1663-1664

The Upper World and the Gods of the Heavenly Palaces (Vaimanikas)

Artist/maker unknown

The fourth and highest class of gods are called vaimanika--those who inhabit heavenly palaces. They dwell in the lower levels of the heavens, which are arranged vertically above the sky; additional levels reach to the top of the universe--the "umbrella of perfection." Each of the lower layers contains numerous palaces (vimanas) where gods live out their time before rebirth, and at the center of each lies the palace where a god Indra rules. Indra is shown here on each level conversing with his chief wife.

As the gods dwell in higher levels, they become increasingly free of passions. At the highest of the ten levels is the abode of the five classes of perfected beings, indicated by a seated figure flanked by flags like those commonly placed at shrines in India.