Rasatala, aka: Rasātala; 6 Definition(s)

Introduction

Rasatala means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Marathi. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Nāṭyaśāstra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Rasātala (रसातल) refers to the “nether world”; it is a Sanskrit technical term defined in the Nāṭyaśāstra.

One of the Hands of The Seven Lower Worlds.—Rasātala: the Patāka hand twisted downwards is applicable.

Purāṇa

Rasātala (रसातल):—It is 10,000 (square?) yojanas in area. Its seven (sub-divisions) are:

1. Atala,
2. Sutala,
3. Vitala,
4. Gabhastala,
5. Mahātala,
6. Śrītala
7. and Pātāla.

The first has a black soil, the second white, the third red, the fourth yellow, the fifth like that of sugar, the sixth rocky and the seventh golden. In the first are the abodes of Namuci, the lord of Asuras, of Mahānāda and Kabandha. Here are also cities of Śaṅkukarṇa, Niṣkulāda, Dhanaṃjaya, Kālīya, Nāga and of Kalasa.

In the second are the cities of Daityas such as Mahājambha, Hayagrīva Kṛṣṇa, Nikumbha, Saṅkha, Gomukha, Nīla, Megh, Krathana, etc. and of Nāgas such as Kambala, Takṣaka, etc.

In the third are the cities of Prahlāda, Anuhlāda, Tāraka, Śiśumāra, Cyavana, Khara, etc.

In the fourth are the cities of Kālanemi, Gajakarṇa, Sumālin, Vainateya, etc.

In the fifth are the cities of Virocana, Hiraṇyākṣa, Mahāmegha, etc. In the sixth are the cities of Kesarin, Puloman, Mahiṣa, Nāga Vāsuki, etc.

In the seventh are the cities of Bali, Mucukunda, etc.

Rasātala (रसातल).—(also Pātālam) the underworld of rocky soil. Here live Paṇis, Nāgas, Nivātakavacas and Kāleyas; all dānavas of great strength and enterprising spirit and afraid of Hari and Sarama, the messenger of Indra.¹ Visited by Arjuna in search of the dead child of the Dvārakā Brahmana;² burnt by Pralaya;³ the Asuras entered it helpless;⁴ Vasu, cursed by the sages to live there, for his decision against the killing of Paśu in sacrifices;⁵ of 10,000 Yojanas in extent; other talams are Atala, Sutala, Vitala, Gabhastala, Mahātala, Sritala, and Patāla with the characteristics of black, white, pīta, chunam, rocky and gold they are in groups of earth, water and space.⁶

• 1) Bhāgavata-purāṇa V. 24. 7 and 30; Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa II. 19. 171; 20. 10 and 12, 39-40; 30. 31; Matsya-purāṇa 47. 63; Vāyu-purāṇa 49. 163; 97. 95; 100. 157; Viṣṇu-purāṇa IV. 3. 4 and 8; V. 1. 28.
• 2) Bhāgavata-purāṇa X. 89. 44.
• 3) Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 53. 1; 72. 96. 73. 46 and 48; IV. 1. 153.
• 4) Matsya-purāṇa 47. 212-13, 233.
• 5) Ib. 143. 24-25; 166. 3; 248, 4, 11, 53, 67ff; Vāyu-purāṇa 57. 110.
• 6) Ib. 6. 25; 50. 9-14.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

rasātala (रसातल).—n (S) pop. rasātaḷa n The lowest of the seven divisions of pātāḷa. rasātaḷāsa jāṇēṃ To be spoiled, marred, blasted, ruined--a business. rasātaḷāsa nēṇēṃ To spoil or marr (a business).

rasātala (रसातल) [-ḷa, -ळ].—n The lowest of the seven divisions of pātāḷa. rasātaḷāsa jāṇēṃ Be spoiled, blasted-a business. rasātaḷāsa nēṇēṃ Spoil (a business).

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