Sutala

Sutala is a mythological realm in Hindu cosmology, commonly described as one of the lower lokas or a subregion within the netherworlds. In many Puranic accounts it is associated with the demon king Bali and is said to lie beneath the earthly plane, sometimes positioned within or beyond Patala. The exact placement and nature of Sutala vary among different texts, with some lists naming it as one of seven netherworld realms and others treating it as a portion of Patala rather than a separate loka.

The most well-known narrative connected to Sutala concerns the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and Bali, the king known for his generosity. In the story, Bali agrees to Vishnu’s request for three paces of land. After Vishnu grows in size and covers the earth and the heavens in two steps, Bali offers his head for the third step. Vishnu grants Bali a boon to reside wherever he wishes, and Bali is described as ruling Sutala from there. Sutala is portrayed as a prosperous, well-ordered realm where Bali continues to govern with virtue, a place seen as a dignified and peaceful sovereignty under the broader auspices of Vishnu.

In literature, Sutala is referenced alongside other lower realms such as Atala, Vitala, Talatala, Mahatala, Rasatala, and Patala. The exact cosmographic scheme and the character of Sutala can differ between sources, reflecting variations in Puranic tradition. Today, Sutala primarily appears in mythological texts and devotional literature as a symbolic realm representing righteous rule and the reach of divine governance beyond the earthly world.