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.
圣者答道：一切地狱星界位于三界与伽婆多迦海之间的中间空间，在宇宙南方，处于布曼陀罗之下、伽婆多迦海水面之上不远处。祖灵界（Pitṛloka）亦在此域；以阿耆尼施瓦塔等为首的祖灵众，以大三昧观想至上人格神，并恒常为其家族祈愿真实的福祉。
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.