In this boundless universe governed by infinite emotions and finite words, this episode of “Gagar Ma Sagar” explores the deeply profound and fearsome dimension of Adho Lok—the Lower World or Nether Realms.
We often use the terms “heaven” and “hell” casually in everyday life. When we’re happy, we call it a taste of heaven; when we suffer, we say we’re experiencing hell. But in Jain cosmology, these are not metaphors. They are real, distinct realms—each with vivid characteristics and intense experiences.
What Is Adho Lok?
“Adho” means “lower”—Adho Lok is the lower region of the universe. Just as there exists Devlok (heaven), where celestial beings reside in eternal daylight, the Narak (hell) is its exact opposite—completely engulfed in absolute darkness.
The word Narak is derived from “Arka” in Sanskrit, meaning Sun. Na-Arka means “absence of Sun.” In this region, not even a glimmer of light can penetrate. The darkness is so intense that one might not see even their own hand—so terrifying that when the hand suddenly appears again, even one’s own form may frighten them.
Structure of the Universe
The universe has a layered structure. In the center is the “Trasa Nadi,” a vertical axis where beings like humans reside. The layers below it are darker and more negative. As you go higher, the color tones become lighter and purer, representing more virtuous souls. The lowest is Krishna Leshya (black aura), indicating the most harmful karmic disposition, and the highest is Shukla Leshya (pure white), representing spiritually elevated souls like the Siddhas.
Leshyas are the spiritual auras of souls. In Adho Lok, all leshyas are negative, reflecting the vicious thoughts and actions of the souls residing there. The darkness and suffering in Narak mirror the intensity of their karmic negativity.
The Seven Levels of Hell
There are seven Naraks (hells), each existing below the Rajlok layers:
- Ratna Prabha – Seemingly filled with jewels and diamonds, but they are cursed. Contact causes immense pain.
- Sharkara Prabha – Covered in sharp stones meant to cause suffering.
- Valuka Prabha – Full of hot, burning sand.
- Pank Prabha – Beings are submerged in deep, sticky, painful mud.
- Dhoomra Prabha – Filled with suffocating, toxic smoke.
- Tamas Prabha – A horrifying realm of pitch darkness.
- Tamastam Prabha – The darkest of all, like a black hole; even self-identity is lost here.
Each of these realms becomes progressively more terrifying and painful.
Unimaginable Suffering
The beings in Narak undergo ten kinds of environmental torments (Kshetra Vedana):
- Endless hunger and thirst, but nothing to eat or drink
- Extreme heat, unbearable cold
- Chronic fever, maddening itchiness
- Bleeding bodies, incurable diseases
- Deep loneliness, constant sorrow
- Eternal fear that never subsides
Even if they ask for relief, they receive more pain—whether from the karmic keepers (Paramadhami) or fellow inmates.
Narak is a karmic reflection: whatever emotions and actions you put into the world, you receive their intensified reflection here.
Birth and Existence in Narak
Unlike human birth through a mother’s womb, Naraki beings are born in Kumbhis—large, pot-shaped iron vessels. Their birth itself is a form of punishment. Their bodies are melted, pierced with spears, and reformed endlessly. This form is called Vaikriya Sharir—a unique karmic body that can be broken and reassembled, made to suffer endlessly without dying.
Why Do Souls Go to Narak?
According to Jain scriptures such as the Uttaradhyayan Sutra and Shayagag Sutra, certain actions inevitably lead to Narak:
- Adultery, immoral relationships
- Consumption of meat
- Abortion or assisting in it
- Violence or thoughts of extreme cruelty
- Intentions to kill or harm
These karmas don’t require action alone—even intent or desire can bind a soul to such realms.
Conclusion
The seven Naraks are not mythological fears—they are deeply detailed, philosophically grounded realms in Jain cosmology. Every soul carries the burden of its karma, and actions driven by cruelty, greed, and ignorance lead to these excruciating outcomes.
This is not fear-mongering—it’s awareness. Before engaging in any harmful act or thought, remember: the consequences are not limited to this life. They may follow us into the darkest corners of the universe.
🕊️ Let us live consciously, ethically, and compassionately—so we never have to experience the unimaginable pain of these lower worlds.