Editing Svarga (section)

=== ''Mahabharata'' ===
In the epic ''[[Mahabharata]]'', the prince [[Arjuna]] is escorted to Svarga by [[Mātali|Matali]], the charioteer of [[Indra]], the prince's father. During the journey, he witnesses thousands of flying celestial cars, ''vimana''s. He observes that there is neither sun nor moon that is necessary to offer light in this realm, as it is entirely self-luminous. He takes note of the residents of Svarga: [[Rishi|rishis]], heroes who had died in battle, those who had performed severe austerities, [[Gandharva|gandharvas]], [[Guhyaka|guhyakas]], as well as [[Apsara|apsaras]]. He passes through the several successive regions of heaven until he arrives at Amaravati, the capital of Indra.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Indralokagamana Parva: Section XLII |url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03042.htm |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref>

In Amaravati, Arjuna beholds the gardens of Nandana, the favourite resort of the apsaras. He observes that sacred trees and flowers of all seasons bloom. He is eulogised by various classes of beings, such as deities like the [[Ashvins]] and the [[Maruts]], the royal sages, headed by [[Dilīpa|Dilipa]], and exalted [[Brahmin|Brahmanas]]. He is treated to the most sacred and profane music of the finest gandharva, [[Tumburu|Tumvuru]], and observes the dances of the most enticing apsaras, such as [[Menaka]], [[Rambha (apsara)|Rambha]], and [[Urvashi]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Mahabharata, Book 3: Vana Parva: Indralokagamana Parva: Section XLIII |url=https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m03/m03043.htm |access-date=2022-10-25 |website=www.sacred-texts.com}}</ref>

The ''Mahabharata'' suggests the existence of several forms or regions of Svarga, each headed by a deity, such as [[Surya]], [[Kubera]], and [[Varuna]]. Indra is stated to sate all the desires of the residents. Men and women enjoy each other's pleasures without restriction, and there is no form of jealousy between the sexes.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sutton |first=Nicholas |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rFyUHC-ORp4C&dq=svarga+mahabharata&pg=PA261 |title=Religious Doctrines in the Mahābhārata |date=2000 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ. |isbn=978-81-208-1700-5 |pages=261 |language=en}}</ref> 

In the text, [[Nahusha]] opines to [[Yudhishthira|Yudhisthira]] that offering charity, speaking pleasing words, honesty, and ''[[ahimsa]]'' allows one to achieve heaven.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sutton |first=Nicholas |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rFyUHC-ORp4C&dq=svarga+mahabharata&pg=PA261 |title=Religious Doctrines in the Mahābhārata |date=2000 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass Publ. |isbn=978-81-208-1700-5 |pages=84 |language=en}}</ref>