Where is Pitra Lok ?
In this blog we are going to explore where is pitra lok as per Hindu Traditions.
In Indian religion and culture, the concept of heaven, hell, and the ancestral realm differs from that of Western religions.
These realms are intricately connected to the actions and journey of the soul. Beyond the Vedas, the Puranas present various theories on this subject, which are regarded as extensions of Vedic teachings. Let's explore essential insights on this matter.
As per the Puranas, Pitrilok is situated at a distance of 86,000 yojanas above the mortal world (Bhoolok), towards the southern direction. The Garuda Purana and Kathopanishad mention Yampuri or Pitraloka, spanning over one lakh yojanas.
It is believed that upon death, souls ascend to the ancestral world, residing in a state between death and rebirth for a period ranging from 1 to 100 years.
The abode of ancestors is believed to be in the upper part of the moon. From Ashwin Krishna Pratipada to Amavasya, the upper ray known as Aryama, along with the ancestral souls, is said to be prevalent on Earth.
To understad Pitr Lok, we need to understand motion and then Lok.
Concept of Motion as per Hindu Tradition
To comprehend this phenomenon, it's crucial to consider the following motions when an individual departs from their physical body:
- Upward Motion
- Steady Motion
- Downward Motion
- These motions are determined by the mental inclinations shaped by an individual's thoughts, words, and actions from their subtle body.
- The trajectory of the departing soul may lead it either upwards, downwards, or it may linger in a state of stillness.
- If the soul descends, it reaches the lower realm, whereas an upward trajectory leads it to the upper realm.
- In cases where stillness is possible, the soul may remain in a state of slumber or exist in a ghostly state.
- These categories can be further classified into two parts: Gati (motion) and Agati (stillness).
Gati (motion)
In the context of Gati (motion), four distinct realms are delineated:
- Brahmalok
- Devlok
- Pitralok
- Narklok
To access these realms, there are three designated routes:
- Archi Marg: Leading to Brahmalok and Devlok
- Dhoom Marg: Enabling passage to Pitralok
- Origin-Destruction Marg: Facilitating the journey to Hell.
Agati (stillness)
In Agati, an individual does not attain salvation and is destined for rebirth. There are four categories of Agati:
- Kshinodark
- Bhumodark
- Agati
- Durgati
During the state of Kshinodark, the living being returns to the realm of mortality but as a virtuous soul, leading a saintly life. In the phase of Bhumodark, they experience a joyful and opulent existence.
However, in Agati, one descends into a humble or animalistic life, while in motion, existence mirrors that of an insect.
Concept of Lok (World) - As per Geeta
शुक्ल कृष्णे गति ह्येते जगतः शाश्वते मते।
एकया यात्यावृत्ति मन्ययावर्तते पुनः आरंभ ॥ [ गीता ]
Shukla Krishne Gati Hyote Jagatah Shaashvate mate ।
Ekaya Yaatyaavrtti manyayaavartate punah aarambh॥ [ Geeta]
Interpretation: These two categories of worlds, the Shukla (bright) and Krishna (dark) paths, namely the Devyan (path of the gods) and Pitriyan (path of the ancestors), are deemed eternal.
Among them, the individual who has traversed one path, particularly the Yogi who has embarked on the Archimarg as described in verse 24 of this chapter, attains the supreme path from which there is no return.
Conversely, the one who has journeyed through the other path, i.e., the Yogi who has followed the Dhummarg as per verse 25 of this chapter, experiences the fruits of their Karmayogi efforts returning, signifying the cycle of birth and death.
Concept of Lok
Now, let's delve into the concept of "Lok" or worlds: Just as the Vedas describe the universe as consisting of Panchakosh, which includes:
- Annamaya
- Pranamaya
- Manomaya
- Vijanamaya
- Anandamaya
The entirety of the visible world, encompassing planets, stars, celestial bodies, and our own Earth, constitutes the initial manifestation of the soul. This is the realm where the soul undergoes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. In the Puranas, it is referred to as "Kritak Trailokya."
Lok as per Puranas
According to the Puranas, there exist three realms:
- Kritak Trailokya
- Maharlok
- Akritak Trailokya
Within the first Kritak Trailokya, there are three distinct worlds:
- Bhu Loka
- Bhuvarloka
- Swarloka (Heaven)
All three worlds within Kritak Trailokya are transient and destined for eventual destruction, turning into ashes. The Sun, Earth, Moon, planets, constellations, and stars exclusively inhabit this Kritak Trilokya.
It is within these realms that innumerable souls dwell in various forms, including many other Earth-like entities, with our Earth being one of them.
This is referred to as "earth." The region reached by the light of the Earth, Moon, etc., is known as the Earth's surface. Inside the Earth itself, numerous worlds, including Hades, exist.
Following this, the expanse between the Earth and the Sun is termed Bhuvarloka. It contains the constellations of all the planets and stars. Beyond this lies Swarloka or Swargaloka, spanning a distance of 14 lakh yojanas between the Sun and the Pole. In its midst lies the circle of the Saptarishi.
Beyond the mentioned Kritak Trailokya, we find Maharlok, and above it lies Akritak Trailokya, which is further divided into three categories:
- Janalok
- Tapalok
- Satyalok
In Akritak Trailokya, there is an absence of Earth, Moon, stars, and the like. Here, light is merely light, without the presence of celestial bodies.
A similar scenario exists on Earth, where we observe the world of death to the south of the Himalayas, heaven to the north, the world of ancestors (Pitr Lok) in between, and hell and the underworld both within and along the banks of rivers and seas.
How Do Ancestors Descend?
The primary ray among the thousands emitted by the Sun is known as 'Ama.' This ray, Ama, illuminates the world with its brilliance.
Within this Ama ray, the Moon makes a particular visit on a specific date, facilitating the descent of ancestors from the upper part of the Moon to Earth through this ray. Therefore, the Amavasya date within the Shraddha Paksha holds significance.
Shraddha can be performed for the appeasement of ancestors not only on Amavasya but also on various other dates, including Manvadi Tithi, Sankrantikal Vyatipat, Gajchdaya, Lunar Eclipse, and Solar Eclipse.
Who Resides in the Ancestral World?
According to the Puranas, ancestors are primarily categorized into two groups:
- Divine ancestors and
- Human ancestors.
The group known as Divya Pitra oversees the deeds of living beings and determines their fate after death. Yamraj serves as the head of this group.
Yamraj is also considered among the ancestors. Following him, Kavyavadanal, Som, Aryama, and Yama are the principal leaders of this group.
Aryama is regarded as the head of the ancestors, and Yamraj acts as the judge. The best among the ancestral world's inhabitants are considered members of the Nyayadatri Committee.
Besides these four, there are representatives for each category, including Agnishva representing the Gods, Somsad or Sompa representing the Sadhyas, and Bahirpad-Gandharva, Rakshasa, Kinnar, Suparna, Sarpa, and Yaksha.
Collectively, these beings constitute the ancestors and are responsible for judgment after death. Lord Chitraguptaji holds the book of Karma, along with a pen, inkpot, and Karwal. He is a skilled scribe, and through his writings, living beings receive justice according to their actions.
