Subterranean Heavens

Chapter 24

Rahu, which is situated below the sun and moon, often conceals them and causes total or partial eclipses to occur. Below Rahu are the planets of the Siddhas, Charanas and Vidyadharas, and below these are planets such as Yaksaloka and Raksaloka.

Below these planets is the earth, and below the earth are the lower planetary systems - Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talatala, Mahatala, Rasatala and Patala. These are known as bila-svarga, or subterranean heavens (there are also earthly heavens, bhauma-svarga, and celestial heavens, divya-svarga). Demons and Raksasas live in these lower planetary systems with their associates, always engaged in sense gratification and oblivious to the suffering awaiting them in their future births.