The 14 lokas are the worlds or realms of existence in Hindu cosmology. They are divided into seven higher worlds (Vyahrtis) and seven lower worlds (Patalas). Here is a table with their names, their residents and their symbolic meanings:
| Loka | Residents | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Satya-Loka | Brahma and liberated souls | Abode of Truth or of Brahma, where atman are released from the necessity of rebirth. Represents a state of conscious awareness. |
| Tapa-Loka | Vairagis and Sanaka sages | The world of austerity and renunciation |
| Jana-Loka | Sons of Brahma and other sages | The world of creation and wisdom |
| Mahar-Loka | Great Rishis and Ascetics such as Bhrigu Muni and Markendeya | The world of greatness and virtue. This is the realm of consciousness that can be accessed by the great Rishis |
| Svarga-Loka | Generally translated as heaven, Svarga is identified with the realm of Indra and the devas in contemporary Hinduism. | The world of heaven and pleasure. The Vedas offer the reward of Svarga as one’s destination for the proper practice of sacrificial rituals on earth |
| Bhuvar-Loka | Siddhas and Gandharvas | The world of air and space. The world of artists who are adept at using air and space to create art. |
| Bhu-Loka | Human beings and Animals | Identified with the planet Earth, the world of human beings. It is described to be split up into seven regions, referred to as dvipas (islands). |
| Atala-Loka | Bala and his demon followers | The world of sin and deception. |
| Vitala-Loka | Hataka and his gold-producing followers | The world of power and wealth. |
| Sutala-Loka | Bali and his righteous demon followers | The world of generosity and devotion. |
| Rasatala-Loka | Danavas or demon sons of Diti | The world of violence and ignorance |
| Talatala-Loka | Maya and his illusion-producing followers | The world of magic and technology |
| Mahatala-Loka | Many-headed Nagas or serpents | The world of envy and anger |
| Patala-Loka | Vasuki and other serpent kings | The lowest world of darkness and fear |
The higher worlds are known as Vyahrtis and lower worlds as Patalas. The earth is considered the lowest of the seven higher worlds.
I hope this table helps you to understand the 14 lokas in Hinduism. 😊