones. The higher worlds are the seven ‘vyahrtis’, viz. ‘bhu’, ‘bhuvar’, ‘suvar’, ‘mahar’, ‘jana’, ‘tapas’, ‘satya’ and lower worlds are ‘atala’, ‘vitala’, ‘sutala’, ‘rasaataala’, ‘talatala’, ‘mahaatala’, ‘paatala’. Etymology of Lokas The word Loka is derived from the Proto-Indo-European words ‘lowkos’ means world, place and from the root ‘lewk’ to shine. Myths of Lokas The list of seven Lokas is ‘Prajapatya’ or ‘Pitri Loka’; ‘Indra Loka or Svarga’; ‘Marutloka’, or ‘Deva Loka’, heaven; ‘Gandarbha Loka’ or ‘Mahar Loka’; ‘Jana Loka’, or the sphere of saints; ‘Tapaloka’, or the world of the seven sages and last is the ‘Brahma Loka’, or ‘Satya Loka’, the world of infinite wisdom and truth. In the Brahma Purana, another Loka is mentioned as the residence of Krishna. This Loka is far above the three worlds, and has, at five hundred Millions of ‘yojanas’ below it, the separate Lokas of Vishnu and Shiva, Vaikunta and Kailas. This region is imperishable, while all else is subject to annihilation, and in the centre of it abides Krishna. Of the colour of a dark cloud, in the bloom of youth, clad in yellow raiment, splendidly adorned with celestial gems, and holding a flute. He is exempt from Maya and all qualities, eternal, alone, and the Paramatma, or supreme soul of the world. Some versions of the mythology state that good and bad deeds counterbalance each other and the soul therefore is born in either a heaven or a hell. The concept of a loka or lokas develops in the Vedic literature. It is a place or position of religious or psychological interest with a special value of function of its own. Concept of Trailokya in Hinduism In Hinduism, the prevailing categorization of lokas revolves around the Trailokya, commonly known as the three worlds. The interpretation of these three worlds varies within Hindu cosmology. According to Hindu texts, the three worlds can represent either the earthly realm or Bhuloka, the celestial realm called Svarga, and the underworld known as Naraka. Concept of Fourteen Lokas According to the Puranas and the Atharvaveda, the concept of lokas encompasses a total of 14 distinct realms. These realms are further categorized into seven higher realms, known as Vyahrtis, and seven lower realms, referred to as Patalas. The higher realms include bhu, bhuvas, svar, mahas, janas, tapas, and satya, while the lower realms consist of atala, vitala, sutala, rasatala, talatala, mahatala, patala, and naraka. The higher lokas, ranging from 1 to 7, are described as celestial heavens inhabited by divine beings of elevated status. These realms are believed to be filled with absolute truth and are governed by higher gods. On the other hand, the lower lokas, numbered 8 to 14, constitute various forms of "hells" associated with different degrees of suffering. Each of these realms is populated by distinct deities and beings who experience the consequences of their individual karmic paths. Those residing in the higher realms have achieved temporary spiritual liberation through their positive merits, which have allowed them to cultivate detachment from the mind, ego, and worldly desires. However, attaining ultimate liberation, known as moksha, is considered the supreme goal in human life. Moksha entails a complete liberation and detachment from material possessions and desires, leading to the ultimate union with the divine. Name of the Lokas Name of the Lokas are as follows: 1. Bhu Loka: As per the Narada Purana, Bhuloka corresponds to the planet Earth, which serves as the realm of human existence. The Purana describes Bhuloka as consisting of seven distinct regions referred to as dvipas, meaning "islands." These regions are identified as Jambudvipa, Plakshadvipa, Shalmaladvipa, Kushadvipa, Krounchadvipa, Shakadvipa, and Pushkaradvipa. 2. Bhuvar Loka: It is the area where all the aircrafts move and where all the artificial-satellites orbit around the Earth are located. The region expands from the earth to the sun, in which the heavenly beings move about. 3. Suvar Loka: It is described as regions of space beyond Bhuvarloka. According to the myths, it is inhabited by the Devatas with their king Indra. 4. Mahar Loka: It is the region above the Dhruva loka. As per some other Purana, it is said that the souls of the ‘Saptarshis’ live in here with an attentive eye upon the activities of humankind on Earth. 5. Jana Loka: It is the region where the pure minded sons of Lord Brahma reside. Jana Loka is explained greater than Mahar Loka. 6. Tapa Loka: It is described as 'greater than' or 'beyond' or 'above' the Jana Loka. The deities of this region are known as ‘Vaibhrajas’. 7. Satya Loka: It is described as the Loka greater than the Tapa Loka. It comes first among all the 14 Lokas. It is the residence of Lord Brahma, the God of formation. 8. Brahma Loka: Within Hinduism, the term "Brahma Loka" designates the highest celestial realm, serving as the abode of gods and celestial spirits. This term derives its significance from the name of the creator deity, Brahman. Thus, Brahma Loka represents the pinnacle of heavenly existence in Hindu cosmology. 9. Pitri Loka: In Hinduism, "Pitra Loka" refers to the layer or medium associated with departed ancestors. Derived from the Sanskrit language, the term "Pitra" denotes "ancestors" or "parents." Thus, Pitra Loka represents the world where ancestors are believed to reside. 10. Soma Loka: According to Upanishads, the world “soma” means “the world of the god of the moon”. Thus, Soma Loka refers to the realm where God of the moon resides and is only accessible to celestial beings. 11. Indra Loka: This is the world or layer of the Universe where Lord Indra resides along with his wife Devi Sachi and other heavenly creatures. 12. Gandharva Loka: This realm finds mention in the epic poem in Mahabharata. It refers to the world of the Gandharvas and represents a division of the divine creation. Gandharvas are celestial singers and dancers who serve Lord Indra. 13. Rakshasa Loka: This division oor realm of the divine creation refers to the world of the Raksasas. Rakshasas are a race of usually malevolent beings prominently featured in Hindu mythology. 14. Yaksha Loka: This Loka refers to the world of the Yaksas in hinduisim. It also means the world of Kubera or the Regent of Wealth. Another Interpretation of 14 Lokas Hinduism has another interpretation of the 14 Lokas or realms which also includes seven higher lokas and 7 lower lokas. The souls according to their virtues are allowed to be in these lokas. the most virtuous souls will be at the higher lokas. Here is a list of those 14 Lokas in Hinduism. 1. Satya Loka (Brahma-loka): Brahmaloka or Satyaloka is the abode of Brahma, the creator god, a member of the Trimurti along with Vishnu and Shiva, along with his consort Saraswati. 2. Tapa Loka: As per the Upanishads, Tapar Loka is considered the divine abode of Gods and Goddesses, representing a realm of conscious energy and spiritual essence. The term "Tapar" derives its roots from the Sanskrit word "tapas," signifying "heat" in literal sense. Therefore, Tapar Loka embodies the realm where the fervor of spiritual pursuit and transformative energy reside, elevating the understanding of consciousness and spirituality. 3. Jana Loka: Jana loka is a term used in Hindu philosophy to describe the third highest plane of the heavenly realm. The term comes from the Sanskrit word "jana" meaning “common person” or “living being." So, Jana loka means the realm of living beings. 4. Mahar Loka: Also called Deva loka, Mahar Loka is the believed to be the home of the saints, sages, enlightened begins and rishis who survive destruction of the world. 5. Svarga Loka: It is one of the eight higher lokas in Hindu cosmology. It is a set of heavenly worlds located on and above Mt. Meru where the righteous live in paradise before their next incarnation. 6. Bhuvar Loka: The sixth world is the Bhuvar-loka where celestial objects along with the Sun, Moon, Stars, and other planets are present. 7. Bhu Loka: This realm refers to the earth or physical universe where humans exist. 8. Atala Loka: Atala Loka is ruled by Bala (a son of Maya). It is situated in underground, sometimes under the oceans. 9. Vitala Loka: Vitala Loka is ruled by the God Hara-Bhava (a form of Shiva), who resides with helper ‘ganas’ including ghosts and goblins as the master of gold mines. The dwellers of this kingdom are adorned with gold from this area. 10. Sutala Loka: Sutala Loka is situated in the bottom of the earth. Sutala Loka is ruled by the great king Mahabali, the grandson of Bhakta Prahalada. 11. Talatala Loka: It is the land of the demon architect Maya. Lord Shiva, as Tripurantaka, demolished the three cities of Maya but was later on happy with Maya and gave him this kingdom and promised to defend him. 12. Mahatala Loka: Mahatala Loka is the residence of many hooded ‘Nagas’ the sons of Kadru. They exist here with their families in harmony but always have a fear of Garuda, the eagle God. 13. Rasatala Loka: It is the residence of the demons Danavas and Daityas, who are powerful but unkind. They are the everlasting foes of Devatas (the gods). They live in holes like serpents. 14. Patala Loka: It is the lowest area, the area of the Nagas, ruled by Vasuki. Several Nagas with many hoods live here. Each of their tops is decorated by a jewel, whose light lights this land. Concept of Lokas in Buddhism Within the Tibetan and Tantric schools of thought, the concept of "Six Lokas" represents a spiritual practice or discipline observed in Bonpo and Nyingmapa traditions. This practice involves working with chakras and engaging with the six dimensions or classes of beings found in the Bhavachakra, also known as the Wheel of Life. According to Buddhist cosmology, the realms of Kama-Loka, Rupa-Loka, and Arupa-Loka are inhabited by various beings, each realm associated with distinct characteristics. For instance, beings in Kama-Loka predominantly experience sensual desires, while those in Rupa-Loka engage in profound states of meditation. These teachings also highlight the interconnectedness between psychology and cosmology, emphasizing the correlation between different levels of existence in the cosmic order, as suggested in early suttas. Concept of Trailokya in Buddhism In Buddhism, a cosmological perspective known as Trailokya is recognized. Early Buddhism, drawing from the Pali Canon and related Agamas, delineates three distinct realms. Firstly, there is the Kama Loka, also known as the world of sensuality, where humans, animals, and certain celestial beings dwell. Secondly, the Rupadhatu Loka represents the realm of material existence, inhabited by beings who have attained specific levels of mastery in meditative attainments. Lastly, there is the Arupadhatu Loka, the formless, immaterial world where formless spirits reside. It is noteworthy that Arahants, those who have achieved the ultimate goal of Nirvana, have transcended individual existence in any form or realm. They are beyond the realms of existence and cannot be located within any specific loka. The early suttas also contain references to the supramundane realm, an important domain experienced by awakened noble beings. This realm is described as transcending worldly limitations and is accessible to those who have attained enlightenment. Concept of Loka in Jainism Within Jain texts, the term "loka" denotes the universe. Jain cosmology puts forth the notion of an eternal and ever-existing loka governed by universal natural laws, devoid of any creator or destroyer deity. The universe, according to Jain cosmology, is divided into three distinct parts: • Urdhva Loka - This encompasses the realms of Gods or heavens. • Madhya Loka - This encompasses the realms inhabited by humans, animals, and plants. • Adho Loka - This includes the realms of hellish beings or the infernal regions. In Jain cosmology, the terms "loka" and "aloka" are employed to describe inhabitable and uninhabitable spaces within the universe. This philosophy elucidates that inhabitable space (loka) and uninhabitable space (aloka) remain separate, with no interpenetration between the two. Both loka and aloka are subdivisions of space (akasa). According to Jain cosmology, upon achieving moksha (liberation), the soul becomes free from the confines of the worldly realm after having experienced the consequences of all good and bad karmas. Moksha represents the ultimate goal where the soul transcends the cycle of rebirth and attains liberation from worldly attachments. |
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Lokas
| Lokas are realms can represent different dimensions, planets, or states of consciousness. They are home to various beings, including gods, humans, animals, and hellish entities, and serve as universes for karmic experiences and spiritual progression. |
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