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Many Hindus believe that there are 14 lokas, or worlds that make up a multiverse. They believe that there are inhabitants in each of these planetary systems.

In their most simple form, the lokas are divided into the seven upper worlds, known as vyarthis, and the seven lower worlds, known as patalas:

The seven vyarthis

1. Satya-loka – This is the place of Brahma, where each person’s atman is released from the inevitability of rebirth.
2. Tapa-loka – Ayohnija devadasis live here.
3. Jana-loka – The sons of the god Brahma live here.
4. Mahar-loka – Enlightened beings such as Markandeya live here.
5. Svar-loka – This is the area between the Sun and the Polar Star, the Heaven of the god Indra. It is a Heaven and Paradise, where all the 330 million Hindu gods live.
6. Bhuvar-loka (or Pitri-loka) – It is the space between Earth and the Sun. Semi-divine beings live here.
7. Bhur-loka – This is the Earth. Hindus teach that it is one of billions of inhabited worlds in the universe. This shows the Hindu belief in the multiverse.

The seven patalas

1. Atala-loka – Atala is ruled by Bala, who is a son of Maya. Maya possesses mystical powers.
2. Vitala-loka – Vitala is ruled by the god Hara-Bhava, who is a form of Shiva.
3. Sutala-loka – Sutala is the kingdom of the demon king Bali.
4. Talatala-loka – Talatala is the realm of Maya. Shiva is also here under the protection of Maya.
5. Mahatala-loka – Mahatala is where many nagas (serpents) live.
6. Rasatala-loka – Rasatala is the home of the demons Danavas and Daityas.
7. Patala-loka (or Naga-loka) – This is the lowest realm. It is the region of the nagas, ruled by Vasuki a King serpent.