According to Brahmāṇḍapurāṇa (Brahmandapurana), Arvāka is the fifth level of Pātāla (Patala; the Underworld), among its seven levels. The soil of this level is filled with śarkarā (sarkara; starch), so sometimes this place is called Śarkarabhūmi (Sarkarabhumi). It is the abode of Virocana (Virochana), the king of Demons, and many others Demons and Nāga(s).