Home > Society > Religion in India > Swarga
Swarga
Swarga is one of the eight advanced loka`s in Hindu cosmology. Swarga is seen as a temporary place for virtuous souls who performed fine actions but whose manner is not sufficient to attain moksha, or combination with God.

Share this Article:

Swarga, Paradise, Indian MythologySwarga is an underworld in Hinduism. It is a Heaven where the virtuous exist in paradise ahead of their next rebirth. The capital is Amaravati and the doorway is protected by Airavata. Swarga is supervised by Lord Indra, the Lord of Heaven. In Slavic religious conviction Swarga is Heaven, the dwelling of Gods.

Swarga also recognized as Swarga Loka, is one of the eight senior loka`s in Hindu mythology. The eight loka`s involve Bhu loka, Bhuvar loka, Swarga loka, Mahar loka, Jana loka, Tapa loka, Satyaloka and the highest Goloka.

Depiction of Swarga in myths
Narratives of Swarga are wonderful and extraordinary. Swarga is seen as an ephemeral place for moral souls who have done good endeavours in their lives but are not yet prepared to attain moksha, or rise to Vaikunta. It is considered to be the Supreme residence. In place of Hinduism, after the death of the body every soul clears a new body and a new cycle of life. If similar parents do not exist on Mother Earth then the soul hides in Swarga or hell. In Swarga, the remaining balance of karma is positive and in hell it is negative. Both heaven and hell live in Sun. Swarga exists in the central part of sun where temperatures go beyond of millions of degrees centigrade. It is in such temperatures that the soul feels comfortable.

In Hindu mythology, there are two types of Swarga: there is Swarga which is spelt without capitals and there is Swarga which is spelt with capitals. One Swarga is ruled by Indra whereas the other Swarga which is the Vaikuntha of Vishnu or Kailasa of Shiva, where there is no danger. There is a fabulous depiction of Swarga lok in Hindu mythology and pauranic fiction. An ocean of milk and a mountain of gold, flowers that never dry up, heavenly apsaras of godly splendour and eternal youth all are depicted wonderfully. In Christianity paradise is portrayed as free from needs and activities and luxurious pleasures. In Islam, Swarga is portrayed as jannat where there are four rivers each of tasty water, milk, honey and wine. Besides, there are virgins of supreme beauty and known to aesthetic delights.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Religion in India


Religion in Indus Valley Civilization
Religion in Indus Valley Civilisation included Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Details about the religion in Indus Valley Civilization have been gathered from archaeological artefacts.
Shaivism Religion
Shaivism is the second largest “religious community” in modern India with its roots deeply seated in the Hindu Vedic belief.
Vaishnavism
Vaishnavism is among the more popular denominations of Hinduism, with its own distinctive ideas about spirituality and morality. Vaishnavism concentrates on worshipping god Vishnu and of his incarnations.
Hinduism Religion
Hinduism is more of a philosophy which is a way of living according to the understanding of the principles of Vedas and Upanishads.
Islam
Islam is a religion that beliefs in Allah as the one and only God and creator of the Universe. Islamic law or Sharia is characterised by the five pillars of Islam which comprise the essential duties of every Muslim.
Christianity
Christianity is a religion based on the teachings and life of Jesus Christ and it is the largest religion in the world.
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and a philosophy that encompasses a wide variety of beliefs, practices and traditions that are chiefly based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha and its later disciples.
Jainism
Jainism chronologically preceded the religion of Buddhism. It is considered as one of the oldest religions of India. Jainism in India shared with Hinduism and Buddhism. It is an integral part of South Asian religious belief and practice, but it is not a Hindu sect and not a Buddhist heresy, as earlier scholars believed.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism, closely related to Judaism, Christianity and Islam was founded by Zoroaster.
Sikhism
Sikhism is a religion started by Guru Nanak in land of Punjab in 15th century A.D.