Mahatala, as described in Hindu Puranas, is one of the nether worlds located beneath the Earth (Bhuloka). It is the fourth in the sequence of the lower worlds, following Atala. The concept of multiple worlds in Hindu cosmology is intricate and is often depicted as a multi-layered cosmos with various realms, both above and below the Earth.
Mahatala is said to be inhabited by formidable and
multiheaded serpents, who are regarded as descendants of the sage Kashyapa and
his wife Kadru. These serpent beings play a significant role in Hindu mythology
and are associated with both benevolent and malevolent aspects. Some of the
prominent serpents residing in Mahatala include Kahaka, Takshaka, Sushena, and
Kaliya.
Despite their fearsome appearance and cruel nature, the
serpent inhabitants of Mahatala are portrayed as living in perpetual dread of
Garuda, the mighty eagle-mount of Bhagavan Vishnu. Garuda is a revered figure
in Hinduism and is considered the arch-enemy of these serpent beings. The tales
often depict Garuda as the relentless foe of the serpent race, creating a
dynamic interplay of cosmic forces between good and evil.
In Hindu cosmology, the existence of various lokas (worlds)
serves as a symbolic representation of the complex and interconnected nature of
the universe. The narratives involving Mahatala and its serpent inhabitants
contribute to the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology, reflecting the eternal
struggle between opposing forces and the underlying themes of dharma
(righteousness) and cosmic balance.