Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.20.43
Sthāna· The universe in orderThe Sun’s Position Within the Universe
“The sun is situated [vertically] in the middle of the universe, in the area between Bhūrloka and Bhuvarloka, which is called antarikṣa, outer space. The distance between the sun and the circumference of the universe is twenty-five koṭi yojanas [two billion miles].”
What the purport teaches
- The sun is situated vertically in the middle of the universe. It lies in antarikṣa, the outer space between Bhūrloka and Bhuvarloka.
- The word koṭi means ten million, and a yojana is eight miles. The purport gives the universe’s diameter as fifty koṭi yojanas, or four billion miles.
- Since the sun is in the middle, its distance from the edge of the universe is twenty-five koṭi yojanas, or two billion miles.
Try this today
Draw a simple diagram of the description, labeling the diameter and the distance from the sun to the edge.
Ask yourself
How do the meanings of koṭi and yojana help me follow the measurements given here?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.