Desire realm

The desire realm is so called because the beings inhabiting it are prey to intense emotion and crave happiness based on the pleasures of the senses.

The God Realms

The six heavens of the desire realm are (from lowest to highest):

Terrestrial Heavens:

Carturmaharajkayika (rgyal chen rigs bzhi) - Four Guardian Kings

This is the lowest terrestrial heaven, and is located on the fourth terrace of Mount Sumeru. Vishnu is said to reside here.

Triyestrimsha (sum bcu rtsa gsum) - Heaven of the Thirty-Three

This is the uppermost terrestrial heaven, and is located on the peak of Mount Sumeru. It contain the city Fair to See, in which Indra is King.

Celestial Heavens:

Yama ('thab bral) - Free of Combat

This is the first celestial heaven. It is located in the space above Mount Sumeru and, as such, it is no longer subject to the attacks of the demi-gods.

Tushita (dga' ldan) - Joyous Realm

The Buddha resided here until the time came to take rebirth in the human realm, and demonstrate the twelve deeds of the Supremem Nirmanakaya. Before passing from Tushita he prophisied the Bodhisattva Maitreya's enlightenment as the buddha to follow him, and placed his crown on Maitreya's head, making him his regent. Maitreya will abide here until the time has come for him to demonstrate the twelve deeds.

Later, the Buddha returned to give teachings to his mother, who had been reborn here after giving birth to Him.

Parinirmitvashavartin (gzhan 'phrul dbang byed) - Controlling Others' Emanations

This is the most refined state in which one can be reborn within the desire realm. It is said that wicked Mara resides here.