Patala

In Indian religions, patala (Sanskrit Pātāla) denotes subterranean realms where lower beings such as nāgas, vetalas and asuras reside.

In Hindu cosmology, the universe is divided into the three worlds: svarga (the upper regions), Prithvi (earth) and Patala (the underworld); the Svarga has six regions or lokas and the Patala has seven lokas. The Danavas (demon sons of Danu), Daityas (demon sons of Diti), Yakshas and the snake-people Nagas live in the realms of Patala.

In Vajrayana Buddhism, caves inhabited by asuras are entrances to Patala; these asuras, particularly female asuras, are often "tamed" (converted to Buddhism) as dharmapala or dakinis by famous Buddhist figures such as Padmasambhava.

Hinduism