Question: What are the different lokas in this universe? Bhuloka is the material world in which we live. Other than this, I believe there are many other lokas where different levels of souls exist. For example, Gandhiji’s soul is supposed to be in Satya Loka. So, what are these lokas? In which loka does the Supreme God exist? What is the hierarchy these worlds?
Answer by Romapada Swami:
The planetary systems within the universe are generally categorized into either 3 or 14 planetary systems. Of these, bhu-loka or the earthly realms belong to the middle planets and there are seven upper planetary systems and seven lower. Note that all of these 14 are within this material world only. The upper planets, which include the Sun and Moon, are considered heavenly while the lower planets are generally hellish. The topmost planet within this material world is Satya loka, the abode of Lord Brahma.
All of these planets are inhabited, but many of these higher realms are inaccessible to our gross sense perception; they are made of subtle material elements and their inhabitants also have subtle bodies. It is stated that those who are 100% sinless and have remained perfectly celibate since birth are eligible to attain Satya loka.
According to Vedic scriptures, there are innumerable such universes floating in the Causal ocean, all of which are material, a place of birth and death. Beyond this material cosmic manifestation is the spiritual sky, which is eternal, full of knowledge and bliss. (Cf Bhagavad Gita As it is 8.16-20, 15.6) In the spiritual sky, unlimited spiritual planets are situated. These are the abodes of the many plenary expansions of Lord Narayana. The topmost of these spiritual planets is Goloka Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna presides as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Detailed descriptions of the structure of the universe are given in the Fifth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, and also explained in the Brahma Samhita.
