Svarga

Arjuna travels to Swarga

Svarga (Sanskrit: स्वर्ग) also known as Swarga or Svarga Loka, is one of the eight higher (Vyahrtis) loka's (esotericism plane) in Hindu cosmology. The eight loka's consist of Bhu loka, Bhuvar loka, Swarga loka, Mahar loka, Jana loka, Tapa loka, Satyaloka (Brahmaloka), and the highest Goloka.[1]

Svarga Loka is a set of heavenly worlds located on and above Mt. Meru where the righteous live in paradise before their next incarnation. During each pralaya (the great dissolution), the first three realms, Bhu loka (Earth), Bhuvar loka and Swarga loka are destroyed. Below the seven upper realms lie seven lower realms, of Patala, the underworld and netherworld.[1]

Overview

Svarga is seen as a transitory place for righteous souls who have performed good deeds in their lives but are not yet ready to attain moksha, or elevation to Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu, considered to be the Supreme Abode (Rig Veda (1.22.20) states,

"Oṃ tad viṣṇoḥ paramam padam sadā paśyanti sūrayaḥ" : "All the suras (i.e., devas- divinities) look toward the feet of Lord Vishnu as the Supreme Abode"

The capital of Svarga is Amaravati and its entrance is guarded by Airavata. Svarga is presided over by Indra, the leader of the devas.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 B. K. Chaturvedi (2004). Shiv Purana. Diamond Pocket Books. p. 124. ISBN 8171827217.
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