This document provides an overview of Chapter 15 from the Garuda Purana, a Hindu text. It describes the customary physical body and spiritual body (paramarthika) in detail. The customary body contains specific numbers of hairs, teeth, flesh, blood, and other parts. It then explains the spiritual body contains the entire universe, with 14 spiritual planes (7 lokas and 7 talas) that correspond to chakras and different levels of consciousness. It concludes by describing the 6 main chakras and how they relate to different spiritual and physical functions when energy flows through them.

1. Garuda Puran
Background
Garuda Puran is a dialogue between Lord Vishnu and Garuda narrated by sage Suta. It
is used at funeral ceremonies and due to fear and ignorance; people do not keep it in the
house. Chapters 15 and 16 are the most wonderful part of this Puran and we deprive
ourselves of the knowledge contained therein by not reading it.
Chapter 15
Description of Rebirth after Term in Heaven
(Begetting Virtuous Children, Parts of Body, Customary and Spiritual Body
Six Chakras and Seed Sounds of Language, Stillness of Mind and Yoga)
Physical and Spiritual Body (Part 3)
(Microcosm and Macrocosm, Cosmic Form)
Chapter 15 starts with the method of conceiving a meritorious and fortunate son. The
righteous son thus obtained, in his youth, reflects upon ‘self’ (soul) and ‘not-self’
(soulless). The difference between ‘self’ and ‘not-self’ is made known to him by the
construction of body through five subtle elements which are ‘not-self’ and owe their
existence to ‘self’ the power of soul.
Blessed Lord continues:
• O Garuda! Human body has two forms; one is Vyavaharika (customary, usual,
habitual, forensic, and practical) and the second is Paramarthika (pertaining to
spiritual object, most desirable, immortal, and permanent).
Customary Physical Body
• The customary body is said to have thirty-five millions of small hairs, seven
hundred thousands of hairs of the head, and twenty nails.
• Garuda! Usually there are said to be thirty-two teeth. The flesh is one thousand pal
(about 46 kg) and blood one hundred pal (about 4.6 kg).
• The stomach is ten pal (about 460 g); skin is seventy pal (about 3.22 kg); marrow is
twelve pal (about 552 g); the mahaa rakt* (Oja) is three pal (about 138 g).
[* Mahaa Rakt (Oja) is the essence of seven dhatus**, which gives strength to the body,
improves immunity power and takes care of well being of the body. It is present all through
the body like ghee exists in the milk or honey exists in the flower. To maintain the condition
of the good health Oja nourishes all the body constituents and mind. Moreover, it controls
or promotes all the physiological activities and is responsible for lively condition of the
body and immunity power of the body.]

2. [Oja prevails all over the body (Para Oja) and in the heart (Apara Oja). Fear, physical and
mental weakness, discomfort in sense organs, mental impairment, dryness, and impairment
of colour and complexion are all signs and symptoms that indicate the deformity of Oja loss.
Trauma, loss of dhatus, anger, grief, tension, physical hard work, and hunger are the factors
that are responsible for the deformity of Oja loss.]
[** There are seven dhatus or body sustainers which are produced from the food we take.
Rasa (Sap): comes from digested food. It takes the form of lymph, tissue fluid, chyle and
plasma, through which it provides nourishment to the entire body. Rakta (Blood): includes
red blood cells and functions to invigorate the body. Mansa (Flesh): includes muscles and
ligaments, and functions to support and stabilize the body structure. Meda (Fat): comprises
fatty tissues, and reduces friction at the interfaces of body tissues. Asthi (Bone): consists of
bones and cartilage and functions as support. Majja (Bone Marrow): includes red and
yellow bone marrow and functions as a filling for bones. Shukra (Sexual fluid): includes
male and female sexual fluids and functions in reproduction and immunity. Each dhatu is
the source from which the next dhatu is formed and nourished, i.e. from Rasa to Shukra in
that order.]
• Semen is two kudav (about 368 g); ovum one kudav (about 184 g); and bones in the
body are said to be three hundred and sixty.
• The nadis, both dense and subtle, number tens of millions. Bile is fifty pal (about
2.30 kg); and half of that twenty five pal (about 1.15 kg) is phlegm.
• There is no fixed measure for ever producing faeces, urine (and other waste)
materials.
[Vedic unit of measure used for above conversions: 1 pal = 4 tolas and 1 tola = 11.6638 g,
thus 1 pal = 46 g (rounded off) and 1 kudav = 4 pal = 184 g]
• The body which possesses these attributes is Vyavaharika i.e. customary physical
body.
Spiritual Body or Cosmic Form
• The entire universe (creation), mountains, continents, oceans, suns and planets are in
the Paramarthika (Spiritual) body.
• Paramarthika body certainly has six chakras. All the attributes of the universe are
present in the Paramarthika (Spiritual) body.
• All these attributes are known to Yogins by concentration of mind and degree of
concentration and I will tell you about these, by recollection of which one acquires
Cosmic Form i.e. Virat Roop (literally meaning huge).

3. • I will describe the Cosmic Form – There are fourteen spiritual planes. The space
between the head and the base of spine represents the seven lokas while the space
from hips to under the foot represents the seven talas.
• Under the foot is Patala, over the foot is Rasatala, ankles are Mahatala, shanks are
Talatala, knees are Sutala, thighs are Vitala, and hips are Atala.
• Head is Satyaloka, forehead is Tapaloka, throat is Janaloka, heart is Maharloka,
navel is Svargaloka, pelvis is Bhuvaloka, and base of the spine is Bhuloka.
Description of Spiritual Planes
The entire universe is body of God, the Cosmos, and Macrocosm. These fourteen spiritual
planes (seven upper worlds - lokas and seven lower worlds - talas) which correspond to the
fourteen chakras make-up the “world-egg of God,” the universe, called Brahmanda. Each loka
(or tala) reflects or involves a particular range of consciousness.
The universe is divided into the three worlds: six upper worlds (lokas – heavens and higher
worlds), earth (bhuloka), and seven underworld and netherworlds (talas – hells). God created
man in His own image and these spiritual planes are reflected within the causal, astral and
physical body in every being. Man is Microcosm of the Macrocosm and thus carries the entire
universe within him. The universe as experienced and viewed from Bhuloka, is thus
collective projection of all mankind and the weather inside is the weather outside.
Distinction between lokas and talas has been made as upper part and lower part of body at the
base of spine. Lokas above the base of spine are spiritual planes of increasing purity and bliss.
Talas below the base of spine are material planes of decreasing purity and increasing suffering.
Of these seven loka-tala pairs, the three highest belong to the relatively arupa (formless) or
spiritual worlds, and are often called arupa lokas and arupa talas. The four lowest pairs belong
to the rupa (form) or material worlds, and are often called rupa lokas and talas. These lokas and
talas are not placed in nature's structure above each other like steps of a stair, but are within
each other, interblending and continually interacting. Each inner one is finer and more ethereal
than the next outer one; the inmost of either series is the most ethereal and spiritual of all.
For each loka there is an exactly corresponding tala, and in fact, the tala is the nether pole of its
corresponding loka. They are the two sides of being, the two contrasting forces of nature, the
light-side and the dark-side. The inmost Satyaloka at Crown of Head has correspondence with
the topmost material tala – Atala at Hips. Imagine these seven loka-tala pairs as concentric
spheres with the inmost Satyaloka-Atala pair (Head-Hips) being the most powerful. It carries
the seed of creation and all subsequent loka-tala pairs have evolved from this primary pair.
Atala is the nether pole of Satyaloka and its prime qualities are fear and lust. Atala is positioned
at hips around the base of spine which is the position of the lowest loka – Bhuloka, our earth
world. It is followed by Tapaloka-Vitala pair (Forehead-Thighs) and Vitala as nether pole at
thighs has prime quality of raging anger and resentment that builds up for desires not fulfilled.
Those performing austerity are prone to anger if their consciousness drops to nether pole Vitala.

4. It is followed by Janaloka-Sutala pair (Neck-Knees) and Sutala as nether pole at knees has prime
quality of retaliatory jealousy and covetousness that builds up when we allow our
consciousness to prevail in anger and resentment for long. These are the three arupa (formless)
loka-tala pairs which act as seed for subsequent rupa (form) loka-tala pairs or material worlds.
Maharloka-Talatala (Heart-Shanks), Svargaloka-Mahatala (Navel-Ankles), and Bhuvaloka-
Rasatala (Sacral-Over the Foot) are the next three loka-tala pairs that constitute the astral world,
the inner body.
Our earth world is the lowest of the seven lokas. The corresponding tala is Patala. The field of
influence of Bhuloka is said to extend little farther than our atmosphere. We are placed at the
outmost Bhuloka-Patala pair surrounded by a powerful field of fear and lust at Bhuloka and
our consciousness engrossed in its nether pole Patala (positioned under the foot) with its prime
qualities of enchanting material world, malice, murder, gratification of senses, and conceit.
Cruelty to animals is severely frowned upon in Hindu Scriptures and there are specific
guidelines about the manner in which we should behave with lower creatures. Skandha Five,
Chapter 26 of Srimad Bhagavat or Bhagavat Puran has a passage that reads, "God has given
different forms of livelihood to different creatures. Some of these may go against the interest of
man. But man should not retaliate against these creatures for two reasons. They are not
endowed with the capacity to know that they are doing injury to man; and next, man knows
that they will be injured if he retaliates. A person who injures lower animals for selfish purposes
goes to the purgatory called Andhakupa and there he will have to live in a low type of body,
attacked by the creatures he had injured. In darkness, without sleep and restless, he will have to
drag out a wretched existence."
Therefore, as long as we justify our interest ‘to kill to eat’ to fulfill our selfish interest of taste,
intend harm to all creatures (malice), and remain engrossed in this enchanting material world;
our consciousness will never rise to experience the peace and bliss of higher lokas. We will
always remain at the nether pole of Bhuloka and hells below Patala.
Our consciousness keeps on moving between all loka-tala pairs but it does not stay at higher
lokas and drops down to their respective nether poles i.e. talas. Virtue, purity, kindness,
compassion are signs that the entity possessing them is evolving the spirit within, and
therefore is ascending along the lokas. Selfishness, impurity, unkindness, cruelty, and
deception are the signs that the entity possessing them is descending along the talas.
These lokas-talas are centers of force and consciousness located within the inner bodies of man.
In the physical body there are corresponding nerve plexuses, ganglia and glands. The seven
principal lokas are situated along the spinal cord from the base of the spine to the cranial
chamber. Additionally, seven talas, barely visible, exist below the spine. They are seats of
instinctive consciousness, the origin of jealousy, hatred, envy, guilt, sorrow, etc. They constitute
the lower or hellish world, called Naraka or Patala.
Naraka is a congested, distressful area where demonic beings and young souls may sojourn
until they resolve the darksome karmas they have created. Here beings suffer the consequences
of their own misdeeds in previous lives. Naraka is understood as having seven regions, called

5. tala, corresponding to the states of consciousness of the seven lower chakras. Snakes and
demons live in the underworld.
According to the Vishnu Purana, seventy thousand yojanas (a unit of measurement, 1 yojana is
approximately 9 miles) below the Earth's surface lie the seven realms of Patala, which are
located one above the other. Each of them extends ten thousand yojanas. Bhagavata
Purana presents a detailed description of the seven lower realms. A similar description of the
seven Patalas also appears in the Devi Bhagavata Purana, Vayu Purana, and Padma Purana.
Chakras
There are fourteen great nerve centers in the physical body, in the astral body and in the body
of the soul. These centers are called chakras in Sanskrit, which means “wheel.” When inwardly
perceived, they are vividly colorful and can be heard. In fact, they are quite noisy. When
awareness flows through any one or more of these regions, the various functions of
consciousness operate, such as memory, reason and willpower.
The physical body has a connection to each of the seven higher chakras through plexuses of
nerves along the spinal cord and in the cranium. As the power of awareness travels the spine, it
enters each of these chakras, energizing them and awakening in turn each function and rotates
in clockwise direction. The chakras open up and pour out their qualities. By examining the
functions of these great force centers, we can clearly cognize our own position on the spiritual
path and better understand our fellow man.
Clockwise rotation of chakras is their natural disposition. For consciousness or the power of
awareness to flow down the spine the magnetic fields of chakras have to rotate clockwise.
In any one lifetime, one may predominantly be aware in two or three centers, thus setting the
pattern for the way one thinks and lives. One develops a comprehension of these seven regions
in a natural sequence, the perfection of one leading logically to the next. Thus, though we may
not psychically be seeing spinning forces within ourselves, we nevertheless mature through
memory, reason, willpower, cognition, universal love, divine sight and spiritual
illumination.
There are six chakras above the Muladhara, which is located at the base of the spine. When
awareness is flowing through these chakras, consciousness is in the higher nature. There are
also seven chakras below the Muladhara, and when awareness is flowing through them,
consciousness is in the lower nature. The lower chakras are located between the coccyx and the
heels.
In this age, the Kali Yuga, most people live in the consciousness of the seven force centers
below the Muladhara. Their beliefs and attitudes strongly reflect the animal nature, the
instinctive mind. Thus, the Muladhara chakra is the dividing point between the lower nature
and the higher. It is the beginning of religion for everyone, entered when consciousness arrives
out of the realms below the base of spine. Through personal sadhana, prayer, meditation, right
thought, speech and action and love of God, we lift our own consciousness into the chakras
above the Muladhara, bringing the mind into the higher nature. Venturing below the
Muladhara, we enter the basement levels of consciousness.

6. These chakras are also called ‘energy body’. Both the energy body and the visible physical body
are so closely related that what affects one, affects the other and vice-versa. For instance, if the
throat is weakened, then this may manifest on the visible physical body as cough, cold, sore
throat, tonsillitis or other throat-related problems. If any part of the energy body is weakened
because of pranic depletion, the visible physical counterpart would either malfunction or
become susceptible to infection. For example, a depleted solar plexus and liver may manifest
as jaundice or hepatitis.
The major chakras are whirling energy centers, which in general are about three to four inches
in diameter. They control and energize the vital organs of the visible physical body, and work
like power stations to supply life energy to them. When the power station malfunctions, the
vital organs become sick or diseased, because they lack the enough life energy to operate
properly. Minor chakras are about one to two inches in diameter and the mini chakras are even
smaller. Both the minor and mini chakras control and energize the less important parts of the
visible physical body.
The fourteen spiritual planes (lokas / talas) with their respective location, qualities, and seed
sounds have been tabulated below for better understanding:
Table 1: Brief Summary A
Loka Chakra Quality Corresponding Tala Quality
Satya Sahasrara Illumination Atala (Hips) Fear, Lust, Promiscuity
Tapa Ajna Divine Sight Vitala (Thighs) Anger, Resentment
Jana Vishuddha Divine Love Sutala (Knees) Jealousy, Covetousness
Mahar Anahata Direct Cognition Talatala (Calves) Instinctive Willfulness
Greed, Deceit, Grasp
Svarga Manipura Will Power Mahatala (Ankles) Selfishness, Corruption
Animal Nature
Bhuva Svadishthana Reason, Intellect Rasatala (Over Foot) Absence of Conscience
Ignorance
Bhu Muladhara Memory Patala (Under Foot) Malice, Murder, Conceit
Time, Space Gratification of Senses
Table 2: Brief Summary B
Loka Extent Body Center Tala Extent Body Center
Satya Aries Head Atala Libra Hips
Action, Prime Initiator Partners, Responsive
Tapa Taurus Forehead Vitala Scorpio Thighs
Fertility, Possessions Critical, Passionate
Jana Gemini Throat Sutala Sagittarius Knees
Communication, Study Neck Truthful, Harsh
Mahar Cancer Heart Talatala Capricorn Shanks
Security, Feeling Practical, Management
Svarga Leo Navel Mahatala Aquarius Ankles
Expressive, Outgoing Planner, Partial
Bhuva Virgo Sacral Rasatala Pisces Over Foot
Conserving, Careful Appearance, Self
Bhu Libra Base of Spine Patala Aries Under Foot
Partners, Responsive Action, Prime Initiator

7. Table 3: Expanded Summary
Loka Body Center Quality Chakra (Wheel)
Satya Crown of Head Truth (No Change, Permanent) Sahasrara Chakra
Illumination, Awareness Understanding – Insight
It is a Plane of Reality, Truth filled Consciousness
with the silence and the bliss of the Situated in the limbic area, it
Spirit. Also called Brahmaloka; the represents the integration of all
realm of Sahasrara Chakra, it is the the chakras and all the aspects of
highest of the seven upper worlds. the Divine within us.
It is the inmost and closest to the Located at the top of the head, it
radiating spiritual center, and yet it is also called the crown chakra. It
extends its influence in, above, has 1000-petal lotus. It is also one
through, and beyond all the other of the major entry points of prana
inferior lokas. into the body.
Alphabet / Seed Sound It controls and energizes the
ॐ pineal gland, the brain and the
Om (AUM) hypothalamus. Hypothalamus is
the main coordinating center
between the endocrine and
nervous systems. Pineal gland is
known to regulate mating
behaviour, middle body
temperature and day-night
(wake-sleep) cycle.
Satyaloka followed by Tapaloka
and Janaloka comprise the
causal plane.
Subsequent three lokas i.e.
Maharloka, Svargaloka and
Bhuvaloka are the higher, middle
and lower astral planes. Bhuloka
is the physical plane.
Corresponding tala and nether
pole of Satyaloka is Atala (Hips).
Tapa Forehead Divine Sight Ajna Chakra
It is a Plane of Austerity, a world of Situated in the middle of the
virtue; realm of Ajna Chakra, the forehead, at the optic chiasm,
second highest of the seven upper where the channels of the subtle
worlds. system cross. It is located at the
area between the eyebrows. It has
The straight and narrow way 2-petal lotus.
leading to the Kingdom of God,
the state of thoughtless awareness. Forehead Chakra
It is known as the "world of the This is located at the center of the
seven sages ", and also "the realm forehead. It has 4-petal lotus
of penance ". which acts as projection and

8. Hypothalamus coordinates-controls receiving center to and from
and energizes the pituitary gland, astral and physical plane.
the endocrine glands and energizes
the brain to a certain extent. Ajna chakra is the “third eye,” the
center of divine sight and direct
Malfunctioning of the forehead cognition. Of its two “petals” or
chakra may result in the loss of facets, one is the ability to look
memory, paralysis and epilepsy. into the lower worlds or states of
mind and the other is the
Alphabet / Seed Sounds perception of the higher worlds,
Ajna Chakra or spiritual states, of
gÕ consciousness.
ha kśa
It, therefore, is the connecting
As this chakra controls the next link, allowing the awakened soul
lower chakra, the revised seed to relate the highest
sounds are as under: consciousness to the lowest in a
unified vision.
Ajna Chakra
va v“ Tapaloka is a devotion world,
am aħ contemplation world, because of
Forehead Chakra the intellectual entities popularly
(Antahakaran) considered to be sunken
gÕ=K profoundly in contemplative
devotion; the corresponding tala
ha kśa tra jna
being Vitala (Thighs).
Jana Neck Divine Love Vishudhi Chakra
Throat It is a Plane of Creativity, or of Situated in the neck and the
liberated mortals; realm of throat, this centre is in charge of
Vishudhi chakra, the third highest every aspect of communication
of the seven upper worlds. between human beings.
The world wherein the Munis are Universal or divine love is the
supposed to dwell after their faculty expressed by the Vishudhi
corporeal death. Also a terrestrial chakra. Whenever people feel
locality that is inhabited by filled with inexpressible love for
altruistic (unselfish) celibates. and kinship with all mankind,
all creatures large and small,
It is located at the center of the they are vibrating within the
throat. It has 16-petals lotus. sixteen-petaled Vishuddha.
From a physical point of view, it When deeply immersed in this
controls the cervical plexus; it state, there is no consciousness
governs the five senses and enables of being a person with emotions,
us to achieve the witness state. no consciousness of thoughts.
One is just being the light or
It controls and energizes the being fully aware of oneself as
throat, the thyroid glands, radiant force flowing through all
parathyroid glands, and lymphatic form. One may sometimes see
system and to a certain degree, light throughout the entirety of
also influences the sex chakra. the body.

9. Alphabet / Seed Sounds The exceptional soul who resides
अ आइ ई उ ऊ fully in this center is able for the
aāiiuū first time to withdraw awareness
totally into the spine, into
ऋ ॠ ऌ ॡ ए ऐ
sushumna, the central spiritual
ŕ e lŕ le e ai
current. Ultimately, he realizes
ओऔ that the inner being is the reality
o au of him-self.
va v“
am aħ The corresponding tala and
nether pole is Sutala (Knees).
As this chakra controls the next
lower chakra, the last two seed [Bali vadh in Ramayana is
sounds are replaced by: symbolic of withdrawing and
ट ठ retaining our consciousness
ťa ťha above knees thus overcoming
retaliatory jealousy within us.]
Mahar Heart Direct Cognition Anahata Chakra
It is a Plane of Greatness, Situated behind the sternum,
also called the Devaloka, and this where antibodies are produced to
fourth highest of the seven upper protect our subtle system.
worlds is the mental plane, realm of
Anahata Chakra. It is the higher The human body contains two
astral plane, the Plane of Balance. heart chakras, one located at the
center of the chest, called front
A region wherein dwell the Munis heart chakra, and the other
during Pralaya i.e. dissolution. Its located at the back of the heart,
sphere of influence is exoterically referred to as back heart chakra.
said to extend to the utmost limits
of the solar system. This chakra is the center of
perception and insight is often
It gives a sense of security, it referred to as “the lotus of the
controls the heart plexus. It has 12- heart.” Its 12 “petals” imply that
petal lotus. cognition can be expressed in
twelve distinct ways or through
The front heart chakra energizes as many masks or personae.
and controls the heart, the thymus
gland and the circulatory system. People abiding here are
generally well-balanced, content
Malfunctioning of the front heart and self-contained. They have a
chakra manifests as heart and deep understanding of human
circulatory ailments. nature, which brings effortless
tolerance and an innate ability to
The back heart chakra primarily help others, to resolve conflicts
controls and energizes the lungs and confusions.
and, to a lesser degree, the heart
and the thymus gland. Between ages 21 and 28,
perceptions deepen and
Malfunctioning of the back heart understanding matures for those
chakra is marked as lung problems who enter this chakra. Many
such as asthma, tuberculosis, and people regress back into reason
others. and memory. But, if awareness is

10. Alphabet / Seed Sounds mature, having incarnated many
क ख ग घ ङ times, and well-trained all
ka kha ga gha na through youth, the soul proceeds
smoothly into anahata
च छ ज झ ञ
consciousness.
ca cha ja jha na
ट ठ The corresponding tala and
ťa ťha nether pole is Talatala (Shanks,
Calves). Withdrawing and
As this chakra controls the next retaining our consciousness
lower chakra, the last two seed above calves is the only way to
sounds are replaced by: overcome stubbornness, greed,
प फ deceit, instinctive willfulness
pa pha and grasp of material world.
Svarga Navel Will Power Manipura Chakra
(Svar) It is a Celestial or Bright Plane, This chakra is located on the
the fifth highest of the seven upper navel and it affects the general
worlds (Heaven or mental plane), vitality of a person.
the mid-astral region (equated in
some texts with Svarga), realm of Spleen Chakra
Manipura Chakra. The front spleen chakra is located
on the left part of the abdomen
Heaven-world; the fifth counting between the front solar plexus
downwards of the seven lokas. chakra and the naval chakra.
Svargaloka is also exoterically said
to be a paradise situated on Mount Solar Plexus Chakra
Meru, “described geographically as The solar plexus chakra is also
‘passing through the middle of the referred to as the 'energy clearing
earth-globe, and protruding on house center', mainly because the
either side.' On its upper station are subtle energies from the lower
the gods, on the nether (or South chakras and from the higher
Pole) is the abode of the demons chakras pass through it. The
(hells)". whole body can be energized
through the solar plexus chakra.
Heaven is a plane of enjoyment
only. It is a place to reap the fruits Malfunctioning of this may
of one’s good Karmas done in the cause diabetes, ulcer, hepatitis,
earth-plane. One cannot do fresh heart ailments and other illness
Karmas there. One cannot attain related to the organs mentioned
Moksha or the final emancipation above.
from there. He will have to come
down to Bhuloka again for trying This chakra is represented in the
for his salvation. central nervous system by the
solar plexus, where all nerves
The sphere of influence of merge to form the “second
Svargaloka is said to reach to the brain.”
pole star. It is the seat of our
attention, and it transmits material Of its ten petals, five face up and
well-being and inner peace. five down. Correspondingly,
depending on how the energy is
Malfunctioning of the naval flowing, the forces of willpower

11. chakra results in constipation, from this chakra add power
appendicitis and difficulty in either to worldly consciousness
giving birth, low vitality and other or to spiritual consciousness.
intestine related diseases.
When awareness is confined to
The front and back spleen chakras the realms of memory, reason
control and energize the spleen. The and aggressive willpower, men
spleen purifies the blood of disease- and women are instinctive in
causing germs. It also destroys nature. They are quick to react
worn-out blood cells. and retaliate; quick to have their
feelings hurt and quick to pursue
The front and back solar plexus the conquest of others while
chakras control and energize the fearing their own defeat. In these
diaphragm, pancreas, liver, states of mind, the ego rises to its
stomach and to a certain extent greatest prominence, and
energize the large and small emotional experiences are
intestines, appendix, lungs, heart extremely intense.
and other parts of the body.
Young adults from 14 to 21
Alphabet / Seed Sounds discover willpower, willfulness
ड ढ ण and individuality as this chakra
da dha na unfolds.
त थ द ध न
Its corresponding tala and nether
ta tha da dha na
pole is Mahatala (Ankles).
प फ Withdrawing and retaining our
pa pha consciousness above ankles is
the only way to overcome
selfish, self-centered, corrupt
and possessive nature.
Bhuva Sacral Reason, Intellect Svadishthana Chakra
(Bhuvar) It is a Plane of Atmosphere, the This centre gravitates around the
sixth counting downwards of the Nabhi, providing support for its
seven upper worlds, realm of action and creating the area of the
Svadishthana Chakra, consisting of Void. This chakra is located on
the two astral regions closest to the the pubic area.
physical plane: Pitriloka, "world of
ancestors," (the upper region of Once the ability to remember
Bhuvaloka) and Pretaloka, "world has been established, the natural
of the departed," (the realm of the consequence is reason, and from
earth-bound souls. This lower reason evolves the intellect.
region of Bhuvaloka is an astral Reason is the manipulation of
duplicate of the physical world. memorized information. It has
six- petal lotus.
It is a world of development or
growth -- so called because it is one It is in this chakra that the
of the higher astral realms acting as majorities of people live, think,
one of the fields for the evolution of worry and travel on the astral
sentient beings. plane. We open naturally into this
chakra between ages 8 and 14.
Also known as Antariksha or astral
plane, the mid-region; the This center controls the

12. firmament or space between earth Muladhara, as does each
and heaven, the abode of apsaras progressively higher chakra
(nymphs), gandharvas (celestial controls those that lie below it.
musicians), and yakshas (nature
sprites of many types) along with The corresponding tala and
the mythical wish-granting cow of nether pole is Rasatala (Over
plenty, Kamadhenu. Foot).
It symbolizes the creative sense Withdrawing and retaining our
within us. It controls and energizes consciousness above ‘over the
the sexual organs and the bladder. foot’ is the only way to overcome
the absence of conscience (the
Alphabet / Seed Sounds sense of right and wrong that
ब भ म य र ल governs a person’s thoughts and
actions), and stealing nature in
ba bha ma ya ra la
us.
Bhu Base of Spine Memory, Time & Space Muladhara Chakra
(Bhur) It is our Earth World, the physical This chakra is located at the base
plane, the world perceived through of the spine or the coccyx area.
the five senses, also called the gross
plane, as it is the densest of the As memory center, it creates a
worlds. consciousness of time through
the powers of memory. It has 4-
The body of man is viewed as a petal lotus.
microcosm of the entire divine
creation. Microcosm refers to the This chakra is associated with
internal source of something larger human qualities of individuality,
or more external (macrocosm). The egoism, physicality (including
microcosm precedes the sexuality), materialism and
macrocosm. Thus, the guiding dominance.
principle of the Bhuloka comes
from the six higher lokas. A person lives predominantly in
Consciousness precedes physical this chakra during the first seven
form. years of life, acquiring language
skills, relationships and cultural
In the physical plane one gets ways.
knowledge of objects through the
five Jnana-Indriyas or organs of These are the seven lokas that
knowledge, viz., ear, skin, eye, interpenetrate. Each plane has its
tongue, and nose. own matter of an appropriate
degree of density, which
In the mental plane or heaven one interpenetrates the matter of the
does not hear, see and feel by plane next below it. The astral
separate and finite organs. One plane, or Bhuvaloka,
gets a Divya Chakshu or divine interpenetrates the earth plane
eye, an extraordinary new power and extends for some distance
or faculty. One can hear, see, feel beyond it. The mental plane
and know everything of an object interpenetrates the astral but also
instantaneously, through this new extends further into space than
mental eye. One gets an accurate does the latter.
and perfect knowledge of all
objects. One is not deceived or

13. misled by any external appearance. The vibrations of the astral world
There is no misunderstanding. are more rapid or quicker than
those of the physical plane. The
Bhuloka is at the base of the left vibrations of the mental plane are
channel. It controls the pelvic more rapid or quicker than those
plexus and gives innocence and of the astral plane. The vibrations
wisdom. of the Satyaloka are more rapid or
quicker than those of the mental
This controls, energizes and plane. In each plane the soul
strengths the whole visible physical develops a new and higher sense
body, especially the spine, the of power. When you pass from
production and the quality of blood one plane to another you do not
produced, the adrenal glands, the move in space. You simply
tissues of the body, the internal and change your consciousness. You
sexual organs. change your focus of
consciousness.
The corresponding tala and nether
pole is Patala (Under Foot). Withdrawing and retaining our
consciousness above ‘under the
Alphabet / Seed Sounds foot’ is the only way to overcome
व श ष स sense gratification, conceit,
malice, murder, and pull of
va śa śa sa
enchanting material world.
Tala Body Center Quality Chakra (Wheel)
Atala Hips Fear and Lust Wheel of the Bottomless
Put “Childless” Region
It is the Bottomless Region, the first The first lower chakra, located in
chakra below the Muladhara, the hips, governs the state of
centered in the hips. Region of fear mind called fear, which is truly a
and lust. Corresponds to the first bottomless abyss. Someone in this
sub-causal netherworld beneath the consciousness fears death, fears
earth's surface, called Put life, even fears God and other
("childless") or Atala, the first of people. This center is also the
the seven hellish regions of home of lust and promiscuity.
consciousness. Lust is a strong desire for sexual
gratification (and material things)
It is the nether pole of Satyaloka or a strong desire or drive.
and absence of Truth results in
fear at Atala. No place, no material locality; the
first and most spiritual of the
Atala is ruled by Bala - a son of seven talas, so nearly one with
Maya - who possesses mystical Satyaloka, its corresponding loka
powers. By one yawn, Bala created or pole that the two nearly
three types of women - svairinis conjoin into one.
("self-willed"), who like to marry
men from their own group; kaminis When consciousness of a man or
("lustful"), who marry men from woman enters Atala, a strong
any group, and the pumscalis field of lust, it induces sexual
("whorish"), who keep changing energy in both and they enjoy
their partners. sexual play and forget impending
death.

14. Vitala Thighs Anger, Resentment Wheel of Negative Region
Avichi “Joyless” Here anger predominates, and
It is the Region of Negation, region burning resentment. Anger
of raging anger and viciousness. comes from despair, confusion,
The second chakra below the frustration or lack of
Muladhara, centered in the thighs. understanding. People in the
Corresponds to the second sub- consciousness of this chakra,
causal netherworld beneath the centered in the thighs, are always
earth's surface, called Avichi wrathful, mad at the world, even
("joyless") or Vitala. angry at God.
Vitala is ruled by the god Hara- It is the Better Place, i.e., better for
Bhava - a form of Shiva, who dwells matter, in that its substance is
with attendant ganas including more material or differentiated
ghosts and goblins as the master of than Atala which precedes it; the
gold mines. The residents of this second on the descending scale of
realm are adorned with gold from the seven talas, corresponding to
this region. Tapaloka.
Sutala Knees Retaliatory Jealousy Wheel of Great Depth
Samhata “Abandoned” This chakra, found in the knees,
It is the Great Depth, region of governs jealousy, wanting what
obsessive jealousy and retaliation. one can’t have. Jealousy is a
The third chakra below the feeling of inadequacy,
Muladhara, centered in the knees. inferiority and helplessness.
Corresponds to the third sub-causal People in Sutala consciousnesses
netherworld beneath the earth's covet everything, often deny the
surface, called Samhata existence of God and are
("abandoned") or Sutala. contentiously combative.
Sutala is the kingdom of the pious It is the Good Place, i.e., still
demon king Bali. better for matter; the third
counting downwards of the
seven talas, corresponding to
Janaloka.
Talatala Shanks Prolonged Mental Confusion Wheel of the Lower Region
(Calves) Tamisra “Darkness” Prolonged confusion dominates
It is the Lower Region, the fourth here, giving rise to instinctive
chakra below the Muladhara, willfulness: to get rather than
centered in the calves. Region of give, to push others around and
chronic mental confusion and pursue materialistic advancement
unreasonable stubbornness. over all else. Greed and deceit
Corresponds to the fourth prevail in this dog-eat-dog state
netherworld (and first sub-astral) of mind, centered in the calves.
beneath the earth's surface, called
Tamisra ("darkness") or Talatala. Talatala is the realm of the
demon-architect Maya, who is
This state of consciousness is born well-versed in sorcery.
of the sole motivation of self-
preservation. It is nether pole of Maharloka
and it is the first tala where
matter takes form.

15. Mahatala Ankles Selfishness, Self-centeredness Wheel of Subterranean
Corruption and Possessiveness Region
Rijisha “Expelled” This chakra of the ankles is the
It is the Subterranean Region, the true home of the animal nature.
fifth chakra below the Muladhara, Unmitigated selfishness prevails,
centered in the ankles. Corresponds of seeing to the well-being of
to the fifth netherworld (and second “number one” first. The suffering
sub-astral) beneath the earth's of others is of no concern.
surface, called Rijisha ("expelled") Jealousy, anger and fear are
or Mahatala. Region of corruption, intense, even high, states of
selfishness, self-centered and consciousness.
possessive nature.
Vedas describe corruption as
The fifth counting downwards of hydra headed. Its heads are
the seven talas, its corresponding bribery, exploitative profit,
loka or pole being Svargaloka. The vested interest, selfish desires,
talas from this point become treachery, sycophancy,
rapidly more material. It officiousness, wickedness, and
corresponds to the hierarchies of hypocrisy.
rupa- or sight-devas, possessed of
three senses: hearing, touch, and Hydra is a mythological monster
sight. The state of this tala with nine heads, each of which,
corresponds in man on earth with when struck off, is replaced by
an artificial state of consciousness, two new ones.
such as that produced by
hypnotism or drugs. Bribery is door through which
all sins enter and join the river
Mahatala is the abode of many- of corruption, which flows in the
hooded Nagas (serpents) - the sons human mind, senses and sense
of Kadru, headed by the Krodhavasha organs of the gross body. This
(Irascible) band of Kuhaka, results in diminishing the
Taksshaka, Kaliya and Sushena. discerning power of mind to
They live here with their families in distinguish between right and
peace but always fear Garuda, the wrong, virtuous and non-
eagle-man. virtuous conduct and values.
Tamasic guna of passivity,
Cause of corruption is deceitful dullness, ignorance becomes
lust and corruptible things on this predominant and the person is
earth are gold, silver etc. Bribe forced to lead an artificial life of
blinds the eyes of the wise and fun and frolic, eat drink and be
twists the words of righteous. merry, by ignoring the laws of
God described as Rta in the
Buddha had said that consciousness Vedas.
of gross body dims the eye of the
mind that leads to germination of Corruption is a disease which
the evil of corruption in all its goes on increasing with all
forms. This is the origin of all material treatment and makes the
illusion. power of soul and human spirit
weaker and weaker.
Corruption spreads from father to
the offspring, teachers to pupils, Rig Veda 2-2-12 makes it very
false prophets to their followers, clear that persons who acquire

16. buyer to a seller and vice versa and material wealth and property
so on, until the entire society is through righteous, honest and
corrupted. unquestionable means on the
path of Rta, Dharma and Satya
The nine kinds of hydra headed get good and virtuous progeny of
corruption enter the gross body sons and daughters. Those who
through five senses, five sense acquire wealth through corrupt
organs, and outward instinctive means suffer miseries and face
mind. It becomes vehement and gloom through their children.
extremely uncontrollable with the
predominance of tamasic guna of The worst thing about corruption
impurity and passivity. is that it distorts the concept of
knowledge. The weakness of the
Corruption and extreme outward looking mind,
materialism can turn the mighty incompetence, lack of integrity
into weak. owing to excessive desire of
sensual pleasure, material
Mahatala is nether pole of wealth and other psychic
Svargaloka. conditions are the real causes of
falsehood, evils and corruption.
Rasatala Foot Absence of Conscience Wheel of the Great Lower
Kudmala “Leprous” Region (Ignorance)
It is the Vast Netherworld, the sixth This is the realm of
(and third sub-astral) beneath the consciencelessness, or inner
earth’s surface called Kudmala blindness to the effect of one’s
(“leprous”) or Rasatala. Region of actions, of negativity and deep
consciencelessness. depression. Those living in this
chakra of the feet steal freely,
The sixth in the descending scale of taking what they justify as theirs
the seven talas. The corresponding anyway, feeling that the world
loka or pole is Bhuvaloka. Among “owes them a living.”
other things it corresponds to the
elemental beings that are Rasatala is the home of the
connected with taste, and therefore demons - Danavas and Daityas,
includes the state of consciousness who are mighty but cruel. They
appertaining to this class. are the eternal foes of Devas (the
gods). They live in holes like
It is next to the grossest of the serpents.
cosmic spheres or realms; the
grossest or most material of all The intensity of “hell” begins at
being Patala. this deep level.
Patala Under Foot Murder & Malice Wheel of the Fallen or Sinful
Kakola “Black Poison” Level
It is the Fallen or Sinful Region, the Here, in the soles of the feet, is
seventh chakra below the the abode of destructiveness,
Muladhara, centered in the soles of revenge, and murder for the sake
the feet. Corresponds to the seventh of murder, torture and hatred
and lowest (material) netherworld expressed through harming the
beneath the earth's surface, called properties, minds, emotions and
Kakola ("black poison") or Patala. bodies of others. Hatred and
This is the realm in which scorn abide here. Malice reigns
misguided souls indulge in

17. destruction for the sake of supreme. Reason seldom reaches
destruction, of torture, and of this state of mind.
murder for the sake of murder.
Malice is ill will; desire or intent
Nethermost, farthest underneath; to do harm to another, generally
the reference being not so much to without conscience.
locality or position in space, as to
quality - grossness, heaviness, or Patala, from one aspect,
material substance. The seventh, corresponds to the lower
lowest, and most material tala. The hierarchies of the Gandha,
state of this tala corresponds to the elementals ruling the sense and
consciousness of most humans on organ of smell. This lowest tala is
earth. the sphere of irrational beings,
including animals, having little
The Hindu rishi Narada is said to or no sense or feeling save that
have descended in bygone times of self-preservation and the
into the regions of Patala, and to gratification of the senses -
have been delighted with what he attributes of materiality which
found there. On his return to the includes a vast number of the
celestial regions, he gave to the human species.
gods a glowing account of the
beauties of the hells, stating that Patala is also the sphere of
they abounded in everything intensely human as contrasted
ministering to luxury and with human-spiritual beings,
sensuous delight. and is likewise the abode of the
animal dugpas, elementals of
For precisely these reasons, Patala animals, and multitudes of
as the lowest of the talas has been nature spirits, all belonging to
called the infernal regions or hell. the bipolar planes of bhuloka-
To beings evolving in the spheres patala.
of matter, these spheres are
extremely pleasant despite the Dugpa is one devoted wholly to
inherent pain and suffering (of self. The beasts of Dugpas have
being away from the real source of nothing but the animal in them,
life) that invariably accompany and even when they awaken the
sojourn in all sub-astral spheres, highest spirituality in them; it is
which the talas are. the spirituality of the beast where
there is nothing but vile, selfish
It is the region of the Nagas, ruled instinct.
by Vasuki. Here live several Nagas
with many hoods. Each of their The corresponding loka or pole is
hoods is decorated by a jewel, Bhuloka. Meru - the abode of the
whose light illuminates this realm. gods - was placed in the North
Pole, while Patala, the nether
What the evolving entities lose in region, was supposed to lie in the
spiritual power, intellectual bliss, South. Meru and Patala are the
and higher faculty, is compensated two poles, the ‘Mountain’ and the
for by the attachments and bonds ‘Pit’ or ‘Heaven’ or ‘Hell’.
of a sensuous character, tying them
temporarily to these realms.

18. Explanation and Summary of Tables 1, 2, and 3
Loka-tala description above is the vertical disposition of the universe as seen from Bhuloka.
From the vertical disposition we note that God has created this universe in three layers:
First Layer: Satyaloka (Plane of Reality, Truth) is the spiritual plane (matter dormant), with
concept and desire of God to create, and carries the seed of creation. It is followed by Tapaloka,
Divine Light (Plane of Austerity, Virtue) to project the concept on Janaloka, Divine Love (Plane
of Creativity). It is like CCTV i.e. Concept, Carry by Light, and finally Telecast and View.
The first layer as a whole is the Causal World, the Seed World and its attribute is Satogun
(Goodness – beneficial to all creatures in the world; Joy, nobility, enlightenment, happiness,
contentment, equability, satisfaction; Disposition for faith, forgiveness, courage, truth,
straightforwardness; Absence of stinginess, fear, wrath, malice, cleverness, prowess; etc.). When
Satogun prevails it helps in invoking our Understanding – Insight.
These are formless regions which have been given form in the lokas to follow. The next three
planes are the reflection of the upper three planes.
Second Layer: Maharloka (Plane of Greatness, Balance) is reflection of Satyaloka with the
power of direct cognition. It is followed by Svargaloka, Will Power (Plane of Brightness, Light,
and Shining Bodies) as reflection of Tapaloka to project the concept on Bhuvaloka, Reason –
Intellect (Plane of Atmosphere).
The second layer as a whole is the Astral World, the Activity World and its attribute is
Rajogun (Passion – Injuring others, beauty, toil, pleasure and pain, cold and heat; War, peace,
arguments, dissatisfaction, endurance, might, valour, pride, wrath, exertion, quarrel, jealousy,
malice, battle; Sense of Mine-ness, protection of others, slaughter, bonds, and affliction; Buying
and Selling, fierceness, cruelty; Pointing out fault of others, thoughts entirely devoted to
worldly affairs; Anxiety, animosity, false speech, hesitancy or doubts, praise and criticism;
Thirst, desire, possessions, grief, vows and regulations; Treachery, deception, respect and
disrespect, theft, killing, desire of concealment; Vexation, wakefulness, ostentation, haughtiness,
attachment, devotion, exultation, gambling and drinking; Indulgence in Scandal, all relations
arising out of women; Actions with expectation of good results, study, teaching, making of gifts,
acceptance of gifts, rites of expiation, auspicious acts, performance of sacrifices and
participating in such acts, diverse acts of public charity; etc.).
Rajogun incites us for activity but it does not offer any guidance. Bhuvaloka is the astral
duplicate of the physical world.
Third Layer: Bhuloka, Earth World, is the physical plane which is a mixture of spirit and
matter and its attribute is Tamogun (Darkness, Delusion – Ignorance, illiberality, indecision in
respect of action; Sleep, haughtiness, fear, cupidity, grief, censure of good acts, loss of memory;
Un-ripeness of judgment, absence of faith, violation of all rules of conduct, want of
discrimination, blindness, vileness of behaviour; Boastful assertions of performance when there
is no performance; Presumption of knowledge in ignorance, hostility, evilness of disposition,
stupid reasoning, crookedness; Incapacity for association, sinful action, senselessness, stolidity,
lassitude, absence of self-control, degradation; etc.).

19. Tamogun - Darkness is known to have the night (or obscurity) for its essence. It is otherwise
called Delusion. It has unrighteousness (or sin) also for its indication, and it is always
present in all sinful acts.
Soul as life was encased in eighty four lakhs (eight point four million) species to inhabit
three astral worlds, physical world, and seven talas below Bhuloka.
Embodied souls in the astral and sub-astral worlds; gods, devas, apsaras (nymphs),
gandharvas (celestial musicians), yakshas (nature spirits of many types), and demons with their
seats at Heart, Navel, and Sacral and corresponding talas; with their prime quality of passion
push the embodied souls in Bhuloka to activity. The embodied souls of the astral and sub-
astral worlds cannot invoke higher causal worlds being limited due to their prime quality of
activity and they have to take birth as humans to invoke higher worlds and seek liberation.
Humans along with other animate forms were placed at Bhuloka. Demons, goblins, ghosts,
and all other lower forms of embodied life inhabit the underworld of talas.
Of all the animate forms only humans have been given the privilege to break open the shell
of “the world-egg of God” and thus free themselves from their embodied form. Bhuloka is
the ideal plane and only humans can ascend to higher lokas by right conduct or descend to the
underworld by wrong conduct. It depends upon the choices we make as human-spiritual
beings while placed at Bhuloka. Right activity at Bhuloka under the guidance of a fully
realized and duly authorized teacher will lead us to Inactivity, which is one of the attributes
of soul, and finally towards the much sought liberation.
As primal command of God we were sent to experience His creation and now our
accumulated experience is the main hindrance to break free from our embodied status and in
realization of self, Self and God. Our accumulated experience in all lives as humans, our
sanskaras, push us down from higher lokas to physical plane or underworld and we remain
embodied in various forms in the astral, physical, and the underworld.
Thirst (trishna) is the reason why the ego seeks reincarnation. It is the blind thirst for
manifested life, the desire to find some region where the ego can express itself. Until the
realisation of Brahman is reached, there must always be trishna. When a man has assimilated all
that he has acquired, and made it part of himself, then trishna will arise and drive him out to
seek new experiences.
Trishna is the thirst for the things which the human ego formerly knew, and which it wills
and desires to know again — things familiar and akin to it from past experiences — which
draws the intermediate nature or human ego of man back again to incarnation in earth-life. It is
attracted anew to what is to it old and familiar worlds and scenes; it thirsts for the manifested
life comprising them, for the things which it formerly made akin to itself; and thus is it attracted
back to those spheres which it left at some preceding period of its evolutionary journey through
them, when death overtook it.
Its attraction to return to earth is naught but an operation of a law of nature. Here the
intermediate nature or human ego sowed the seeds of thought and of action in past lives, and

20. here therefore must it of necessity reap their fruits. It cannot reap where it has not sown, as is
obvious enough. It never goes whither it is not attracted or drawn.
These seeds of former thoughts and acts, of former emotions, desires, loves, hates, yearnings,
and aspirations, each one of such begins to make itself felt as an urge earthwards, towards the
spheres and planes in which they are native, and where they naturally grow and expand and
develop. In this our present life also, all of us are setting in motion causes in thought and in
action which will bring us back to this earth in the distant future. We shall then reap the
harvest of the seeds of thought and action that we are in this present life planting in the fields of
our human nature.
The 4-petal lotus of Forehead Chakra is the lowest chakra of Astral World that oversees the
working of human body and is known as the Antahkaran or Inner Mind. As manas it receives
input from the senses of perception, as chitta it is memory of our entire activity not only in
current life but all previous lives, as buddhi it is intellect – knowledge acquired through senses in
current life, and as ahankar it is ego and executing authority. This 4-petal lotus of Inner Mind has
correspondence with the 4-petal lotus of Bhuloka at the base of spine which is also called the
Outgoing Instinctive Mind. If we do not check this Outgoing Instinctive Mind by Reason,
Intellect; we are bound to descend to the underworld – talas.
Sub-Causal Planes: Human beings placed at Bhuloka are surrounded by lust and fear of
Atala situated at Hips. Fear leads us towards Ignorance (Moh) and Lust (Kama) as strong
desire for sex and material things leads us to the next lower region Vitala situated at Thighs
comprising of Anger (Krodh) and burning Resentment that builds up due to unfulfilled desires.
Indulgence in Anger and Resentment leads us to the next lower region Sutala situated at the
Knees comprising of Retaliatory Jealousy and Covetousness. This completes the sub-causal set
of nether poles of the top three lokas.
Lust otherwise as a strong desire can be used by us at Bhuloka to know our Creator but we
always miss this opportunity as our consciousness remains engrossed in malice, sense
gratification, conceit, pride, wrath, jealousy, greed, deceit, selfishness, corruption, and above
all ignorance.
We are always busy converting life as consciousness into matter (without conscience) seeking
security in gold, silver, diamonds and other bhuloka associations and possessions which are all
temporary and will be taken away from us at the time of death. Such consciousness after life as
a human at Bhuloka ensures our descent to talas and we keep on missing the golden
opportunity of ascending to higher lokas.
We fail to understand that for a graduate / post-graduate / or doctorate degree in a limited
field of some physical science we spend twenty to thirty years of our prime life-time reading
books, going to schools, colleges, universities seeking guidance of various experts / adepts in
that field. But in case of Spiritual Science which is the mother of all sciences and without
reading even one scripture and sincerely reflecting over what is written there for our benefit,
and without seeking any guidance from a spiritual adept, we feel that we know everything
and what we are doing is right and the best. To seek spiritual knowledge we have to devote
time and make sincere effort as we do to learn any physical science but most fail to do so.

21. This is Ignorance and speaking on the method to attain liberation Lord Rama advises Hanuman
in Muktiko-Upanishad, “So long as you are without a mind of (true) discrimination and are
not a knower of the Supreme Seat, so long should you follow whatever has been decided by
the teacher and the authorities of the sacred books.”
For best education in physical sciences, we look for the best institutions and the best teachers
and we have to pay the best price. But in Spiritual Science the best teacher is one who imparts
the highest knowledge without any charge. If you have to pay even a penny to gain spiritual
knowledge, you have not yet found a true teacher.
Sub-Astral Planes: Nether pole of Maharloka generates Greed (Lobh) and Grasping as
cognition of material world commences from here and we are led to the next lower region
Talatala at Shanks (Calves) which is the home for Instinctive Willfulness, Stubbornness, Greed,
Deceit and Grasp of material world. Indulgence in Greed and Deceit with Instinctive Mind not
checked by Reason / Intellect leads us to the next lower region Mahatala situated at the Ankles
comprising of Selfishness, Possessiveness and Corruption and indulgence in corruption leads to
complete absence of Reason / Intellect and Ignorance (Moh) prevails at Rasatala situated ‘over
the foot’. This completes the sub-astral set of nether poles of the three astral lokas.
Material Plane: The sub-causal and the sub-astral planes (nether poles of causal and astral
lokas) oversee the working of the lowest material plane Patala. It is a material world (spirit
dormant) and home for embodied souls with consciousness engaged in malice, murder, sense
gratification, and ego (Ahankar). For embodied souls there is no problem here but it is a
temporary sojourn, subject to change and impermanent.
The Bhagavata Purana calls the seven lower regions bila-svargas ("subterranean heavens") and
they are regarded as planets or planetary systems below the earth. These regions are described
as being more opulent than the upper regions of the universe, which include heaven. The life
here is of pleasure, wealth and luxury, with no distress. The natural beauty of Patala is said
to surpass that of the upper realms. There is no sunlight in the lower realms, but the darkness
is dissipated by the shining of the jewels that the residents of Patala wear. There is no old age,
no sweat, and no disease in Patala.
The sage Narada paid a visit to these regions and on his return to the skies gave a glowing
account of them, declaring them to be far more delightful than Indra’s heaven, and abounding
with every kind of luxury and sensual gratification. In this place the good-looking daughters of
the Daityas and Danavas wander about, fascinating even the most austere. In Patala the sons of
Daityas and Danavas are happy in the enjoyment of delicious foods and strong wines.
As human beings at Bhuloka, if we intend to seek liberation, we have to withdraw our
consciousness step wise from under the foot, over the foot, ankles, calves, knees, thighs and
hips and hold it at the base of spine. Then we have to work our way up to sacral, navel, heart,
throat, ajna (third eye), and then to crown of head and beyond. This has to be achieved while
living in human form at Bhuloka.
With our best efforts, we can at the most ascend to Svargaloka (Navel) but it is a temporary
sojourn and when the allotted time for our good deeds is over, we will be pushed out and

22. our past experience in seed form will determine our next birth. Similarly, when the allotted
time for our bad deeds is over, we will be pushed out of hells and our past experience in seed
form will determine our next birth.
This cycle of birth, death and rebirth and the embodied state of the soul will never end
unless we practice Surat- Shabad Yoga (conscious union with the creative power) for a long
time while living as a human being on Bhuloka through well-conducted deliberation and
truth under the guidance of a spiritual adept.
If the teacher has realization of only sub-astral or sub-causal planes, he cannot take us to
Bhuvaloka or higher planes of consciousness. Similarly, if the teacher has realization up to say
Maharloka, he cannot take us beyond to higher causal worlds. In case we are looking for
absolute liberation, we must seek a teacher who has realization beyond Satyaloka.
We cannot find a truly liberated teacher with our intellect. We must seek help of God with a
strong desire above all other desires to know our Creator. The maxim is, “When the pupil is
ready, the Master appears.” Depending upon the nature of our desire i.e. for things created
(not-self) or the power that works behind creation (self) we shall be led to a suitable teacher. So,
desire from God for His Understanding so that we can know Him while living and make best
use of our sojourn at Bhuloka. Remember there are no guarantees after death. So, achieve
whatever you have to while living.
Spiritual Body or Cosmic Form continued:
• Meru is situated in the triangle; Mandrachal in the lower angle; Kailas and Vas in
the southern angle; Himachal, in the north-west angle. Nishadh is in the upper lines
Gandhamadan in the lines on the right; Ramnachal in the lines on the left. These are
the seven great mountains.
• Jambudweep is in the place of the bones; Plakshadweep (Gomed) in the mass of
hair; the Shalmalidweep is in the skin; Kushadweep is situated in the flesh; the
Kronchdweep in the nerves; Shakdweep is situated in the marrow; and
Pushkardweep in the place of the nails.
• Now listen to the oceans that surround these islands (dweeps). Know that in the
urine of Virat Purush, is the Khara Ocean (saline water); the Rasa (sugarcane, Ikshu)
Ocean in the juices; the Sura (wine) Ocean in the phlegm; the Ghee (clarified butter)
Ocean in the marrow; the Dadhi (emulsified yogurt) Ocean in the blood; and the
Ksheer (milk, dugdha) Ocean in the milk. O son of Vinta! In the soft palate know it
to be the Sweet (fresh water) Ocean.
• The sun is situated in the Nada chakra; the moon is in the Bindu chakra; Mars is
situated in the eyes; and Mercury is in the heart of Virat Purush. Jupiter is in the
Vishnu Sthan – Nabhigol; Venus is situated in the seed; Saturn is in the navel; and
Rahu in the mouth. Ketu is situated in the lungs; -- thus in that Virat Body is the
circle of the planets.

23. Description of Earth-Universe (Svargaloka-Bhuvaloka-Bhuloka)
The above four paragraphs give an overview of our Earth-Universe (Bhu-Mandala) comprising
of three lower lokas i.e. Bhuloka, Bhuvaloka, and Svargaloka complete with the mountains,
islands, oceans, suns, and planets. These have been described in Vishnu Puran, Bhagavat Puran,
Agni Puran and Mahabharata. The extent of God’s creation is limitless and it cannot be
understood even in hundreds of years of life. That is why a description of the names, form,
measurement and characteristics of this Earth-Universe only has been given in these Puranas.
The description of higher four lokas i.e. Maharloka, Janaloka, Tapaloka, and finally Satyaloka is
beyond human comprehension and can only be known by actual experience / realization
within.
How big this Universe of fourteen spiritual planes is can be imagined from the life span of
Brahma? The total duration of the four yugas is 4,320,000 years, and when that is multiplied a
thousand times, it equals twelve hours in the life of Brahma. Therefore we cannot factually
comprehend even twelve hours of Brahma's life, to say nothing of the one hundred years that
constitute his entire lifetime, which works out to 311.04 trillion human years. How, then, can we
understand his abode?
Lord Brahma's abode is practically indescribable from our present status. What can we talk
about Satyaloka, which is situated 233.90 millions yojanas away from Bhuloka? (According to
saints like Kabir, Guru Nanak, Dadu, Paltu, Ravi Das, Sheikh Farid, Rumi and many more;
our real home is much beyond Satyaloka).
Every demigod has his own abode in our Earth-Universe. Indra, the King of the demigods, has
his own abode, as do Candra, the lord of the moon planet, and Surya, the predominating deity
of the sun planet. There are many millions of demigods, and the stars and planets are their
respective homes. Those who worship the demigods go to their different planetary systems. The
life span of demigods is 36,000 human years.
Materialists who want quick results in the material world worship demigods. Those who desire
beautiful wives, substantial wealth and many sons worship the demigods, but an intelligent
devotee desires to know only his Creator – God.
Priyavrata was son of Svayambhuva Manu and grandson of Lord Brahma and he ruled the
Earth-Universe for eleven arbudas of years. One arbuda consists of 100,000,000 years, and
Priyavrata ruled the universe for eleven such arbudas.
Planets in outer space are called islands. Priyavrata divided our Earth-Universe (Bhu-Mandala)
sphere into seven islands with their mountains, rivers, forests, hills and planetary systems and
separated their boundaries by oceans of equal size. In the Gayatri mantra, we chant, Om bhur
bhuvah svah tat savitur varenyam. Above the Bhuloka (bhur) planetary system is Bhuvaloka
(bhuvah), and above that is Svargaloka (svah), the heavenly planetary system. All these
planetary systems are controlled by Savita, the sun-god.
The names of the islands are - Jambu, Plaksh, Shalmali, Kush, Kronch, Shak, and Pushkar.
Each island is twice as large as the one preceding it and each is surrounded by a liquid
substance, beyond which is the next island.

24. The ocean in each planetary system has a different type of liquid. The seven oceans respectively
contain salt water, sugarcane juice, liquor, clarified butter, milk, emulsified yogurt, and sweet
drinking water. All the islands are completely surrounded by these oceans, and each ocean is
equal in breadth to the island it surrounds. Jambudweep is the smallest and lowest of these
islands and its breadth is 100,000 yojana. One yojana equals nine miles and therefore the
breadth of the first island is calculated to be 900,000 miles.
To stop the quarreling among different peoples, Priyavrata marked boundaries at rivers and at
the edges of mountains and forests so that no one would trespass upon another's property. As
indicated here, different classes of men are destined to live in different areas; Priyavrata divided
the surface of the globe (earth-universe) into different islands so that each class of men would
live peacefully and not clash with the others. For example, the Naisada race was given a place in
the forest because by nature they are thieves and rogues. As animals are given places in various
forests and hills, men who are like animals are also destined to live there.
1. Jambudweep and the Earth
Bhu-Mandala is like a lotus flower, and its seven islands are compared to the whorl of the lotus.
The place known as Jambudweep is in the middle of that whorl. It is 100,000 yojanas (1 yojana =
9 miles) large and this is round like a lotus leaf. There are nine divisions (Varsh) of this island.
These Varsh are divided by eight mountains. In the center of this is the Ilaavrit Varsh. It is
surrounded by salty water sea which is also 100,000 yojanas large.
In the middle of this Ilaavrit Varsh, there is a mountain known as Sumeru, which is made of
solid gold. The height of this mountain is 84,000 yojanas, of which 16,000 yojanas are below the
earth. Its width is estimated to be 32,000 yojanas at its summit and 16,000 yojanas at its foot.
This king of mountains, Sumeru, is the support of the planet earth.
Just north of Ilaavrit Varsh and going further northward, one after another, there are three
mountains named Neel, Shwet, and Shringvaan. These mark the borders of the three Varshas
named Ramyak, Hiranmaya and Kuru and separate them from one another. The width of these
mountains is 2,000 yojanas. Lengthwise, they extend east and west to the beaches of the ocean of
salt water. Going from south to north, the length of each mountain is one tenth that of the
previous mountain, but the height of them all is the same.
Similarly, south of Ilaavrit Varsh and extending from east to west, there are three great
mountains named (from north to south) Nishadh, Hemkoot, and Himalaya. They are also
spread east-west and are 10,000 yojanas high each. They are the boundaries of Hari Varsh,
Kimpurush Varsh and Bharat Varsh (India).
In the east and west of Ilaavrit there are two mountains - up to north is Gandhamadan and up
to south is Maalyavaan. These two mountains, which are 2,000 yojanas high, extend as far as
Neel Mountain in the north and Nishadh in the south. They indicate borders of Ilaavrit Varsh
and also the two Varshas known as Bhadraashwa and Ketumaal.
Surrounding Sumeru Mountain are four mountains known as Mandrachal, Merumandar,
Supaarshwa, and Kumud mountains, 10,000 yojanas high and wide each, as the base of Meru
Parvat. Standing like flagstaffs on the summits of these four mountains are a mango tree, a rose

25. apple tree, a kadamba tree and a banyan tree. Those trees are calculated to have a width of 100
yojanas and a height of 1,100 yojanas. Their branches also spread to a radius of 1,100 yojanas.
Between these four mountains are four huge lakes full of milk, honey, sugarcane juice and pure
water respectively. These lakes can fulfill all desires. The celestial beings such as the Siddhas,
Caranas and Gandharvas, who are also known as demigods, enjoy the facilities of those four
lakes.
There are also gardens named Nandana, Citraratha, Vaibhrajaka, and Sarvatobhadra. The best
of the demigods, along with their wives, who are like ornaments of heavenly beauty, meet
together and enjoy within those gardens, while their glories are sung by lesser demigods known
as Gandharvas.
On the lower slopes of Mandara Mountain is a mango tree named Devacuta. It is 1,100 yojanas
high. Mangoes as big as mountains peaks and as sweet as nectar, fall from the top of this tree for
the enjoyment of the denizens of heaven.
When all those solid fruits fall from such a height, they break, and the sweet, fragrant juice
within them flows out and becomes increasingly more fragrant as it mixes with other scents.
That juice cascades from the mountain in waterfalls and becomes a river called Arunoda, which
flows pleasantly through the eastern side of Ilavrta.
Similarly, the fruits of the jambu tree, which are full of pulp and have very small seeds, fall from
a great height and break to pieces. Those fruits are the size of elephants, and the juice gliding
from them becomes a river named Jambu-nadi. This river falls a distance of 10,000 yojanas, from
the summit of Merumandar to the southern side of Ilavrta, and floods the entire land of Ilavrta
with juice. The mud on both banks of the River Jambu-nadi, being moistened by the flowing
juice and then dried by the air and the sunshine, produces huge quantities of gold called Jambu-
nada. The denizens of heaven use this gold for various kinds of ornaments. Therefore all the
inhabitants of the heavenly planets and their youthful wives are fully decorated with golden
helmets, bangles and belts, and thus they enjoy life.
On the side of Supaarshwa Mountain stands a big tree called Mahakadamba, which is very
celebrated. From the hollows of this tree flow five rivers of honey, each about five vyamas
(about 40 feet) wide. This flowing honey falls incessantly from the top of Supaarshwa Mountain
and flows all around Ilavrta-Varsh, beginning from the western side. Thus the whole land is
saturated with the pleasing fragrance. The air carrying the scent from the mouths of those who
drink that honey perfumes the land for a hundred Yojanas around.
Similarly, on Kumud Mountain there is a great banyan tree, which is called Satavalsa because it
has a hundred main branches. From those branches come many roots, from which many rivers
are flowing. These rivers flow down from the top of the mountain to the northern side of
Ilavrta-Varsh for the benefit of those who live there. Because of these flowing rivers, all the
people have ample supplies of milk, yogurt, honey, clarified butter, molasses, food grains,
clothes, bedding, sitting places and ornaments. All the objects they desire are sufficiently
supplied for their prosperity, and therefore they are very happy.

26. There are other mountains beautifully arranged around the foot of Mount Meru like the
filaments around the whorl of a lotus flower. Their names are Kuranga, Kurara, Kusumbha,
Vaikanka, Trikuta, Sisira, Patanga, Rucaka, Nisadha, Sinivasa, Kapila, Sankha, Vaidurya,
Jarudhi, Hamsa, Rsabha, Naga, Kalanjara and Narada.
On the eastern side of Sumeru Mountain are two mountains named Jathara and Devakuta,
which extend to the north and south for 18,000 yojanas. Similarly, on the western side of
Sumeru are two mountains named Pavana and Pariyatra, which also extend north and south for
the same distance. On the southern side of Sumeru are two mountains named Kailasa and
Karavira, which extend east and west for 18,000 yojanas, and on the northern side of Sumeru,
extending for the same distance east and west, are two mountains named Trisrnga and Makara.
The width and height of all these mountains is 2,000 yojanas. Sumeru, a mountain of solid gold
shining as brilliantly as fire, is surrounded by these eight mountains.
In the middle of the summit of Meru is the township of Lord Brahma. Each of its four sides is
calculated to extend for ten million yojanas. It is made entirely of gold, and therefore learned
scholars and sages call it Satakaumbhi.
Surrounding Brahmapuri in all directions are the residences of the eight principal governors of
the planetary systems, beginning with King Indra. These abodes are similar to Brahmapuri but
are one fourth the size.
1A: Ruler of Jambudweep and its Nature
Agnidhra, son of Priyavrata, became the ruler of Jambudweep. Desiring to get a perfect son
and become an inhabitant of Pitriloka, Agnidhra once worshiped Lord Brahma, the master of
those in charge of material creation. He went to a valley of Mandrachal Hill, where the damsels
of the heavenly planets come down to stroll, there he engaged in severe austerities and worship.
Understanding his desire, Lord Brahma sent a celestial girl named Purvacitti to Agnidhra's
hermitage. After dressing herself very attractively, she presented herself before him with
various feminine movements, and Agnidhra was naturally attracted to her. The girl's actions,
expressions, smile, sweet words and moving eyes were fascinating to him.
Agnidhra was expert in flattery. Thus he attracted the celestial girl, who was pleased to accept
him as her husband because of his mellifluous words. She enjoyed royal happiness with
Agnidhra for many years before returning to her abode in the heavenly planets.
In her womb Agnidhra begot nine sons -- Nabhi, Kimpurusa, Harivarsa, Ilavrta, Ramyaka,
Hiranmaya, Kuru, Bhadrasva and Ketumala. He gave them nine islands with names
corresponding to theirs. Agnidhra, however, his senses unsatisfied, was always thinking of his
celestial wife, and therefore in his next life he was born in her celestial planet.
A beautiful woman's movements and gestures, her hair and the structure of her breasts, hips
and other bodily features attract the minds not only of men but of demigods also. The
attraction of feminine gestures is powerful everywhere within this material world, both on this
planet and in the higher planetary systems. It is said that the standard of living in the higher
planetary systems is thousands and thousands of times higher than the standard of living on

27. this planet. Therefore the beautiful bodily features of the women there are also thousands and
thousands of times more attractive than the features of the women on earth.
The creator has constructed women in such a way that their beautiful voices and movements
and the beautiful features of their hips, their breasts, and the other parts of their bodies attract
the members of the opposite sex, both on earth and on other planets, and awaken their lusty
desires. When one is controlled by Cupid or the beauty of women, he becomes stunned like
matter such as stone. Captivated by the material movements of women, he wants to remain in
this material world. Thus one's promotion to the spiritual world is checked simply by seeing
the beautiful bodily structure and movements of women and vice-versa.
We are placed on Jambudweep, earth-world, and we know that it is surrounded by a field of
fear and lust of Atala. That is why attraction towards opposite sex is one of the main features of
Jambudweep. One who is serious about going back home, back to God, should not contemplate
the attractive features of women and the opulence of rich men. Such contemplation will check
one's advancement in spiritual life.
1B: Bharat Varsh
Agnidhra’s eldest son was Nabhi and his eldest son was Rsabhadeva as incarnation of Lord
Vishnu. Rsabhadeva’s eldest son was Bharata after whom Bharat Varsh is known. Bharat Varsh
is also called punya-bhumi, the pious land. At the present moment Bharat Varsh, is a small
piece of land extending from the Himalaya Mountains to Cape Comorin. The inhabitants of
Bharat Varsh are very fortunate as they can purify their existence by accepting devotion to God.
Rsabhadeva’s teachings to his sons (and for all those born in this land) should always be
remembered:
1) Of all the living entities who have accepted material bodies in this world, one who has been
awarded this human form should not work hard day and night simply for sense
gratification.
2) One should engage in penance and austerity to attain the divine position of devotional
service. By such activity, one's heart is purified, he attains eternal, blissful life, which is
transcendental to material happiness and which continues forever.
3) To attain this perfection, one has to take shelter of a devotee and serve him. Then the door of
liberation will be open.
4) Those who are materially attached to women and sense gratification gradually become
entangled in material consciousness and suffer the miseries of birth, old age, disease and
death.
5) Those who are spiritually inclined are not interested in mingling with people who are busy
maintaining their bodies, eating, sleeping, mating and defending. They are not attached to
their homes, although they may be householders. Nor are they attached to wives, children,
friends or wealth. At the same time, they are not indifferent to the execution of their duties.