In Hinduism, Svarga (or Swarga) (Sanskrit: स्वर्ग), also known as Swarga Loka, is any of the eight loka or planes in Hindu cosmology, which sequentially are Bhu loka (Prithvi Loka, Earth), Bhuvar loka, Swarga loka, Mahar loka, Jana loka, Tapa loka, Satyaloka (Brahmaloka), and the highest Goloka. It is a set of heavenly worlds located on and above Mt. Meru. It is a heaven where the righteous live in a paradise before their next incarnation. During each pralaya, the great dissolution, the first three realms, Bhu loka (Earth), Bhuvar loka, and Swarga loka, are destroyed. Below the seven upper realms lie seven lower realms, of Patala, the underworld and netherworld.
Overview
Svarga is seen as a transitory place for righteous souls who have performed good deeds in their lives but are not yet ready to attain moksha, or elevation to Vaikunta, the abode of Lord Vishnu, considered to be the Supreme Abode (Rig Veda (1.22.20) states, Oṃ tad viṣṇoḥ paramam padam sadā paśyanti sūrayaḥ: "All the suras (i.e., devas- divinities) look toward the feet of Lord Vishnu as the Supreme Abode"). The capital of Svarga is Amaravati and its entrance is guarded by Airavata. Svarga is presided over by Indra, the leader of the devas.