Shloka 5
Naraka-varṇana: The Hellish Planets and the Karmic Logic of Punishment
ऋषिरुवाच अन्तराल एव त्रिजगत्यास्तु दिशि दक्षिणस्यामधस्ताद्भूमेरुपरिष्टाच्च जलाद्यस्यामग्निष्वात्तादय: पितृगणा दिशि स्वानां गोत्राणां परमेण समाधिना सत्या एवाशिष आशासाना निवसन्ति ॥ ५ ॥
ṛṣir uvāca antarāla eva tri-jagatyās tu diśi dakṣiṇasyām adhastād bhūmer upariṣṭāc ca jalād yasyām agniṣvāttādayaḥ pitṛ-gaṇā diśi svānāṁ gotrāṇāṁ parameṇa samādhinā satyā evāśiṣa āśāsānā nivasanti.
The sage replied: All hellish planets lie in the intermediate space between the three worlds and the Garbhodaka Ocean—on the universe’s southern side, beneath Bhū-maṇḍala and slightly above the Garbhodaka waters. Pitṛloka is also there; the Pitṛs, led by Agniṣvāttā, dwell in deep samādhi, meditating on the Supreme Personality of Godhead and ever desiring true blessings for their lineages.
As previously explained, below our planetary system are seven lower planetary systems, the lowest of which is called Pātālaloka. Beneath Pātālaloka are other planets, known as Narakaloka, or the hellish planets. At the bottom of the universe lies the Garbhodaka Ocean. Therefore the hellish planets lie between Pātālaloka and the Garbhodaka Ocean.
FAQs
It is described as an intermediate region of the three worlds in the southern direction—below the earth yet above the waters—where the Pitṛs such as the Agniṣvāttas reside.
This verse states that the Pitṛs remain in supreme samādhi and bestow blessings that are satya—truthful and unfailing—especially for the welfare of their own lineages.
It encourages honoring one’s lineage through dharmic conduct and gratitude, remembering that spiritual welfare is supported by truthfulness, discipline, and sincere prayer for the family’s well-being.