Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.2299

c7.2299

"Pātāla is below the earth. This Pātāla is a group of seven worlds one below the other, with names, Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talātala, Rasātala and Mahātala. In all those worlds, there are several beautiful cities and houses, palaces and castles, parks, gardens, open temples and halls, natural arbours etc. made by Maya. There live the Asuras, the Dānavas (a class of Asuras-demons) the nāgas (serpents) and others, with their families, with happiness and comfort. Chirping birds, pigeons, parrots, docile parrots etc. always play there with their inseparable mates. Trees bearing sweet fruits, plants covered with fragrant flowers, arbours with creepers growing thick, beautiful houses floored with white marble, and so many other things giving pleasure and comfort are seen there in plenty. In these things the Pātāla surpasses heaven. Daityas, Dānavas and the Nāgas (the Asuras and the serpents) are the dwellers of these worlds. They lead a happy and pleasant life with their families enjoying all sorts of comfort and luxury.” Pātāla, one of the seven divisions of the world is described as follows :