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 according to the "Vishnu Purana" and their names, are "Atala", "Vitala", "Nitala", "Gabhastimat", "Mahatala", "Sutala", and "Patala".
Etymology of Patala
The term comes from the Sanskrit language meaning "underworld" or "netherworld" and "loka", which translates as "world", "abode" or "realm".
Myths of Patala
Patala or Nagaloka is the lowest realm and the region of the Nagas, ruled by Vasuki. Several Nagas live here with many hoods. Each of their hoods is decorated by a jewel, the light of which enlightens this land. The colour 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.
In Hindu mythology, nagas are the guardians of treasure, so patala loka is described as containing palaces decorated with precious gems. Spiritually, patala loka is the state of consciousness created by hatred, malice and other evil. Once, sage Narada declared amongst the spaces that patala 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. 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 Shiva 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.
