Significance of Rasatala
Rasatala is a significant realm in various religious contexts, particularly in Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Purana traditions. It is described as the underworld or aquatic realm that plays a crucial role in mythological narratives. In Hindu cosmology, Rasatala is portrayed as a lower region inhabited by powerful beings like the Daityas and Danavas. This realm is often associated with conflicts between gods and demons and serves as a site for essential mythological events, underscoring its importance in spiritual and cosmological discussions.
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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Rasatala'
Rasatala in Hinduism embodies a significant netherworld, characterized by its multifaceted roles, including a home for deities and creatures, a site of divine narratives, and the realm embodying the struggles between good and evil.
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A mythical realm where the maiden was taken after her abduction by the Naga.[1] (2) Another realm where the Nagas previously sought aid, showing the interconnectedness of different worlds in the narrative.[2] (3) The realm where the Naga princes spend their nights, contrasting with their daytime activities with Ritadhvaja.[3] (4) A realm associated with the underworld where King Uttama's queen is found to reside, purporting to her unblemished character.[4]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A region lower than Mahatala, home to the Daityas, Danavas, and Pani Asuras, characterized by energetic and brave inhabitants.[5] (2) A realm associated with the underworld or lower planes of existence, where the Daityas reside.[6]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The lower regions into which Shatrughna's arrow penetrated, indicating its extreme power and depth of effect.[7] (2) The realm from which Sumali returned after encountering the glowing Lord of Wealth, signifying its dark, underworld nature.[8]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A realm that had been given by Brahma to both Rakshasas and Nagas, becoming a source of agitation for Shesha due to lack of space.[9] (2) The nether world where significant mythological events occur, including the conflict between Devas and the ruling demons.[10]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The seventh stratum below the Earth where the narrative takes place, described as a significant region.[11]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A lower region or underworld that serves as a place of residence for the earth following universal dissolution.[12]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The realm from which Lord Varahadeva retrieved the earth, depicted as being deep underwater.[13] (2) One of the seven planets beneath the earth, mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagavatam, associated with Ananta Shesha.[14] (3) A plane located below the surface of the earth, which is identified in discussions of lower planetary systems.[15]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The netherworld where Muktaphaladhvaja and Malayadhvaja establish their control after defeating the Asuras.[16]
Jain concept of 'Rasatala'
In Jainism, Rasatala signifies both an aquatic realm linked to Jvalanaprabha鈥檚 authorization of Bhagiratha to guide the Ganga, and as an underworld space pivotal to the overarching narrative context.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The realm from where Jvalanaprabha leaves to give Bhagiratha permission to lead the Ganga.[17] (2) The underworld or aquatic realm referenced in the text, serving as a significant location in the narrative.[18]