Vishnupurana 2.5.p1

2.5.p1

Parāçara said:—The extent of the earth has been related to you by me. I have also said, O twice-born one, that the depth below the surface is seventy thousand yojanas. O foremost of Munis, each of the seven regions of Pātāla, extends over ten thousand yojanas. They are seven in number—namely Atala, Vitala, Nitala, Gavastimat, Malmtala, Sutala and Pātāla. Thus soil is severally white, black, purple, yellow, sandy, stony and of gold. They are adorned with numberless palaces in which reside Dānavas, Daityas, Yakshas and serpents by hundreds, O great Muni. Once on a time Nārada, after coming back to heaven from these regions, declared amongst the gods that Pātāla was much more charming than heaven. He exclaimed "What can be compared with Pātāla where Nāgas are adorned with beautiful and brilliant and pleasure-diffusing gems? This region is embellished with the daughters of Daityas and Dānavas. Who does not find delight in Pātāla? Even those who have retired from the world find delight therein. By day, the rays of the sun diffuse joy and not heat; by night the moon diffuses illumination and not cold. There the sons of Danu, always happy in the enjoyment of sweet foods and good wines, do not know how the time glides away. There are many charming forests, rivers and ponds abounding in lotuses and the skies are resonant with the Koil's song. Charming ornaments, fragrant perfumes, unguents, the sweet music of the lute, pipe and tabor are always enjoyed by the Daityas, Dānavas and serpents who dwell in the regions of Pātāla".