Wikipedia
In Indian religions, Patala or Patal denotes the subterranean realms of the universe - which are located under the earth. Patala is often translated as underworld or netherworld.
In Hindu cosmology, the universe is divided into the three worlds: svarga (the upper regions), Prithvi (earth) and Patala (the underworld). Patala is composed of seven regions or lokas, the seventh and lowest of them is also called Patala or Naga-loka, the region of the Nagas. The Danavas (demon sons of Danu), Daityas (demon sons of Diti), Yakshas and the snake-people Nagas live in the realms of Patala.
Surya Siddhanta, an astronomical text, refers to Southern Hemisphere of the earth as Patala whereas the northern hemisphere is referred to as Jambudvipa.
In Vajrayana Buddhism, caves inhabited by asuras are entrances to Patala; these asuras, particularly female asuras, are often "tamed" (converted to Buddhism) as dharmapala or dakinis by famous Buddhist figures such as Padmasambhava.
In Hindu cosmology, Patala or Patal (Sanskrit: पाताल, Pātāla) denotes the seven lower regions of the universe.
Patala may also refer to:
- Patala, Uttar Pradesh, a town in India
- An ancient name of Thatta, Pakistan