Bhurloka

Bhurloka is the term used in Hindu cosmology to denote the realm of the earth, where human beings dwell. It is derived from the Sanskrit words bhu meaning “earth” and loka meaning “world” or “realm.” In the traditional Puranic world model, the cosmos is divided into nine celestial and five earthly lokas, and Bhurloka occupies the third level among the three principal worlds: the lower world (Śāyā‑loka), the human world (Bhurloka), and the celestial world (Svarloka). It is regarded as the middle plane because it is situated between the underworld and the heavens, and it is the plane where matter and form manifest in a tangible, physical way.

In this schema, Bhurloka contains the "six realms" or "six planets" of the human universe, including the four major continents identified by ancient texts: Jambudvipa (the Indian landmass), Aparagodaniya, Uttara‑rājas, and Sudra‑rājas. It is also associated with the six directions of the earth: north, south, east, west, upward, and downward, which correspond to the directions of the human senses and consciousness in yogic traditions.

Bhurloka plays a central role in many Vedic and Puranic narratives, serving as the setting for the lives of the sages and the performance of sacrifices and rituals. The realm is considered to be governed by the Supreme Ruler Indra and the devas associated with material pursuits. Because of its tangible nature, Bhurloka is often used as a metaphor for the earthly trials and the moral choices faced by humanity.

In addition to Hindu cosmology, the term finds an echo in Buddhist cosmology, where a “Bhū” world is located in the Desire Realm, inhabited by humans and other sentient beings subject to karma. However, the Buddhist usage is more expansive, describing several layers within the world body that go beyond the single ḍhaṣṭa. Nonetheless, the underlying idea of a terrestrial plane inhabited by humans is common to both traditions.