A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.989

c5.989

LOKA. A world, a division of the universe. In general the tri-loka or three worlds are heaven, earth, and hell. Another classification enumerates seven, exclusive of the infernal regions, also seven in number which are classed under Pātāla. The upper worlds are:—(1.) Bhur-loka, the earth. (2.) Bhuvar-loka, the space between the earth and the sun, the region of the Munis, Siddhas, &c. (3.) Swar-loka, the heaven of Indra, between the sun and the polar star. (4.) Mahar-loka, the usual abode of Bhrigu and other saints, who are supposed to be co-existent with Brahmā. During the conflagration of these lower worlds the saints ascend to the next, or (5.) Jana-loka, which is described as the abode of Brahmā’s sons, Sanaka, Sānanda, and Sanat-kumāra. Above this is the (6.) Tapar-loka, where the deities called Vairāgīs reside. (7.) Satya-loka or Brahmā-loka, is the abode of Brahmā, and translation to this world exempts beings from further birth. The first three worlds are destroyed at the end of each kalpa, or day of Brahmā; the last three at the end of his life, or of a hundred of his years; the fourth loka is equally permanent, but is uninhabitable from heat at the time the first three are burning. Another enumeration calls the seven worlds earth, sky, heaven, middle region, place of birth, mansion of the blest, and abode of truth; placing the sons of Brahmā in the sixth division, and stating the fifth, or Jana-loka, to be that where animals destroyed in the general conflagration are born again. The Sānkhya and Vedānta schools of philosophy recognise eight lokas or regions of material existence:—(1.) Brahmā-loka, the world of the superior deities; (2.) Pitri-loka, that of the Pitris, Rishis, and Prajāpatis; (3.)