Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.22.12
Sthāna· The universe in orderVenus Favors Rainfall and Living Beings
“Some 1,600,000 miles above this group of stars is the planet Venus, which moves at almost exactly the same pace as the sun according to swift, slow and moderate movements. Sometimes Venus moves behind the sun, sometimes in front of the sun and sometimes along with it. Venus nullifies the influence of planets that are obstacles to rainfall. Consequently its presence causes rainfall, and it is therefore considered very favorable for all living beings within this universe. This has been accepted by learned scholars.”
What the purport teaches
- Venus is described as situated 1,600,000 miles above the group of stars. Its swift, slow and moderate movements nearly match those of the sun.
- Sometimes Venus moves behind the sun, sometimes in front of it and sometimes along with it.
- Venus nullifies the influence of planets that obstruct rainfall. Learned scholars therefore consider its presence very favorable for all living beings within the universe.
Try this today
Write one sentence explaining why this verse considers Venus favorable for living beings.
Ask yourself
What does the verse’s emphasis on rainfall help you appreciate about the well-being of living beings?
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.