Three Worlds: 2 definitions
Introduction
Introduction:
Three Worlds means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. 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.
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In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: Wisdomlib Libary: The Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇaThree Worlds or trailokya refers to Bhūta (past), Bhavya (future) and Bhavat (present), according to the Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa 2.38. Accordingly, “The Indras of all the Manvantaras of the past (bhūta), present (bhavat) and future (bhavya) should be known as having equal (similar) characteristic features. [...] It is remembered by the Brāhmaṇas that Bhūta, Bhavya and Bhavat are the three worlds. This Bhūrloka (Earth) is remembered as Bhūta; the Antarīkṣa (Atmosphere) is remembered as Bhavat. The Diva (Heaven) is remembered as Bhavya”.

The Purana (पुराण, purāṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.
In Buddhism
General definition (in Buddhism)
Source: Google Books: the literature of the personalists of early buddhismThe Three Worlds include all living beings up to those who have attained parinirvāṇa without a remainder (nirupadhiśeṣa) and consists of:
- the elements of the world of desire (kāmadhātu);
- the elements of the world of subtle form (rūpadhātu); and
- the elements of the formless world (ārūpyadhātu).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text (+347): Trailokya, Tribhuvana, Jagattraya, Lokatraya, Triloka, Triloki, Bhavitra, Bhuvanatraya, Trivikrama, Tryadhvaga, Trivishtapa, Tridhaman, Traivargika, Trailokyarajya, Jagatatraya, Trailaukika, Trailokyadarshin, Abhitripishtapa, Natya, Jagattritaya.
Relevant text
Search found 128 books and stories containing Three Worlds; (plurals include: Three Worldses). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
The Garuda Purana (by Manmatha Nath Dutt)
Chapter XXIX - Mantras to be used in connection with the worship of Shridhara manifestation of Vishnu < [Agastya Samhita]
Chapter XX - Mantra-cures (curative formulas) of snakebite as narrated by Shiva < [Agastya Samhita]
Chapter CXXV - The Ekadasi Vratam < [Brihaspati (Nitisara) Samhita]
The Skanda Purana (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 24 - Mahālayeśvara (mahālaya-īśvara-liṅga) < [Section 2 - Caturaśīti-liṅga-māhātmya]
Chapter 9 - Dispute between Brahmā and Viṣṇu < [Section 3b - Arunācala-khaṇḍa (Uttarārdha)]
Chapter 50 - Sthāvareśvara (sthāvara-īśvara-liṅga) < [Section 2 - Caturaśīti-liṅga-māhātmya]
Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary) (by Śrī Śrīmad Bhaktivedānta Nārāyana Gosvāmī Mahārāja)
Verse 2.2.24 < [Chapter 2 - Jñāna (knowledge)]
Verse 1.1.70-72 < [Chapter 1 - Bhauma (the earthly plane)]
Verse 2.2.42 < [Chapter 2 - Jñāna (knowledge)]
The Padma Purana (by N.A. Deshpande)
Chapter 231 - Durvāsas Curses Indra < [Section 6 - Uttara-Khaṇḍa (Concluding Section)]
Chapter 239 - The Rise of Bali and Kaśyapa’s Penance < [Section 6 - Uttara-Khaṇḍa (Concluding Section)]
Chapter 8 - Prelude to the Churning of Ocean < [Section 4 - Brahma-khaṇḍa (Section on Brahman)]
Shrimad Bhagavad-gita (by Narayana Gosvami)
Verse 15.17 < [Chapter 15 - Puruṣottama-toga (Yoga through understanding the Supreme Person)]
Verse 11.20 < [Chapter 11 - Viśvarūpa-darśana-yoga (beholding the Lord’s Universal Form)]
Verse 1.35 < [Chapter 1 - Sainya-Darśana (Observing the Armies)]
Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4 (by Vihari-Lala Mitra)
Chapter IX - Viswamitra’s wrath. and his enraged speech < [Book I - Vairagya khanda (vairagya khanda)]
Chapter III - On the repeated creations of the world < [Book II - Mumukshu khanda (mumukshu-vyavahara khanda)]
Chapter XIV - Story of indrani < [Book VII - Nirvana prakarana part 2 (nirvana prakarana)]