Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 5.24.2
Sthāna· The universe in orderRāhu’s Enmity Toward Sun and Moon
“The sun globe, which is a source of heat, extends for 10,000 yojanas [80,000 miles]. The moon extends for 20,000 yojanas [160,000 miles], and Rāhu extends for 30,000 yojanas [240,000 miles]. Formerly, when nectar was being distributed, Rāhu tried to create dissension between the sun and moon by interposing himself between them. Rāhu is inimical toward both the sun and the moon, and therefore he always tries to cover the sunshine and moonshine on the dark-moon day and full-moon night.”
What the purport teaches
- The sun extends for 10,000 yojanas, and the moon for 20,000 yojanas. The purport explains that dvādaśa here means twice ten, or twenty.
- The translation gives Rāhu’s extent as 30,000 yojanas. The purport also presents Vijayadhvaja’s conclusion that Rāhu is twice the size of the moon, or 40,000 yojanas.
- During the distribution of nectar, Rāhu tried to create dissension between the sun and moon. His continuing enmity leads him to try to cover their light.
Try this today
If an old resentment comes to mind today, pause before saying anything that would renew the disagreement.
Ask yourself
What does Rāhu’s repeated hostility invite me to notice about holding on to enmity?
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.