Knowledge Bank

The seven realms in Hindu cosmology

The seven realms in Hindu cosmology, Bhū, Bhuvaḥ, Svar, Mahar, Jana, Tapaḥ, and Satya, each have distinct characteristics and significance. Bhūloka is the earthly realm where humans, animals, and plants exist, characterized by physical existence and material experiences. Bhuvaḥloka, the atmospheric realm, is the space between the Earth and the Sun, home to semi-divine beings and spirits. Svarloka, the heavenly realm of the gods, is a place of pleasure and celestial beings associated with Indra, often referred to as Svarga. Maharloka is the realm of great sages and saints, a higher spiritual realm for beings with significant spiritual advancement. Janaloka, the realm of the progenitors of humanity, is inhabited by rishis and divine beings who have transcended the cycle of birth and death but are not yet fully liberated. Tapoloka, the realm of meditation and penance, is occupied by ascetics and sages engaged in deep meditation and austerities for higher spiritual goals. Satyaloka, the realm of truth and the highest spiritual realm, also known as Brahmaloka, is the abode of Brahma, characterized by truth, purity, and eternal bliss, and is the ultimate goal for souls seeking liberation (moksha). These realms represent different levels of existence and consciousness, from the physical and material to the highest spiritual and divine.

Who is Maya Sita?

According to Devi Bhagavata, during vanavasa Agni Bhagavan came to Lord Rama and told him that time has come for him to eliminate Ravana. As a provocation for this, Ravana will abduct Sita Devi. To make sure that she doesn't become impure because of Ravana touching her, Agni would create a replica of Sita Devi and keep the original Devi with him. This replica is Maya Sita. Ravana will be able to abduct only Maya Sita. After destroying Ravana when they return to Ayodhya, Sita will be compelled to enter into the fire to prove her purity. At that time, Agni Bhagavan will take back Maya Sita and the original Devi will come out. Lord Rama agreed.