ONE UNIVERSE

 

ONE UNIVERSE

Are we alone in this huge universe? Or we have other lives too (Aliens) If yes then how are they and where are they. Modern science is trying to get answers. Considering our ancient texts, we may get some answers. Yes according to ancient texts. There are other lives too. According to texts, there are Planets supporting life, Life that is very advanced than ours. Let us briefly see what our ancient texts say. What and where the lives and who lives there. Moreover there billions of stars and the universe are so huge that there is ample scope for many life forms.  

The Puraans give THREE different divisions of our Universe and label them as the:

·                     Urdhva-loka (Highest abodes)

·                     Madhya or Bhu-loka (Middle ones)

·                     Adho-loka (the Lower realms). 

 

Each Universe is shaped like an egg or Shiva-Linga (Brahmand) and within it exist the three levels of Lokas.

There are 14 planetary systems comprising the three Lokas and below them exist the 28 different Hells.

It is interesting to note that various Puraans claim the original abode of Lord Shiva to be at the boundary of this Universe and NOT Kailash.

The Vayu Puraan, Chapter 39 sheds more light on the details of this place and says that beyond Brahmaloka and beneath the upper crust of the Cosmic Egg (Shiva-Linga)– in between these two is the PURA (Shiva’s city), his divine abode MANOMAYA (consisting of the mind).

This, then is the Original and Supreme abode of Shiva where He resides till the end of Creation and is visited by the other gods in their divine vehicles.

The Hari-vamsha says that higher planetary systems are the realms of Devas, Angels, Spirits and Manes; Middle Planets (Bhu-Loka) the abode of mortal beings like Humans and animals; and the Lower planets are populated by the Demons and Nagas.

In the Puranas, and already in the Atharvaveda, there are fourteen worlds, seven higher ones (vyahrtis) and seven lower ones (patalas)

 

Planetary System

Satya – Loka

Tapa – Loka

Jana – Loka

Maha – Loka

Swarga- loka

Bhuvar – loka

Bhu – loka

Atala – Loka

Vitala – Loka

Sutala – loka

Talatala – Loka

Mahatala – Loka

Rasatala – Loka

Patala – Loka

Higher Lokas  -  Lower Lokas

Satyaloka	1	Atal
Tapoloka	2	Vital
Janloka	3	Sutal
Maharloka	4	Rasatal
Swargaloka	5	Talatal
Bhuvarloka	6	Mahatal
Bhuloka	7	Patal

 

All these planets are within the material world and under the control of Devi Durga, therefore the Material Creation is also known as Devi-dham.



Development of higher consciousness starts with human beings, and further increases among the denizens of higher planetary systems. Our Earth is situated close to the middle of these planetary systems and represents the Mortal Realms known as the Bhu Mandala

Kundilini Yoga is all about development of higher consciousness.

Let us try to understand these fourteen planetary systems, starting from Satya loka.   

SATYA-LOKA

The HIGHEST planet in the Material Realm is the abode of Lord Brahma, (Satyaloka is by 120,000,000 yojanas above Tapoloka. Thus the distance from the Sun to Satyaloka is 233,800,000 yojanas, or 1,870,400,000 miles), the progenitor of this universe. Along with him are present, his consort Saraswati and other spiritual entities who, after eons of spiritual penance have been able to transcend the bonds of Material world and reach this plane by traversing through the Milky way.

At the time of final dissolution of the material planets the residents here transform their subtle bodies into spiritual bodies and enter the eternal Vaikuntha planets which begin 26,200,000 yojanas ABOVE the Satyaloka.

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TAPO-LOKA

This is the abode of the four Kumars named Sanat, Sanak, Sanandan, and Sanatan and is located 120,000,000 yojanas below the Satya-Loka.

They are the first incarnations of Lord Vishnu and represent the Gyan-shakti (power of knowledge) of the Lord. They are collectively referred to as the Kumars because they are immortal and live for the entire duration of universal time, yet retain their appearance of 5 year old kids! 

Because of their pure nature, they have easy access to the Brahma-Loka as well as the Spiritual Realm and regularly visit Lord Vishnu in the Vaikuntha.

JANA-LOKA & MAHAR-LOKA

The next Loka lies 80,000,000 yojanas below the Tapaloka and is the abode of great rishis. 

20,000,000 yojanas below Janaloka is the Maharloka which is another abode of great saints and the sages.

These Lokas are populated by mystics who can move between any planets within the material universe at speeds unthinkable to modern Science and the greatest of sages, such as Bhrigu Muni, live in this place. The inhabitants have a life span of one whole day of Brahma (4.32 Billion years)!

When the fire of devastation reaches this planet the residents transport themselves to Satyaloka where they live further before the highest of planets is also destroyed. They then transform their subtle bodies to spiritual and enter the spiritual realms.
Here, by means of his Karma, a soul can either go higher, up to Satyaloka and become Brahma's associate, or down, to the level of the Devas or demigods.

SWARGA-LOKA

The abode of the 33 Vedic gods also known as the Trayastriṃśa in Buddhist cosmology is located on the peak of Mount Meru, the central mountain of the world, at a height of 80,000 yojans.

This Loka corresponds to the concept of Heaven as described in the Western sense of the term. Here the King of the Gods, Indra rules with his brothers and companions. His entourage comprises of Angels,

 Gandharvas, Apsaras, Maruts, Vasus and other divine beings.

Indra riding the winged-horse Ucchaihshrava

This is one of the most opulent planetary systems with unimaginable riches, wish-fulfilling trees, supersonic space-crafts, ability to travel in different dimensions, long life-spans, and freedom from disease and disability. The duty of these Demi-gods is to manage the affairs of the universe, protecting its inhabitants against the demons.

The capital city of this world is Amravati - Abode of the Immortals. Indra and his fellow-residents obtain all the pleasures of life because of the wish-fulfilling cow Kamdhenu. This divine cow, the three-headed White Elephant Airavat as well as the Flying Horse Uchhaihshrava (~Greek Pegasus) were the riches Indra obtained after the Churning of the Cosmic Ocean.

However, the 33 gods do not have a completely worry-free life here. In particular, they find themselves frequently challenged by the Asuras who dwell at the foot of Sumeru, plotting for ways to overthrow the Devas and take over their kingdom. 

Scriptural references make it equivalent to the Biblical Heaven or Islamic Jannat where the good souls go after death to reap the benefits of their good Karma.

If they become advanced in devotional service, they can advance to one of the higher Munilokas but if they become attached to material enjoyment, they will degrade into a lower position of a semi-divine being of even a Human again. 

BHUVAR-LOKA

This planetary system roughly corresponds to our Solar System and contains five major planets plus the Sun-God. However, there are two planets outside the Solar System included in this - Dhruva Loka or Pole Star and the realm of the Sapta-rishis or Big Dipper.


These Lokas are the abodes of Semi-divine beings who are one notch higher than the Humans. They assist the demigods in various ways and sometimes interact with the humans. By advancement in their service they can become a Demigod or by indulging in enjoyment, be born as a Human on the Earthly Realms.

Dhruv-Loka

It is the planetary complex revolving around the Polestar that is said to be 10,000,000 yojans below the Maharloka. It is described as the center of a bright ring of stars identified with our galaxy, Milky Way.

In every material universe, there is one Vaikunth planet with an ocean of milk where Lord Vishnu resides on an island called Shvetadvipa. In our Universe, this planet is situated in the Eastern side of Dhruvaloka and is the abode of Lord Kshirodakshayi Vishnu! 

Brahma and the demigods meditating on Lord Vishnu at the Shvet-dvipa in Dhruv Loka

This transcendental island is 200,000 square miles and covered with desire trees for the pleasure of the Supreme Lord who resides here with Goddess Lakshmi and other pure, transcendental entities.

As it is a spiritual planet, it is eternal and therefore remains when all other planets within the material universes are destroyed. It is believed to be the pivot for all material stars and planets with even the Sun, revolving at the speed of 16,000 miles per second around the Dhruvaloka. 



Sapta-rishi Loka

The abode of the Seven Great Seers or the Sapta-rishis located 100,000 Yojans below the Dhruva-Loka. 


The seven rishis are the most advanced spiritual guides for Humanity and have been present at all major time periods of our History. Astronomically, their abode is recognized in the form of the Big Dipper or Ursa Major constellation and it always revolves around the Dhruv-Loka or Pole Star.

Rishi Vasishth was the preceptor of the Solar Dynasty or Suryavansh whileVishwamitra was the guru of Lord Rama. There are numerous stories and legends in the ancient scriptures which relate the immense services these rishis have provided to different rulers on our planet since the beginning of time.


Nakshtara-Loka

Nakshatra Mandala is the stellar neighbourhood of the Solar System perceived as the starry night sky. It is generally equated with the Zodiac Map around the Earth and represents the different constellations visible to us from Earth.

An alternate view is that these are spherical shell regions in which the respective planet's orbits are situated and these shells contain one after the other in the order of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. These are believed to be located at a respective distance of 2, 00,000 Yojans each.

The next Lokas are those of the major solar planets viz.  Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn which are the abodes of the divine-beings called Budh, Shukra, Mangal,  Brihaspati and Shanaichar respectively.

Surya-Loka

Similarly, the Surya-Loka refers to the sphere of the Sun-god and the Solar neighbourhood. It is located at a height of 1,00,000 Yojans above the Earth.


The Most important thing about this Loka is that it is situated bang in the middle of the Bhuloka and Bhuvarloka, rotating through the time circle of the zodiac. Thus, it represents not only the center of the Solar System, but ALSO the center of the Universe!!

Chandra-Loka

Chandra/Soma is the Sanskrit name of the Moon-god and hence, this Loka includes the satellite of Moon as well as its orbital neighbourhood. 

Rahu

Rahu is the North node of the Moon's orbit while its counterpart Ketu is the southern one. It is said to be situated 80,000 miles above the three previous Lokas and is responsible for causing the Solar and Lunar eclipses.

Siddhaloka, Charanaloka, & Vidyadharaloka

These planets are spread from above the Antariksh to the orbit of the Moon. Their residents are born with all the mystic siddhis naturally, including the ability to travel to other planets without using mechanical contraptions.

The Vidyadhars are winged-creatures corresponding to the western concept of Angels and Siddhas are advanced beings who do not need wings to fly on account of their mystic Yogic powers. Chaarans spend most of their time travelling between the different planetary systems, eulogizing the Lord.

Antariksh

The sky called Antariksh is the lowest of the higher Lokas and exists immediately above the Earth realm. It extends as far as the wind blows and clouds float in the sky and within it are the residences of Yakshas, Rakshashas, Pisachas, Ghosts, and other etheral beings.

MADHYA-LOKA or The Middle Planets

The Bhumandala comprises of SEVEN Planets giving rise to the Mortal Realm. These are:

·                     Jambu-dvipa,

·                     Plaksha-dvipa,

·                     Salmali-dvipa,

·                     Kusha-dvipa,

·                     Krauncha-dvipa,

·                     Shaka-dvipa,

·                     Pushkar-dvipa

It is to be noted that Jambu–dvipa is not any continent but the entire earth. Yes our planet “Earth” is the Jambu-dvipa as mentioned in Puraans

Ancient texts describe 9 divisions of Jambu-dvipa with precise locations ascribed to each of them. Also, the centre of this global-landmass is an enormous mountain called Meru. 

Now, it is important to understand that here mount Meru is the Earth Axis.

The other six planets are arranged in a concentric fashion around the central planet Earth. 

All these planets resemble EARTH in many ways.All these planets have land surrounded by huge oceans and comprise of Humanoid species.


However, the denizens here live longer and are more materially opulent than the denizens of our world because right from Plaksha-dvipa to Shaka-dvipa, there is a perpetual Treta-Yuga which is a more conducive age than our present Kailyuga.

 Besides Earth, there are SIX more planets which have Human-beings/Humanoids inhabiting them!

ADHO-LOKA or The Lower Planets

About 70,000 Yojans below the earth begin the seven lower planetary systems. It should be remembered that these planets may be LOWER in spatial co-ordinates but are materially MORE opulent than even the Higher Planets hence they are known as the Bila-Swarga!

They are

·                     Atal

·                     Vital

·                     Sutal

·                     Talatal

·                     Mahataal

·                     Rasaatal

·                     Pataal

The residents here enjoy a standard of material comfort UNMATCHED by even the higher planets because the denizens of these worlds are concerned only with Material enjoyment and have very little Spiritual inclination.

These lower worlds are dark planets, devoid of any Sunshine and are hence artificially-lit by means of huge reflecting surfaces in the form of crystals and gems! Since time is not divided into days and nights due to no sunshine reaching these planets, they have no fear produced by time.

These planets are the residence of Daityas, Danavas, Panis, Nivat-kavachs, Rakshasas, Kalkeyas, Nagas, Uragas who are all engaged in illusory material enjoyment with no thought of spiritual liberation. All residents bathe in elixirs which free them from any anxiety or physical disease, as well as any signs of physical ageing. 

The visual beauty of these artificial heavens surpasses even that of the higher planets and hence they are known as Bila-Swarga. There are incredible feats of architecture in their cities bedecked with valuable jewels.

This sensual atmosphere completely captures the mind, allowing no thoughts but those directed toward fulfilment of pleasure. Demon lives in these lower planetary systems with their wives and children, always engaged in sense gratification and not fearing their next births.

There are some details which are worth mentioning here-

·                     The planet Sutal is the abode of Bali Maharaj, the most benevolent and just king of the Asura race, who was blessed by Lord Vishnu to become the Indra for the next Manvantar.

·                     In the Lower planets of Mahataal and Pataal, reside the Nagas or the semi-human serpent people. The Nagaloka is a splendid place with unimaginable riches. All darkness is banished here because of the brilliantly glowing jewels on the hoods of the huge serpents. The King of the Nagas, Vasuki resides here in his capital Bhogavati.

·                     Indian / Buddhist texts mention eight major kings of the Nagas - Vasuki, Takshak, Nanda, Upananda, Sagar, Balvan, Anavatapta and Utpal. The same are also referred to as the 'Eight Dragon Kings' in Chinese and Japanese legends.

·                     Below the lowest planet of Pataal, is the planet of the Manes or ancestors who are known as the Pitras.

Texts like the Mahabharat repeatedly give incidents of Nagas emerging from under the ground (inspired probably by their tendency to live in burrows) and Naga princesses abducting handsome men deep down under water. Maybe a thorough underwater exploration can help shed some light on the possible existence of portals between these worlds and our Earth.

Beneath all these, and slightly above the Garbhodak ocean, are the Naraklokas, or the hellish planets. 

  

NARAK-LOKA or The Hellish Planets

Narak is the Hindu counterpart of Christian Hell and Islamic Dozakh. 

This place acts as a purgatory for the souls who have commited the most abominable actions on the earthly plane. Unlike the Eternal Hell of Western religions though, this place is temporary and once the soul has learnt its lesson, it is free to move back into the regular dimension.

Lowest of all are the Planets of Hell

There are 28 different hells described in the Vedic literature and these planets are: Raurav, Sukar, Rodha, Tal, Vishsan, Mahajwal, Taptakumbh, Lavan, Vilohit, Rudhiramabh, Vaitarni, Krimish, Krimibhojan, Asipatravana, Krishna, Lalabhaksha, Darun, Puyuvah, Pap, Vahnijwal, Adhahshira, Sandansh, Kalsutra, Tamas, Avichi, Swabhojan, Apratishthit andAprachi. 

The ancient sages have made provisions of expiation for those sinners who feel guilty in their conscience after committing their sins. Only those sinners who do not expiate for their sins fall into these hells. Although life here seems to go on for an eternity, in actual fact the duration of one's Karmic sentence here may be only seconds or moments. 

All these Hells are under the domain of Surya-putra Yamaraj where he delivers judgement according to the record kept by his assistant Chitra-gupta.


As I understand, the sins are paid off in hell only when you have achieved the human form at the end of the 84 lakh births you have taken.. at all other times, the soul is immediately transferred to a new body as soon as it leaves the previous one.


Below these planets is the Garbhodak Ocean which forms the bottom of the Universal Egg or the Brahm-and.

Foundation of Our Universe

At the base of our Universe lies the immense Garbhodak Ocean on which reclines the second form of Lord Vishnu - Shri Garbhodakshayi Vishnu, resting on the Eternal serpent, Ananta-Shesha

Ananta-Shesha has thousands of hoods and each of the hoods carries a bright gemstone that illuminates the azimuths. At the end of every Kalpa, Brahma goes to sleep and rests for the night.


The time has come now for the Maha-pralaya when fiery poison emanates from Ananta's thousands of hoods and destroys all Creation. This is the Sankarshan form of the Lord from whose eyebrows appears the three-eyed Rudra who destroys the three worlds and dances the dance of destruction known as the Tandav.

From all that we have read about the different Lokas, Bhu-Loka or the Earth-Realm seems to be sort of a Launch-pad from where you can reach the other worlds based on your Karma.

Through GOOD Karma and right inclination, one can ascend to the spiritually advanced higher planets; through Okays Karma, indulgence of senses and unbridled desires, one can descend to the Spiritually deprived but Materially advanced Lower planets. And through really really BAD Karma, one may have to suffer in one of the Hellish planets!