antarikṣa loka

 Antarikṣa Loka refers to the "space" or "intermediate realm" in Hindu cosmology, situated between Earth and the higher heavenly realms.

In Sanskrit, antarikṣa means "space" or the "atmosphere," and loka means "world" or "realm." Together, antarikṣa loka denotes the cosmic domain that lies between the earthly realm (Bhū-loka) and the celestial realms (Svarga-loka). It is often described as the middle region, comprising the sky, atmosphere, or the space through which celestial bodies move. This loka is associated with air, wind, clouds, and aerial phenomena, and it serves as the realm where birds, spirits, and some divine beings are said to reside.

According to Hindu cosmological texts, the universe is divided into fourteen lokas: seven higher lokas (heavenly/upper worlds) and seven lower lokas (netherworlds). Bhū-loka is the earthly plane, and antarikṣa loka is the transitional plane above it, sometimes referred to as the realm of the atmosphere, where life forms that are not strictly terrestrial or fully divine may exist. It is also symbolically viewed as the space of movement, communication, and intermediary existence, connecting the material and celestial planes.

In summary, antarikṣa loka represents the intermediate cosmic space between Earth and heaven, encompassing the atmosphere and space, and playing a crucial role in the hierarchical structure of the universe described in Vedic and Purāṇic texts. It is both a physical domain (sky and space) and a symbolic realm representing the transition between mortal life and higher spiritual existence.