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+ [ 142 ] Páli or Prūksta. All differences are in details. A rational study of the entire scheme of heaven and hell is not needed here. It has been attempted in connection with other places with which we have had to deal in the course of this study.
: In the present context we propose to give below a systematized list of both heavens and hells as narrated in the Purānas. In every case, as far as possible, réferences have been given for facility of consultation. In connection with the fructification of Karma, we have had occasion to speak about heaven and hell, Svarga and Naraka. We have often found that good actions lead to a heavenly life and evil actions to a life in hell, of course, for a limited duration according to the quality and intensity of the action. As regards Svarga or Heaven, the purăņas as a rule had an implicit faith in the ancient conception of the seven planes-- Bhū, Bhuvaḥ. Svaḥ, Mahaḥ Janaḥ, Tapah and Satyaḥ. Here Bhú represents the physical plane, Bhuvah including the earth with all its divisions and the subterranean planes of the so called underworld i.e. Pātāla and the Hells. The Bhuvah represents the intermediate planes above the earth and below the Syaḥ or Heavens. :: Svaḥ is Svarga which is heaven proper. It is presided over by Indra and has practically infinite divisions. Svarga represents heavenly life. It should be remembered that it has a dual nature so that we have a lower heaven called Bhoga. Svarga and the , higher heaven called Mokșa Svarga. We are now dealing with the lower heaven where righteous persons are rewarded with enjoyments of various kinds—long life and great powers. There is, no pain to be felt on this plane. All enjoyments are sensual.
The inhabitants of heaven enjoy all sorts of sensual pleasures in · this heaven. It is exactly as we find it described in the Yogabháşya. People enjoy their long life, freedom from fatigue and powers of "Siddhis' of different kinds. : The higher heavens beginning with Mahābhārata are all
fields of Kramamukti or graduated evolution. There are enjoya ments there undoubtedly, but they are not due to ignorance byt
