இந்து தத்துவத்தில் மகாதல லோகம்: ஆன்மிகமும் பிரபஞ்சமும்
Mahatala-loka in Hindu Philosophy: Spirituality and the Universe
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63300/tm10sp032026.12Keywords:
Mahatala-loka, Hindu Philosophy, Cosmology, Nagas, Puranas, SpiritualityAbstract
Hindu philosophy explains the universe as a multi-layered structure. According to the Vedas, Agamas, and Puranas, the cosmos is classified into fourteen worlds (14 Worlds). Within this system, two major divisions are identified: the upper worlds and the lower worlds. Among the seven lower realms, Mahatala-loka is specified as the fifth.
The Puranas describe Mahatala-loka as the realm inhabited by many-headed serpents (Nagas). According to the Vishnu Purana and the Bhagavata Purana, powerful serpents such as Kuhaka, Takshaka, Kaliya, and Sushena reside here. While these Nagas possess immense strength and power, they live in constant fear of Garuda. It is said that whenever Garuda approaches, these serpents flee in terror and hide.
Mahatala-loka is considered a world of Naga-kings, mystical powers, and primordial cosmic structures. It is the fifth level among the seven lower worlds located beneath the Earth. Each level is said to have a depth of 10,000 yojanas. Beneath Mahatala lies Rasatala, and further below is Patala.
From a spiritual perspective, Mahatala-loka is interpreted as a symbol of innate human fear and insecurity. The fact that the Nagas, despite their great power, live in fear of Garuda signifies that regardless of human ego, there is a sense of trepidation before the supreme spiritual force. This research article explores the cosmological structure, mythological descriptions, and spiritual significance of Mahatala-loka.
Downloads
References
1. விஷ்ணு புராணம்
2. பாகவத புராணம்
3. கருட புராணம்
4. பிரம்மாண்ட புராணம்
5. சுவாமி விவேகானந்தர் – இந்து தத்துவ சொற்பொழிவுகள்
6. Loka. (2015). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loka
7. Loka: Difference between revisions. (2018). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?diff=834493148
8. Loka. (1998). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/loka
9. Bhagavata Purana. (n.d.). Canto 5, Chapter 24. (Various Translations).
10. Devi Bhagavatam. (n.d.). Eighth Book, Chapter 20. (Swami Vijnanananda, Trans.). https://sacred-texts.com/hin/db/bk08ch20.htm
11. Garuda. (2000). The Sikh Encyclopedia. https://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/garuda/
12. Mahatala: Significance and symbolism. (2024). WisdomLib.org. https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/mahatala
13. The planetary system below Talatala is known as Mahatala. (2021). Vaniquotes. https://vaniquotes.org/
14. The 7 lower worlds in Hinduism. (2014). Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia. https://www.tibetanbuddhistencyclopedia.com/
15. Mahatala, Mahātala: 14 definitions. (2014). WisdomLib.org. https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/mahatala
16. Vishnu Purana. (1840). Book II, Chapter V. (H. H. Wilson, Trans.). https://sacred-texts.com/hin/vp/vp063.htm
17. Nāga. (2019). Simple English Wikipedia. https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naga
18. Naga | Hindu mythology. (1998). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/naga-Hindu-mythology
19. Mahatala: Significance and symbolism. (2024). WisdomLib.org. https://www.wisdomlib.org/concept/mahatala
20. Srimad Bhagavatam. (n.d.). Canto 5, Chapter 24. https://bhagavata.org/canto5/chapter24.html
21. Mahatala, Mahātala: 14 definitions. (2014). WisdomLib.org. https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/mahatala
22. Devi Bhagavatam. (n.d.). Eighth Book, Chapter 20.
23. Soifer, D. A. (1991). The Myths of Narasimha and Vamana: Two Avatars in Cosmological Perspective. State University of New York Press.
24. Naga | Hindu mythology. (1998). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/naga-Hindu-mythology
25. Campbell-Allen, N. (2019, November 5). Delving into Naga. Buddhistdoor Global. https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/delving-into-naga/
26. Garuda. (2000). The Sikh Encyclopedia. https://www.thesikhencyclopedia.com/garuda/
27. Isha Foundation. (2024). Disembodied Snake Forms and the Elusive Nature of Naga Dosha. Isha.Sadhguru.org. https://isha.sadhguru.org/magazine/forest-flower/2024/10/disembodied-snake-forms-and-the-elusive-nature-of-naga-dosha.html
28. Garuda. (2015). Tibetan Buddhist Encyclopedia. http://www.tibetanbuddhistencyclopedia.com/
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Our journal adopts CC BY License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License http://Creativecommons.org//license/by/4.0/ . It allows using, reusing, distributing and reproducing of the original work with proper citation.
