Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.21.11
Sthāna· The universe in orderThe Sun’s Circuit and Celestial Visibility
“From the residence of Yamarāja the sun travels to Nimlocanī, the residence of Varuṇa, from there to Vibhāvarī, the residence of the moon-god, and from there again to the residence of Indra. In a similar way, the moon, along with the other stars and planets, becomes visible in the celestial sphere and then sets and again becomes invisible.”
What the purport teaches
- The sun proceeds from Yamarāja’s residence to Nimlocanī, then to Vibhāvarī, and then back to Indra’s residence. The moon, stars and other planets likewise become visible and then set.
- The purport quotes Kṛṣṇa: “Of stars I am the moon.” It explains that this indicates the moon’s similarity to the other stars.
- The purport presents the Vedic account of one moving sun within each universe, rather than identifying all luminaries as suns. It also explains that material coverings prevent us from seeing from one universe into another.
Try this today
Reread Kṛṣṇa’s statement, “Of stars I am the moon,” and write down the explanation the purport gives.
Ask yourself
What does the purport ask me to understand about the luminaries visible within this universe?
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.