Text 8] The Subterranean Heavenly Planets 379

etesu—in these; hi—certainly; bila-svargesu—known as the heavenly
subterranean worlds; svargat—than the heavenly planets; api—even;
adhika—a greater quantity; kama-bhoga—enjoyment of sense gratifica-
tion; aisvarya-Gnanda—bliss due to opulence; bhiti—influence;
vibhitibhih—by those things and wealth; su-samrddha—improved;
bhavana—houses; udydna—gardens; dkrida-vihdresu—in places for
different types of sense gratification; daitya—the demons; danava—
ghosts; kadraveyah—snakes; nitya—who are always; pramudita—
overjoyed; anurakta—because of attachment; kalatra—to wife;
apatya—children; bandhu—family relations; suhrt—friends;
anucarah—followers; grha-patayah—the heads of the households;
isvarat—than those more capable, like the demigods; api—even;
apratihata-kamah—whose fulfillment of lusty desires is unimpeded;
maya—illusory; vinodah—who feel happiness; nivasanti—live.

TRANSLATION

In these seven planetary systems, which are also known as the
subterranean heavens [bila-svarga], there are very beautiful
houses, gardens and places of sense enjoyment, which are even
more opulent than those in the higher planets because the demons
have a very high standard of sensual pleasure, wealth and in-
fluence. Most of the residents of these planets, who are known as
Daityas, Danavas and Nagas, live as householders. Their wives,
children, friends and society are all fully engaged in illusory, ma-
terial happiness. The sense enjoyment of the demigods is some-
times disturbed, but the residents of these planets enjoy life with-
out disturbances. Thus they are understood to be very attached to
illusory happiness.

PURPORT

According to the statements of Prahlada Maharaja, material enjoyment
is mayd-sukha, illusory enjoyment. A Vaisnava is full of anxieties for
the deliverance of all living entities from such false enjoyment. Prahlada
Maharaja says, maya-sukhaya bharam udvahato vimiidhan: these fools
(vimadhas) are engaged in material happiness, which is surely tempo-
rary. Whether in the heavenly planets, the lower planets or the earthly
