Bhogavati (Sanskrit: भोगवती, romanized: Bhogavatī) is the subterranean capital of the nagas in Hindu mythology and Buddhist mythology. It is located in the Nagaloka region of Patala.[1]

Buddhism

Bhogavati appears in Buddhist tradition as a palace in the naga world. It is the residence of the naga King Varuṇa.

A somewhat detailed description of the palace is given in the Vidhurapaṇḍita Jātaka.

Hinduism

The Mahabharata offers a description of Bhogavati. The nagas that populate this city are the size of mountains, and are stated to be the offspring of Kashyapa and Surasa. They are described to possess multiple heads and take on a variety of forms, and wear ornamentation that feature gemstones, svastikas, circles, as well as drinking vessels. They are stated to be ferocious and of great prowess.[2] Vasuki is described to be its ruler.[3]

The Ramayana states that Bhogavati is captured by the rakshasa king Ravana during his reign.[4]

References

  1. ^ Gopal, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam (ed.). India through the ages. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p. 78.
  2. ^ Dalal, Roshen (18 April 2014). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin UK. p. 835. ISBN 978-81-8475-277-9.
  3. ^ The Mahabharata: Volume 3. Penguin Books India. July 2012. p. 51. ISBN 978-0-14-310015-7.
  4. ^ Viswanatha, S. V. (21 August 2013). Racial Synthesis in Hindu Culture. Routledge. p. 79. ISBN 978-1-136-38420-2.

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