Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, 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.
聖者は答えた――地獄の諸界は、三界とガルボーダカ海との間の中間空間にあり、宇宙の南方、ブー・マンダラの下、ガルボーダカの水面よりわずかに上に位置する。同じ領域に祖霊界ピトリローカもあり、アグニシュヴァッタら祖霊たちは大いなるサマーディに入り、至上人格神を観想しつつ、自らの家系に真実の祝福を常に願って住している。
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.