> > Srimad Bhagavatam - Canto 5
> > Sanskrit, word-for-word and original translation of Swami Prabhupâda
> > (for the purports one will have to consult the books under the copyright of the BBT)

> > Canto 5

> > **************

> > Chapter Twenty-four: The Subterranean Heavenly Planets

> > *******

> > TEXT 1

> > srî-suka uvâca

> > adhastât savitur yojanâyute svarbhânur naksatravac caratîty eke yo

> > 'sâv amaratvam grahatvam câlabhata bhagavad-anukampayâ svayam

> > asurâpasadah saimhikeyo hy atad-arhas tasya tâta janma karmâni

> > coparistâd vaksyâmah.

> > srî-sukah uvâca--Srî Sukadeva Gosvâmî said; adhastât--below; savituh--the sun globe; yojana--a measurement equal to eight miles; ayute--ten thousand; svarbhânuh--the planet known as Râhu; naksatra-vat--like one of the stars; carati--is rotating; iti--thus; eke--some who are learned in the Purânas; yah--which; asau--that; amaratvam--a lifetime like those of the demigods; grahatvam--a position as one of the chief planets; ca--and; alabhata--obtained; bhagavat-anukampaya--by the compassion of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; svayam--personally; asura-apasadah--the lowest of the asuras; saimhikeyah--being the son of Simhikâ; hi--indeed; a-tat-arhah--not qualified for that position; tasya--his; tâta--O my dear King; janma--birth; kamâni--activities; ca--also; uparistât--later; vaksyâmah--I shall explain.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Sri Sukadeva Gosvami said: My dear King, some historians, the speakers of the Puranas, say that 10,000 yojanas [80,000 miles] below the sun is the planet known as Rahu, which moves like one of the stars. The presiding deity of that planet, who is the son of Simhika, is the most abominable of all asuras, but although he is completely unfit to assume the position of a demigod or planetary deity, he has achieved that position by the grace of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Later I shall speak further about him.

> > *******

> > TEXT 2

> > yad adas taraner mandalam pratapatas tad vistarato yojanâyutam

> > âcaksate dvâdasa-sahasram somasya trayodasa-sahasram râhor yah

> > pa rva ni tad-vyavadhâna-krd vairânubandhah sûryâ-candramasâv

> > abhidhâvati.

> > yat--which; adah--that; taraneh--of the sun; mandalam--globe; pratapatah--which is always distributing heat; tat--that; vistaratah--in terms of width; yojana--a distance of eight miles; ayutam--ten thousand; âcaksate--they estimate; dvâdasa-sahasram--20,000 yojanas (160,000 miles); somasya--of the moon; trayodasa--thirty; sahasram--one thousand; râhoh--of the planet Râhu; yah--which; parvani--on occasion; tat-vyavadhâna-krt--who created an obstruction to the sun and moon at the time of the distribution of nectar; vaira-anubandhah--whose intentions are inimical; sûryâ--the sun; candramasau--and the moon; abhidhâvati--runs after them on the full-moon night and the dark-moon day.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The sun globe, which is a source of heat, extends for 10,000 yojanas [80,000 miles]. The moon extends for 20,000 yojanas [160,000 miles], and Rahu extends for 30,000 yojanas [240,000 miles]. Formerly, when nectar was being distributed, Rahu tried to create dissension between the sun and moon by interposing himself between them. Rahu is inimical toward both the sun and the moon, and therefore he always tries to cover the sunshine and moonshine on the dark-moon day and full-moon night.

> > *******

> > TEXT 3

> > tan nisamyobhayatrâpi bhagavatâ raksanâya prayuktam sudarsanam

> > nâma bhâgavatam dayitam astram tat tejasâ durvisaham muhuh

> > parivartamânam abhyavasthito muhûrtam udvijamânas cakita-hrdaya

> > ârâd eva nivartate tad uparâgam iti vadanti lokâh.

> > tat--that situation; nisamya--hearing; ubhayatra--around both the sun and moon; api--indeed; bhagavatâ--by the Supreme Personality of Godhead; raksanâya--for their protection; prayuktam--engaged; sudarsanam--the wheel of Krsna; nâma--named; bhâgavatam--the most confidential devotee; dayitam--the most favorite; astram--weapon; tat--that; tejasâ--by its effulgence; durvisaham--unbearable heat; muhuh--repeatedly; parivartamânam--moving around the sun and moon; abhyavasthitah--situated; muhûrtam--for a muhûrta (forty-eight minutes); udvijamânah--whose mind was full of anxieties; cakita--frightened; hrdayah--the core of whose heart; ârât--to a distant place; eva--certainly; nivartate--flees; tat--that situation; uparâgam--an eclipse; iti--thus; vadanti--they say; lokâh--the people.

> > TRANSLATION

> > After hearing from the sun and moon demigods about Rahu's attack, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Visnu, engages His disc, known as the Sudarsana cakra, to protect them. The Sudarsana cakra is the Lord's most beloved devotee and is favored by the Lord. The intense heat of its effulgence, meant for killing non-Vaisnavas, is unbearable to Rahu, and he therefore flees in fear of it. During the time Rahu disturbs the sun or moon, there occurs what people commonly know as an eclipse.

> > *******

> > TEXT 4

> > tato 'dhastât siddha-cârana-vidyâdharânâm sadanâni tâvan mâtra

> > eva.

> > tatah--the planet Râhu; adhastât--below; siddha-cârana--of the planets known as Siddhaloka and Câranaloka; vidyâdharânâm--and the planets of the Vidyâdharas; sadanâni--the residential places; tâvat mâtra--only that much distance (eighty thousand miles); eva--indeed.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Below Rahu by 10,000 yojanas [80,000 miles] are the planets known as Siddhaloka, Caranaloka and Vidyadhara-loka.

> > *******

> > TEXT 5

> > tato 'dhastâd yaksa-raksah-pisâca-preta-bhûta-ganânâm vihârâjiram

> > antariksam yâvad vâyuh pravâti yâvan meghâ upalabhyante.

> > tatah adhastât--beneath the planets occupied by the Siddhas, Câranas and Vidyâdharas; yaksa-raksah-pisâca-preta-bhûta-ganânâm--of Yaksas, Râksasas, Pisâcas, ghosts and so on; vihâra-ajiram--the place of sense gratification; antariksam--in the sky or outer space; yâvat--as far as; vâyuh--the wind; pravâti--blows; yâvat--as far as; meghâh--the clouds; upalabhyante--are seen.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Beneath Vidyadhara-loka, Caranaloka and Siddhaloka, in the sky called antariksa, are the places of enjoyment for the Yaksas, Raksasas, Pisacas, ghosts and so on. Antariksa extends as far as the wind blows and the clouds float in the sky. Above this there is no more air.

> > *******

> > TEXT 6

> > tato 'dhastâc chata-yojanântara iyam prthivî yâvad dhamsa-bhâsa-

> > syena-suparnâdayah patattri-pravarâ utpatantîti.

> > tatah adhastât--beneath that; sata-yojana--of one hundred yojanas; antare--by an interval; iyam--this; prthivî--planet earth; yâvat--as high as; hamsa--swans; bhâsa--vultures; syena--eagles; suparna-âdayah--and other birds; patattri-pravarâh--the chief among birds; utpatanti--can fly; iti--thus.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Below the abodes of the Yaksas and Raksasas by a distance of 100 yojanas [800 miles] is the planet earth. Its upper limits extend as high as swans, hawks, eagles and similar large birds can fly.

> > *******

> > TEXT 7

> > upavarnitam bhûmer yathâ-sannivesâvasthânam avaner apy adhastât

> > sapta bhû-vivarâ ekaikaso yojanâyutântarenâyâma-vistârenopaklptâ

> > atalam vitalam sutalam talâtalam mahâtalam rasâtalam pâtâlam iti.

> > upavarnitam--stated previously; bhûmeh--of the planet earth; yathâ-sannivesa-avasthânam--according to the arrangement of the different places; avaneh--the earth; api--certainly; adhastât--beneath; sapta--seven; bhû-vivarâh--other planets; eka-ekasah--in succession, up to the outer limit of the universe; yojana-ayuta-antarena--with an interval of ten thousand yojanas (eighty thousand miles); âyâma-vistârena--by width and length; upaklptâh--situated; atalam--named Atala; vitalam--Vitala; sutalam--Sutala; talâtalam--Talâtala; mahâtalam--Mahâtala; rasâtalam--Rasâtala; pâtâlam--Pâtâla; iti--thus.

> > TRANSLATION

> > My dear King, beneath this earth are seven other planets, known as Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talatala, Mahatala, Rasatala and Patala. I have already explained the situation of the planetary systems of earth. The width and length of the seven lower planetary systems are calculated to be exactly the same as those of earth.

> > *******

> > TEXT 8

> > etesu hi bila-svargesu svargâd apy adhika-kâma-bhogaisvaryânanda-

> > bhûti-vibhûtibhih susamrddha-bhavanodyânâkrîda-vihâresu daitya-

> > dânava-kâdraveyâ nitya-pramuditânurakta-kalatrâpatya-bandhu-

> > suhrd-anucarâ grha-pataya îsvarâd apy apratihata-kâmâ mâyâ-vinodâ

> > nivasanti.

> > etesu--in these; hi--certainly; bila-svargesu--known as the heavenly subterranean worlds; svargât--than the heavenly planets; api--even; adhika--a greater quantity; kâma-bhoga--enjoyment of sense gratification; aisvarya-ânanda--bliss due to opulence; bhûti--influence; vibhûtibhih--by those things and wealth; su-samrddha--improved; bhavana--houses; udyâna--gardens; âkrîda-vihâresu--in places for different types of sense gratification; daitya--the demons; dânava--ghosts; kâdraveyâh--snakes; nitya--who are always; pramudita--overjoyed; anurakta--because of attachment; kalatra--to wife; apatya--children; bandhu--family relations; suhrt--friends; anucarâh--followers; grha-patayah--the heads of the households; îsvarât--than those more capable, like the demigods; api--even; apratihata-kâmâh--whose fulfillment of lusty desires is unimpeded; mâyâ--illusory; vinodâh--who feel happiness; nivasanti--live.

> > TRANSLATION

> > In these seven planetary systems, which are also known as the subterranean heavens [bila-svarga], there are very beautiful houses, gardens and places of sense enjoyment, which are even more opulent than those in the higher planets because the demons have a very high standard of sensual pleasure, wealth and influence. Most of the residents of these planets, who are known as Daityas, Danavas and Nagas, live as householders. Their wives, children, friends and society are all fully engaged in illusory, material happiness. The sense enjoyment of the demigods is sometimes disturbed, but the residents of these planets enjoy life without disturbances. Thus they are understood to be very attached to illusory happiness.

> > *******

> > TEXT 9

> > yesu mahârâja mayena mâyâvinâ vinirmitâh puro nânâ-mani pravara-

> > praveka-viracita-vicitra-bhavana-prâkâra-gopura sabhâ-caitya-

> > catvarâyatanâdibhir nâgâsura-mithuna-pârâvata-suka-sârikâkîrna-

> > krtrima-bhûmibhir vivaresvara-grhottamaih samalankrtâs cakâsati.

> > yesu--in those lower planetary systems; mahâ-râja--O my dear King; mayena--by the demon named Maya; mâyâ-vinâ--possessing advanced knowledge in the construction of material comforts; vinirmitâh--constructed; purah--cities; nânâ-mani-pravara--of valuable gems; praveka--with excellent; viracita--constructed; vicitra--wonderful; bhavana--houses; prâkâra--walls; gopura--gates; sabhâ--legislative meeting rooms; caitya--temples; catvara--schools; âyatana-âdibhih--with hotels or recreation halls and so on; nâga--of living entities with snakelike bodies; asura--of demons, or godless persons; mithuna--by couples; pârâvata--pigeons; suka--parrots; sârikâ--mynas; âkîrna--crowded; krtrima--artificial; bhûmibhih--possessing areas; vivara-îsvara--of the leaders of the planets; grha-uttamaih--with first-class houses; samalankrtâh--decorated; cakâsati--shine magnificently.

> > TRANSLATION

> > My dear King, in the imitation heavens known as bila-svarga there is a great demon named Maya Danava, who is an expert artist and architect. He has constructed many brilliantly decorated cities. There are many wonderful houses, walls, gates, assembly houses, temples, yards and temple compounds, as well as many hotels serving as residential quarters for foreigners. The houses for the leaders of these planets are constructed with the most valuable jewels, and they are always crowded with living entities known as Nagas and Asuras, as well as many pigeons, parrots and similar birds. All in all, these imitation heavenly cities are most beautifully situated and attractively decorated.

> > *******

> > TEXT 10

> > udyânâni câtitarâm mana-indriyânandibhih kusuma-phala

> > stabaka-subhaga-kisalayâvanata-rucira-vitapa-vitapinâm latângâlingitânâm

> > srîbhih samithuna-vividha-vihangama jalâsayânâm amala-jala-

> > pûrnânâm jhasakulollanghana-ksubhita-nîra-nîraja-kumuda-kuva-

> > laya-kahlâra-nîlotpala-lohita-satapatrâdi-vanesu krta-niketanânâm

> > eka-vihârâkula-madhura-vividha-svanâdibhir indriyotsavair amara-

> > loka-sriyam atisayitâni.

> > udyânâni--the gardens and parks; ca--also; atitarâm--greatly; manah--to the mind; indriya--and to the senses; ânandibhih--which cause pleasure; kusuma--by flowers; phala--of fruits; stabaka--bunches; subhaga--very beautiful; kisalaya--new twigs; avanata--bent low; rucira--attractive; vitapa--possessing branches; vitapinâm--of trees; latâ-anga-âlingitânâm--which are embraced by the limbs of creepers; sribhih--by the beauty; sa-mithuna--in pairs; vividha--varieties; vihangama--frequented by birds; jala-âsayânâm--of reservoirs of water; amala jala-pûrnânâm--full of clear and transparent water; jhasa-kula-ullanghana--by the jumping of different fish; ksubhita--agitated; nîra--in the water; nîraja--of lotus flowers; kumuda--lilies; kuvalaya--flowers named kuvalaya; kahlâra--kahlâra flowers; nîla-utpala--blue lotus flowers; lohita--red; satapatra-âdi--lotus flowers with a hundred petals and so on; vanesu--in forests; krta-niketanânâm--of birds that have made their nests; eka-vihâra-âkula--full of uninterrupted enjoyment; madhura--very sweet; vividha--varieties; svana-âdibhih--by vibrations; indriya-utsavaih--invoking sense enjoyment; amara-loka-sriyam--the beauty of the residential places of the demigods; atisayitâni--surpassing.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The parks and gardens in the artificial heavens surpass in beauty those of the upper heavenly planets. The trees in those gardens, embraced by creepers, bend with a heavy burden of twigs with fruits and flowers, and therefore they appear extraordinarily beautiful. That beauty could attract anyone and make his mind fully blossom in the pleasure of sense gratification. There are many lakes and reservoirs with clear, transparent water, agitated by jumping fish and decorated with many flowers such as lilies, kuvalayas, kahlaras and blue and red lotuses. Pairs of cakravakas and many other water birds nest in the lakes and always enjoy in a happy mood, making sweet, pleasing vibrations that are very satisfying and conducive to enjoyment of the senses.

> > *******

> > TEXT 11

> > yatra ha vâva na bhayam aho-râtrâdibhih kâla-vibhâgair upalaksyate.

> > yatra--where; ha vâva--certainly; na--not; bhayam--fearfulness; ahah-râtra-âdibhih--because of days and nights; kâla-vibhâgaih--the divisions of time; upalaksyate--is experienced.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Since there is no sunshine in those subterranean planets, time is not divided into days and nights, and consequently fear produced by time does not exist.

> > *******

> > TEXT 12

> > yatra hi mahâhi-pravara-siro-manayah sarvam tamah prabâdhante.

> > yatra--where; hi--indeed; mahâ-ahi--of great serpents; pravara--of the best; sirah-manayah--the gems on the hoods; sarvam--all; tamah--darkness; prabâdhante--drive away.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Many great serpents reside there with gems on their hoods, and the effulgence of these gems dissipates the darkness in all directions.

> > *******

> > TEXT 13

> > na vâ etesu vasatâm divyausadhi-rasa-rasâyanânna-pâna-snânâdibhir

> > âdhayo vyâdhayo valî-palita jarâdayas ca deha-vaivarnya-

> > daurgandhya-sveda-klama-glânir iti vayo 'vasthâs ca bhavanti.

> > na--not; vâ--either; etesu--in these planets; vasatâm--of those residing; divya--wonderful; ausadhi--of herbs; rasa--the juices; rasâyana--and elixirs; anna--by eating; pâna--drinking; snâna-âdibhih--by bathing in and so on; âdhayah--mental troubles; vyâdhayah--diseases; valî--wrinkles; palita--grey hair; jarâ--old age; âdayah--and so on; ca--and; deha-vaivarnya--the fading of bodily luster; daurgandhya--bad odor; sveda--perspiration; klama--fatigue; glânih--lack of energy; iti--thus; vayah avasthâh--miserable conditions due to increasing age; ca--and; bhavanti--are.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Since the residents of these planets drink and bathe in juices and elixirs made from wonderful herbs, they are freed from all anxieties and physical diseases. They have no experience of grey hair, wrinkles or invalidity, their bodily lusters do not fade, their perspiration does not cause a bad smell, and they are not troubled by fatigue or by lack of energy or enthusiasm due to old age.

> > *******

> > TEXT 14

> > na hi tesâm kalyânânâm prabhavati kutascana mrtyur vinâ

> > bhagavat-tejasas cakrâpadesât.

> > na hi--not; tesâm--of them; kalyânânâm--who are by nature auspicious; prabhavati--able to influence; kutascana--from anywhere; mrtyuh--death; vinâ--except; bhagavat-tejasah--of the energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; cakra-apadesât--from that weapon named the Sudarsana cakra.

> > TRANSLATION

> > They live very auspiciously and do not fear death from anything but death's established time, which is the effulgence of the Sudarsana cakra of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

> > *******

> > TEXT 15

> > yasmin praviste 'sura-vadhûnâm prâyah pumsavanâni bhayâd eva

> > sravanti patanti ca.

> > yasmin--where; praviste--when entered; asura-vadhûnâm--of the wives of those demons; prâyah--almost always; pumsavanâni--fetuses; bhayât--because of fear; eva--certainly; sravanti--slip out; patanti--fall down; ca--and.

> > TRANSLATION

> > When the Sudarsana disc enters those provinces, the pregnant wives of the demons all have miscarriages due to fear of its effulgence.

> > *******

> > TEXT 16

> > athâtale maya-putro 'suro balo nivasati yena ha vâ iha srstâh san-

> > navatir mâyâh kâscanâdyâpi mâyâvino dhârayanti yasya ca

> > jrmbhamânasya mukhatas trayah strî-ganâ udapadyanta svairinyah

> > kâminyah pumscalya iti yâ vai bilâyanam pravistam purusam rasena

> > hâtakâkhyena sâdhayitvâ sva-vilâsâvalokanânurâga-smita-

> > samlâpopagûhanâdibhih svairam kila ramayanti yasminn upayukte

> > purusa îsvaro 'ham siddho 'ham ity ayuta-mahâ-gaja-balam âtmânam

> > abhimanyamânah katthate madândha iva.

> > atha--now; atale--on the planet named Atala; maya-putrah asurah--the demon son of Maya; balah--Bala; nivasati--resides; yena--by whom; ha vâ--indeed; iha--in this; srstâh--propagated; satnavatih--ninety-six; mâyâh--varieties of illusion; kâscana--some; adya api--even today; mâyâ-vinah--those who know the art of magical feats (like manufacturing gold); dhârayanti--utilize; yasya--of whom; ca--also; jrmbhamânasya--while yawning; mukhatah--from the mouth; trayah--three; strî-ganâh--varieties of women; udapadyanta--were generated; svairinyah--svairinî (one who only marries in her same class); kâminyah--kâminî (one who, being lusty, marries men from any group); pumscalyah--pumscalî (one who wants to go from one husband to another); iti--thus; yâh--who; vai--certainly; bila-ayanam--the subterranean planets; pravistam--entering; purusam--a male; rasena--by a juice; hâtaka-âkhyena--made from an intoxicating herb known as hâtaka; sâdhayitvâ--making sexually fit; sva-vilâsa--for their personal sense gratification; avalokana--by glances; anurâga--lustful; smita--by smiling; samlâpa--by talking; upagûhana-âdibhih--and by embracing; svairam--according to their own desire; kila--indeed; ramayanti--enjoy sex pleasure; yasmin--which; upayukte--when used; purusah--a man; îsvarah aham--I am the most powerful person; siddhah aham--I am the greatest and most elevated person; iti--thus; ayuta--ten thousand; mahâ-gaja--of big elephants; balam--the strength; âtmânam--himself; abhimanyamânah--being full of pride; katthate--they say; mada-andhah--blinded by false prestige; iva--like.

> > TRANSLATION

> > My dear King, now I shall describe to you the lower planetary systems, one by one, beginning from Atala. In Atala there is a demon, the son of Maya Danava named Bala, who created ninety-six kinds of mystic power. Some so-called yogis and svamis take advantage of this mystic power to cheat people even today. Simply by yawning, the demon Bala created three kinds of women, known as svairini, kamini and pumscali. The svairinis like to marry men from their own group, the kaminis marry men from any group, and the pumscalis change husbands one after another. If a man enters the planet of Atala, these women immediately capture him and induce him to drink an intoxicating beverage made with a drug known as hataka [cannabis indica]. This intoxicant endows the man with great sexual prowess, of which the women take advantage for enjoyment. A woman will enchant him with attractive glances, intimate words, smiles of love and then embraces. In this way she induces him to enjoy sex with her to her full satisfaction. Because of his increased sexual power, the man thinks himself stronger than ten thousand elephants and considers himself most perfect. Indeed, illusioned and intoxicated by false pride, he thinks himself God, ignoring impending death.

> > *******

> > TEXT 17

> > tato 'dhastâd vitale haro bhagavân hâtakesvarah sva-pârsada-bhûta-

> > ganâvrtah prajâpati-sargopabrmhanâya bhavo bhavânyâ saha mi-

> > thunî-bhûta âste yatah pravrttâ sarit-pravarâ hâtakî nâma bhavayor

> > vîryena yatra citrabhânur mâtarisvanâ samidhyamâna ojasâ pibati

> > tan nisthyûtam hâtakâkhyam suvarnam bhûsanenâsurendrâvarodhesu

> > purusâh saha purusîbhir dhârayanti.

> > tatah--the planet Atala; adhastât--beneath; vitale--on the planet; harah--Lord Siva; bhagavân--the most powerful personality; hâta-kesvarah--the master of gold; sva-pârsada--by his own associates; bhûta-gana--who are ghostly living beings; âvrtah--surrounded; prajâpati-sarga--of the creation of Lord Brahmâ; upabrmhanâya--to increase the population; bhavah--Lord Siva; bhavânyâ saha--with his wife, Bhavânî; mithunî-bhûtah--being united in sex; âste--remains; yatah--from that planet (Vitala); pravrttâ--being emanated; sarit-pravarâ--the great river; hâtakî--Hâtakî; nâma--named; bhavayoh vîryena--due to the semina and ovum of Lord Siva and Bhavânî; yatra--where; citra-bhânuh--the fire-god; mâtarisvanâ--by the wind; samidhyamânah--being brightly inflamed; ojasâ--with great strength; pibati--drinks; tat--that; nisthyûtam--spit out with a hissing sound; hâtaka-âkhyam--named Hâtaka; suvarnam--gold; bhûsanena--by different types of ornaments; asura-indra--of the great asuras; avarodhesu--in the homes; purusâh--the males; saha--with; purusîbhih--their wives and women; dhârayanti--wear.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The next planet below Atala is Vitala, wherein Lord Siva, who is known as the master of gold mines, lives with his personal associates, the ghosts and similar living entities. Lord Siva, as the progenitor, engages in sex with Bhavani, the progenitress, to produce living entities, and from the mixture of their vital fluid the river named Hataki is generated. When fire, being made to blaze by the wind, drinks of this river and then sizzles and spits it out, it produces gold called Hataka. The demons who live on that planet with their wives decorate themselves with various ornaments made from that gold, and thus they live there very happily.

> > *******

> > TEXT 18

> > tato 'dhastât sutale udâra-sravâh punya-sloko virocanâtmajo balir

> > bhagavatâ mahendrasya priyam cikîrsamânenâditer labdha-kâyo

> > bhûtvâ vatu-vâmana-rûpena parâksipta-loka-trayo bhagavad-

> > anukampayaiva punah pravesita indrâdisv avidyamânayâ

> > susamrddhayâ sriyâbhijustah sva-dharmenârâdhayams tam eva

> > bhagavantam ârâdhanîyam apagata-sâdhvasa âste 'dhunâpi.

> > tatah adhastât--beneath the planet known as Vitala; sutale--on the planet known as Sutala; udâra-sravâh--very greatly celebrated; punya-slokah--very pious and advanced in spiritual consciousness; virocana-âtmajah--the son of Virocana; balih--Bali Mahârâja; bhagavatâ--by the Supreme Personality of Godhead; mahâ-indrasya--of the King of heaven, Indra; priyam--the welfare; cikîrsamânena--desiring to perform; âditeh--from Âditi; labdha-kâyah--having obtained His body; bhûtvâ--appearing; vatu--brahmacârî; vâmana-rûpena--in the form of a dwarf; parâksipta--wrested away; loka-trayah--the three worlds; bhagavat-anukampayâ--by the causeless mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; eva--certainly; punah--again; pravesitah--caused to enter; indra-âdisu--even among the demigods like the King of heaven; avidyamânayâ--not existing; susamrddhayâ--much enriched by such exalted opulence; sriyâ--by good fortune; abhijustah--being blessed; sva-dharmena--by discharging devotional service; ârâdhayan--worshiping; tam--Him; eva--certainly; bhagavantam--the Supreme Personality of Godhead; ârâdhanîyam--who is most worshipable; apagata-sâdhvasah--without fear; âste--remains; adhunâ api--even today.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Below the planet Vitala is another planet, known as Sutala, where the great son of Maharaja Virocana, Bali Maharaja, who is celebrated as the most pious king, resides even now. For the welfare of Indra, the King of heaven, Lord Visnu appeared in the form of a dwarf brahmacari as the son of Aditi and tricked Bali Maharaja by begging for only three paces of land but taking all the three worlds. Being very pleased with Bali Maharaja for giving all his possessions, the Lord returned his kingdom and made him richer than the opulent King Indra. Even now, Bali Maharaja engages in devotional service by worshiping the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the planet of Sutala.

> > *******

> > TEXT 19

> > no evaitat sâksâtkâro bhûmi-danasya yat tad bhagavaty asesa jîva-

> > nikâyânâm jîva-bhûtâtma-bhûte paramâtmani vâsudeve tîrthatame

> > pâtra upapanne parayâ sraddhayâ paramâdara-samâhita-manasâ

> > sampratipâditasya sâksâd apavarga-dvârasya yad bila-nilayaisvaryam.

> > no--not; eva--indeed; etat--this; sâksâtkârah--the direct result; bhûmi-dânasya--of contribution of land; yat--which; tat--that; bhagavati--unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead; asesa jîva-nikâyânâm--of unlimited numbers of living entities; jîva-bhûta-âtma-bhûte--who is the life and the Supersoul; parama-âtmani--the supreme regulator; vâsudeve--Lord Vâsudeva (Krsna); tîrtha-tame--who is the best of all places of pilgrimage; pâtre--the most worthy recipient; upapanne--having approached; parayâ--by the topmost; sraddhayâ--faith; parama-âdara--with great respect; samâhita-manasâ--with an attentive mind; sampratipâditasya--which was given; sâksât--directly; apavarga-dvârasya--the gate of liberation; yat--which; bila-nilaya--of bila-svarga, the imitation heavenly planets; aisvaryam--the opulence.

> > TRANSLATION

> > My dear King, Bali Maharaja donated all his possessions to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vamanadeva, but one should certainly not conclude that he achieved his great worldly opulence in bila-svarga as a result of his charitable disposition. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the source of life for all living entities, lives within everyone as the friendly Supersoul, and under His direction a living entity enjoys or suffers in the material world. Greatly appreciating the transcendental qualities of the Lord, Bali Maharaja offered everything at His lotus feet. His purpose, however, was not to gain anything material, but to become a pure devotee. For a pure devotee, the door of liberation is automatically opened. One should not think that Bali Maharaja was given so much material opulence merely because of his charity. When one becomes a pure devotee in love, he may also be blessed with a good material position by the will of the Supreme Lord. However, one should not mistakenly think that the material opulence of a devotee is the result of his devotional service. The real result of devotional service is the awakening of pure love for the Supreme Personality of Godhead, which continues under all circumstances.

> > *******

> > TEXT 20

> > yasya ha vâva ksuta-patana-praskhalanâdisu vivasah sakrn

> > nâmâbhigrnan purusah karma-bandhanam anjasâ vidhunoti yasya

> > haiva pratibâdhanam mumuksavo 'nyathaivopalabhante.

> > yasya--of whom; ha vâva--indeed; ksuta--when in hunger; patana--falling down; praskhalana-âdisu--stumbling and so on; vivasah--being helpless; sakrt--once; nâma abhigrnan--chanting the holy name of the Lord; purusah--a person; karma-bandhanam--the bondage of fruitive activity; anjasâ--completely; vidhunoti--washes away; yasya--of which; ha--certainly; eva--in this way; pratibâdhanam--the repulsion; mumuksavah--persons desiring liberation; anyathâ--otherwise; eva--certainly; upalabhante--are trying to realize.

> > TRANSLATION

> > If one who is embarrassed by hunger or who falls down or stumbles chants the holy name of the Lord even once, willingly or unwillingly, he is immediately freed from the reactions of his past deeds. Karmis entangled in material activities face many difficulties in the practice of mystic yoga and other endeavors to achieve that same freedom.

> > *******

> > TEXT 21

> > tad bhaktânâm âtmavatâm sarvesâm âtmany âtmada âtmatayaiva.

> > tat--that; bhaktânâm--of great devotees; âtma-vatâm--of self-realized persons like Sanaka and Sanâtana; sarvesâm--of all; âtmani--to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the soul; âtma-de--who gives Himself without hesitation; âtmatayâ--who is the Supreme Soul, Paramâtmâ; eva--indeed.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is situated in everyone's heart as the Supersoul, sells Himself to His devotees such as Narada Muni. In other words, the Lord gives pure love to such devotees and gives Himself to those who love Him purely. Great, self-realized mystic yogis such as the four Kumaras also derive great transcendental bliss from realizing the Supersoul within themselves.

> > *******

> > TEXT 22

> > na vai bhagavân nûnam amusyânujagrâha yad uta punar

> > âtmânusmrti-mosanam mâyâmaya-bhogaisvaryam evâtanuteti.

> > na--not; vai--indeed; bhagavân--the Supreme Personality of Godhead; nûnam--certainly; amusya--unto Bali Mahârâja; anujagrâha--showed His favor; yat--because; uta--certainly; punah--again; âtma-anusmrti--of remembrance of the Supreme personality of Godhead; mosanam--which robs one; mâyâ-maya--an attribute of Mâyâ; bhoga-aisvaryam--the material opulence; eva--certainly; âtanuta--extended; iti--thus.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The Supreme Personality of Godhead did not award His mercy to Bali Maharaja by giving him material happiness and opulence, for these make one forget loving service to the Lord. The result of material opulence is that one can no longer absorb his mind in the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

> > *******

> > TEXT 23

> > yat tad bhagavatânadhigatânyopâyena yâcnâ-cchalenâpahrta

> > sva-sarîrâvasesita-loka-trayo varuna-pâsais ca sampratimukto giri-daryâm

> > câpaviddha iti hovâca.

> > yat--which; tat--that; bhagavatâ--by the Supreme personality of Godhead; anadhigata-anya-upâyena--who is not perceived by other means; yâcnâ-chalena--by a trick of begging; apahrta--taken away; sva-sarîra-avasesita--with only his own body remaining; loka-trayah--the three worlds; varuna-pâsaih--by the ropes of Varuna; ca--and; sampratimuktah--completely bound; giri-daryâm--in a cave in a mountain; ca--and; apaviddhah--being detained; iti--thus; ha--indeed; uvâca--said.

> > TRANSLATION

> > When the Supreme Personality of Godhead could see no other means of taking everything away from Bali Maharaja, He adopted the trick of begging from him and took away all the three worlds. Thus only his body was left, but the Lord was still not satisfied. He arrested Bali Maharaja, bound him with the ropes of Varuna and threw him in a cave in a mountain. Nevertheless, although all his property was taken and he was thrown into a cave, Bali Maharaja was such a great devotee that he spoke as follows.

> > *******

> > TEXT 24

> > nûnam batâyam bhagavân arthesu na nisnâto yo 'sâv indro yasya sacivo

> > mantrâya vrta ekântato brhaspatis tam atihâya svayam

> > upendrenâtmânam ayâcatâtmanas câsiso no eva tad-dâsyam

> > atigambhîra-vayasah kâlasya manvantara-parivrttam kiyal loka-trayam

> > idam.

> > nûnam--certainly; bata--alas; ayam--this; bhagavân--very learned; arthesu--in self-interest; na--not; nisnâtah--very experienced; yah--who; asau--the King of heaven; indrah--Indra; yasya--of whom; sacivah--the prime minister; mantrâya--for giving instructions; vrtah--chosen; ekântatah--alone; brhaspatih--named Brhaspati; tam--him; atihâya--ignoring; svayam--personally; upendrena--by means of Upendra (Lord Vâmanadeva); âtmânam--myself; ayâcata--requested; âtmanah--for himself; ca--and; âsisah--blessings (the three worlds); no--not; eva--certainly; tat-dâsyam--the loving service of the Lord; ati--very; gambhîra-vayasah--having an insurmountable duration; kâlasya--of time; manvantara-parivrttam--changed by the end of a life of a Manu; kiyat--what is the value of; loka-trayam--three worlds; idam--these.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Alas, how pitiable it is for Indra, the King of heaven, that although he is very learned and powerful and although he chose Brhaspati as his prime minister to instruct him, he is completely ignorant concerning spiritual advancement. Brhaspati is also unintelligent because he did not properly instruct his disciple Indra. Lord Vamanadeva was standing at Indra's door, but King Indra, instead of begging Him for an opportunity to render transcendental loving service, engaged Him in asking me for alms to gain the three worlds for his sense gratification. Sovereignty over the three worlds is very insignificant because whatever material opulence one may possess lasts only for an age of Manu, which is but a tiny fraction of endless time.

> > *******

> > TEXT 25

> > yasyânudâsyam evâsmat-pitâmahah kila vavre na tu sva-pitryam yad

> > utâkutobhayam padam dîyamânam bhagavatah param iti

> > bhagavatoparate khalu sva-pitari.

> > yasya--of whom (the Supreme Personality of Godhead); anudâsyam--the service; eva--certainly; asmat--our; pitâ-mahah--grandfather; kila--indeed; vavre--accepted; na--not; tu--but; sva--own; pitryam--paternal property; yat--which; uta--certainly; akutah-bhayam--fearlessness; padam--position; dîyamânam--being offered; bhagavatah--than the Supreme Personality of Godhead; param--other; iti--thus; bhagavatâ--by the Supreme Personality of Godhead; uparate--when killed; khalu--indeed; sva-pitari--his own father.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Bali Maharaja said: My grandfather Prahlada Maharaja is the only person who understood his own self-interest. Upon the death of Prahlada's father, Hiranyakasipu, Lord Nrsimhadeva wanted to offer Prahlada his father's kingdom and even wanted to grant him liberation from material bondage, but Prahlada accepted neither. Liberation and material opulence, he thought, are obstacles to devotional service, and therefore such gifts from the Supreme Personality of Godhead are not His actual mercy. Consequently, instead of accepting the results of karma and jnana, Prahlada Maharaja simply begged the Lord for engagement in the service of His servant.

> > *******

> > TEXT 26

> > tasya mahânubhâvasyânupatham amrjita-kasâyah ko vâsmad-vidhah

> > parihîna-bhagavad-anugraha upajigamisatîti.

> > tasya--of Prahlâda Mahârâja; mahâ-anubhâvasya--who was an exalted devotee; anupatham--the path; amrjita-kasâyah--a person who is materially contaminated; kah--what; vâ--or; asmat-vidhah--like us; parihîna-bhagavat-anugrahah--being without the favor of the Supreme personality of Godhead; upajigamisati--desires to follow; iti--thus.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Bali Maharaja said: Persons like us, who are still attached to material enjoyment, who are contaminated by the modes of material nature and who lack the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, cannot follow the supreme path of Prahlada Maharaja, the exalted devotee of the Lord.

> > *******

> > TEXT 27

> > tasyânucaritam uparistâd vistarisyate yasya bhagavân svayam

> > akhila-jagad-gurur nârâyano dvâri gadâ-pânir avatisthate

> > nijajanânukampita-hrdayo yenângusthena padâ dasa-kandharo

> > yojanâyutâyutam dig-vijaya uccâtitah.

> > tasya--of Bali Mahârâja; anucaritam--the narration; uparistât--later (in the Eighth Canto); vistarisyate--will be explained; yasya--of whom; bhagavân--the Supreme Personality of Godhead; svayam--personally; akhila jagat-guruh--the master of all the three worlds; nârâyanah--the Supreme Lord, Nârâyana Himself; dvâri--at the gate; gadâ-pânih--bearing the club in His hand; avatisthate--stands; nija-jana-anukampita-hrdayah--whose heart is always filled with mercy for His devotees; yena--by whom; angusthena--by the big toe; padâ--of His foot; dasa-kandharah--Râvana, who had ten heads; yojana-ayuta-ayutam--a distance of eighty thousand miles; dik-vijaye--for the purpose of gaining victory over Bali Mahârâja; uccâtitah--driven away.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Sukadeva Gosvami continued: My dear King, how shall I glorify the character of Bali Maharaja? The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the master of the three worlds, who is most compassionate to His own devotee, stands with club in hand at Bali Maharaja's door. When Ravana, the powerful demon, came to gain victory over Bali Maharaja, Vamanadeva kicked him a distance of eighty thousand miles with His big toe. I shall explain the character and activities of Bali Maharaja later [in the Eighth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam].

> > *******

> > TEXT 28

> > tato 'dhastât talâtale mayo nâma dânavendras tri-purâdhipatir

> > bhagavatâ purârinâ tri-lokî-sam cikîrsunâ-nirdagdha-sva-pura-trayas

> > tat-prasâdâl labdha-pado mâyâvinâm âcâryo mahâdevena pariraksito

> > vigata-sudarsana-bhayo mahîyate.

> > tatah--the planet known as Sutala; adhastât--below; talâtale--in the planet known as Talâtala; mayah--Maya; nâma--named; dânava-indrah--the king of the Dânava demons; tri-pura-adhipatih--the Lord of the three cities; bhagavatâ--by the most powerful; purârinâ--Lord Siva, who is known as Tripurâri; tri-lokî--of the three worlds; sam--the good fortune; cikîrsunâ--who was desiring; nirdagdha--burned; sva-pura-trayah--whose three cities; tat-prasâdât--by Lord Siva's mercy; labdha--obtained; padah--a kingdom; mâyâ-vinâm âcâryah--who is the âcârya, or master, of all the conjurers; mahâ-devena--by Lord Siva; pariraksitah--protected; vigata-sudarsana-bhayah--who is not afraid of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His Sudarsana cakra; mahîyate--is worshiped.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Beneath the planet known as Sutala is another planet, called Talatala, which is ruled by the Danava demon named Maya. Maya is known as the acarya [master] of all the mayavis, who can invoke the powers of sorcery. For the benefit of the three worlds, Lord Siva, who is known as Tripurari, once set fire to the three kingdoms of Maya, but later, being pleased with him, he returned his kingdom. Since that time, Maya Danava has been protected by Lord Siva, and therefore he falsely thinks that he need not fear the Sudarsana cakra of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

> > *******

> > TEXT 29

> > tato 'dhastân mahâtale kâdraveyânâm sarpânâm naika-sirasâm

> > krodhavaso nâma ganah kuhaka-taksaka-kâliya-susenâdi-pradhânâ

> > mahâ-bhogavantah patattri-râjâdhipateh purusa-vâhâd anavaratam

> > udvijamânâh sva-kalatrâpatya-suhrt-kutumba-sangena kvacit pramattâ

> > viharanti.

> > tatah--the planet Talâtala; adhastât--beneath; mahâtale--in the planet known as Mahâtala; kâdraveyânâm--of the descendants of Kadrû; sarpânâm--who are big snakes; na eka-sirasâm--who have many hoods; krodha-vasah--always subject to anger; nâma--named; ganah--the group; kuhaka--Kuhaka; taksaka--Taksaka; kâliya--Kâliya; susena--Susena; âdi--and so on; pradhânâh--who are the prominent ones; mahâ-bhogavantah--addicted to all kinds of material enjoyment; patattri-râja-adhipateh--from the king of all birds, Garuda; purusa-vâhât--who carries the Supreme Personality of Godhead; anavaratam--constantly; udvijamânâh--afraid; sva--of their own; kalatra-apatya--wives and children; suhrt--friends; kutumba--relatives; sangena--in the association; kvacit--sometimes; pramattâh--infuriated; viharanti--they sport.

> > TRANSLATION

> > The planetary system below Talatala is known as Mahatala. It is the abode of many-hooded snakes, descendants of Kadru, who are always very angry. The great snakes who are prominent are Kuhaka, Taksaka, Kaliya and Susena. The snakes in Mahatala are always disturbed by fear of Garuda, the carrier of Lord Visnu, but although they are full of anxiety, some of them nevertheless sport with their wives, children, friends and relatives.

> > *******

> > TEXT 30

> > tato 'dhastâd rasâtale daiteyâ dânavâh panayo nâma nivâta-kavacâh

> > kâleyâ hiranya-puravâsina iti vibudha-pratyanîkâ utpattyâ mahaujaso

> > mahâ-sâhasino bhagavatah sakala-lokânubhâvasya harer eva tejasâ

> > pratihata-balâvalepâ bilesayâ iva vasanti ye vai saramayendra-dûtyâ

> > vâgbhir mantra-varnâbhir indrâd bibhyati.

> > tatah adhastât--below the planetary system Mahâtala; rasâtale--on the planet called Rasâtala; daiteyâh--the sons of Diti; dânavâh--the sons of Danu; panayah nâma--named Panis; nivâta-kavacâh--Nivâta-kavacas; kâleyâh--Kâleyas; hiranya-puravâsinah--Hiranya-puravâsîs; iti--thus; vibudha-pratyanîkâh--enemies of the demigods; utpattyâh--from birth; mahâ-ojasah--very powerful; mahâ-sâhasinah--very cruel; bhagavatah--of the Personality of Godhead; sakala-loka-anubhâvasya--who is auspicious for all planetary systems; hareh--of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; eva--certainly; tejasâ--by the Sudarsana cakra; pratihata--defeated; bala--strength; avalepâh--and pride (because of bodily strength); bila-îsayâh--the snakes; iva--like; vasanti--they live; ye--who; vai--indeed; saramayâ--by Saramâ; indra-dûtyâ--the messenger of Indra; vâgbhih--by the words; mantra-varnâbhih--in the form of a mantra; indrât--from King Indra; bibhyati--are afraid.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Beneath Mahatala is the planetary system known as Rasatala, which is the abode of the demoniac sons of Diti and Danu. They are called Panis, Nivata-kavacas, Kaleyas and Hiranya-puravasis [those living in Hiranya-pura]. They are all enemies of the demigods, and they reside in holes like snakes. From birth they are extremely powerful and cruel, and although they are proud of their strength, they are always defeated by the Sudarsana cakra of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who rules all the planetary systems. When a female messenger from Indra named Sarama chants a particular curse, the serpentine demons of Mahatala become very afraid of Indra.

> > *******

> > TEXT 31

> > tato 'dhastât pâtâle nâga-loka-patayo vâsuki-pramukhâh

> > sankha-kulika-mahâsankha-sveta-dhananjaya-dhrtarâstra

> > sankhacûda-kambalâsvatara-devadattâdayo mahâ-bhogino mahâmarsâ nivasanti

> > yesâm u ha vai panca-sapta-dasa-sata-sahasra-sîrsânâm phanâsu

> > viracitâ mahâ-manayo rocisnavah pâtâla-vivara-timira-nikaram

> > svarocisâ vidhamanti.

> > tatah adhastât--beneath that planet Rasâtala; pâtâle--on the planet known as Pâtâla; nâga-loka-patayah--the masters of the Nâgalokas; vâsuki--by Vâsuki; pramukhâh--headed; sankha--Sankha; kulika--Kulika; mahâ-sankha--Mahâsankha; sveta--Sveta; dhananjaya--Dhananjaya; dhrtarâstra--Dhrtarâstra; sankha-cûda--Sankhacûda; kambala--Kambala; asvatara--Asvatara; deva-datta--Devadatta; âdayah--and so on; mahâ-bhoginah--very addicted to material happiness; mahâ-amarsâh--greatly envious by nature; nivasanti--live; yesâm--of all of them; u ha--certainly; vai--indeed; panca--five; sapta--seven; dasa--ten; sata--one hundred; sahasra--one thousand; sîrsânâm--of those possessing hoods; phanâsu--on those hoods; viracitâh--fixed; mahâ-manayah--very valuable gems; rocisnavah--full of effulgence; pâtâla-vivara--the caves of the Pâtâla planetary system; timira-nikaram--the mass of darkness; sva-rocisâ--by the effulgence of their hoods; vidhamanti--disperse.

> > TRANSLATION

> > Beneath Rasatala is another planetary system, known as Patala or Nagaloka, where there are many demoniac serpents, the masters of Nagaloka, such as Sankha, Kulika, Mahasankha, Sveta, Dhananjaya, Dhrtarastra, Sankhacuda, Kambala, Asvatara and Devadatta. The chief among them is Vasuki. They are all extremely angry, and they have many, many hoods--some snakes five hoods, some seven, some ten, others a hundred and others a thousand. These hoods are bedecked with valuable gems, and the light emanating from the gems illuminates the entire planetary system of bila-svarga.

> > Back to the running text