The Concept of Many Worlds in Hinduism

This section explains the Concept of Many Worlds in Hinduism. In Hindu cosmology, there is a belief in the existence of multiple realms or lokas—a vast and complex multiverse. Hindus traditionally understand the universe to be made up of 14 lokas, which are divided into different levels of existence, each with its own inhabitants. These worlds are part of the divine structure that governs existence, death, and rebirth, and they reflect the hierarchical nature of the cosmos in Hindu thought.

The lokas are generally divided into two main groups: the seven upper worlds (vyarthis) and the seven lower worlds (patalas). Each of these worlds represents a distinct level of spiritual development and divine influence. The idea of the lokas suggests that the universe is not a singular plane of existence but rather a complex system of interconnected worlds, each serving a unique purpose in the grand scheme of creation.

The Seven Vyarthis (Upper Worlds)

The vyarthis are the seven upper worlds, each considered to be a higher spiritual realm. These worlds are closely associated with divine beings and enlightened souls, and they represent various stages of spiritual attainment. They are believed to be inhabited by gods, sages, and other celestial beings.

1. Satya-loka
   Satya-loka is the highest and most revered of the upper worlds, and it is said to be the dwelling place of Brahma, the creator god in Hinduism. It is considered the ultimate realm where the atman (soul) is freed from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Here, liberation from material existence is achieved, and souls experience eternal peace and divine presence. It is often viewed as the final destination for those who have attained spiritual perfection.
2. Tapa-loka
   Tapa-loka is a world inhabited by highly enlightened beings, such as ascetics and those who have dedicated their lives to spiritual practices. This realm is associated with intense spiritual discipline and austerity. It is a place where souls undergo rigorous penance and meditation, striving for greater wisdom and liberation.
3. Jana-loka
   Jana-loka is the realm of the sons of Brahma, often associated with great sages and celestial beings. These beings are regarded as highly enlightened, and they are considered to possess profound knowledge and understanding of the universe. Jana-loka is a realm where wisdom and divine insight are paramount.
4. Mahar-loka
   Mahar-loka is the realm of enlightened beings who have transcended the limitations of earthly existence. One of the most famous inhabitants of this world is the sage Markandeya, a revered figure in Hindu mythology known for his wisdom and devotion. In this world, beings live in spiritual bliss, free from earthly concerns, and are considered to be close to attaining ultimate liberation.
5. Svar-loka
   Svar-loka, also known as Indra's Heaven, is the realm of the god Indra and is located between the Sun and the Polar Star. It is often referred to as a paradise, where the 330 million Hindu gods reside. This realm is characterised by celestial beauty, and it is considered a place of great pleasure and divine harmony. It is also seen as a place where souls of virtuous beings may dwell temporarily before moving on to higher spiritual realms.
6. Bhuvar-loka (or Pitri-loka)
   Bhuvar-loka is the space between Earth and the Sun. It is inhabited by semi-divine beings and is closely associated with ancestral spirits, or pitris. This world is often seen as a place of spiritual purification, where beings undergo further spiritual development. In some beliefs, it is also considered a realm where souls transition before moving to the higher spiritual worlds.
7. Bhur-loka
   Bhur-loka is the Earth itself, which is considered one of the inhabited worlds in the Hindu multiverse. It is viewed as a place where human beings undergo experiences of birth, death, and rebirth in accordance with their karma. Hindus believe that Earth is just one of countless inhabited worlds in the vast universe, demonstrating their belief in the multiverse.

The Seven Patalas (Lower Worlds)

The patalas are the seven lower worlds, often associated with darker and more material aspects of existence. These realms are inhabited by a variety of beings, including demons, serpents, and spirits. While these worlds are typically seen as lower in terms of spiritual attainment, they play a significant role in Hindu cosmology and offer a contrasting dimension to the higher vyarthis.

1. Atala-loka
   Atala-loka is ruled by Bala, a son of the goddess Maya. Maya possesses mystical powers and is associated with illusion and the material world. Atala-loka is considered a realm where beings experience powerful forces that bind them to the material world.
2. Vitala-loka
   Vitala-loka is ruled by Hara-Bhava, a form of the god Shiva. This realm is linked to the energies of transformation and destruction, as Shiva is the god of both creation and dissolution. Vitala-loka is often seen as a world where the forces of change and chaos are in full force, reflecting the inherent instability of material existence.
3. Sutala-loka
   Sutala-loka is the kingdom of the demon king Bali. Bali is a significant figure in Hindu mythology, known for his devotion to the gods despite being a demon king. Sutala-loka is often depicted as a place where beings with great power yet moral flaws reside.
4. Talatala-loka
   Talatala-loka is the realm of Maya, where the illusionary forces of the material world are strongest. This world is also associated with Shiva, who is protected by Maya in this realm. It is often seen as a world dominated by illusion and deception, where beings are trapped in cycles of delusion and attachment to the material world.
5. Mahatala-loka
   Mahatala-loka is inhabited by numerous nagas—serpentine beings who are powerful and often associated with both wisdom and danger. These serpents are sometimes revered as guardians of sacred knowledge and treasure. Mahatala-loka is a mysterious and dangerous realm, where the forces of nature and the serpent deities are at play.
6. Rasatala-loka
   Rasatala-loka is the home of the demons known as the Danavas and Daityas. These beings are often considered to be enemies of the gods, embodying forces of evil and darkness. Rasatala-loka is a realm where chaos and conflict prevail, reflecting the darker aspects of existence.
7. Patala-loka (or Naga-loka)
   Patala-loka is the lowest of all the patalas and is ruled by Vasuki, a king serpent. It is often referred to as the realm of the nagas, serpent-like beings who dwell in the underworld. Patala-loka is viewed as a place of suffering and torment, where beings live in the most profound state of spiritual darkness. It represents the final stage of material entanglement and separation from the divine.

Conclusion

The concept of the 14 lokas is an essential part of Hindu cosmology, reflecting the vastness and complexity of the universe. By imagining a multiverse that consists of both higher and lower worlds, Hinduism emphasises the diversity of existence and the spiritual progression or regression of beings based on their actions. The belief in lokas serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the spiritual journey of the soul across different realms of existence.