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Cumnicnturieu on $ ('unto Ch.5
Because the earth, like the sun, is at the center of the egg-like celestial
sphere, the terrestrial sphere is also 500,000,000yojanas [4,000,000,000 miles]
wide. One fourth of it is 125,000,000 yojanas [1 billion miles], which is the
height. The earth is 53,400,000 yojanas [427,200,000 mites] wide. From the
center of Meru to the center of Mānasottara it is 15,750,000 yojanas
[126,000,000 miles]. From there until Sweetwater Ocean it is 9,600,000yojanas
[76,800,000 miles]. So from Meru to Lokāloka is 41,100,000 yojanas
[328,800,000 miles] on either side. Thus, the inner diameter of Lokāloka is
82,200,000 yojanas [657,600,000 miles]. Beyond Lokāloka there is the same
distance on either side. The thickness of Lokāloka is 125,000,000 yojanas [1
billion miles], on either side, so the width of the earth [Bhū-mandala] is
3,400,000 yojanas [27,200,000 miles] short of 500,000,000 yojanas [4 billion
miles]. Another 1,700,000 yojanas [13,600,000 miles] are on either side
between earth [Bhū-mandala] and the coverings of the universe, where the
serpant Śesa and the elephants hold aloft the earth. The immersing of the
earth after the Cāksusa Manvantra can thus be explained and not otherwise.
Nilakanta has discussed this in his commentary on Mahābhārata, Bhishma
Parva: Each side of a square measuring a hasta is 24 inches. The total length
of four sides (paridhi) will be 96 inches. The diagonals will be a bit shorter.
The measurements of Jambū is said to be 18,600yojanas [148,800,000 miles].
This should be taken as the total length of four sides, 4,650 yojanas [37,200
miles] will be each side. The diagonal will be 6,576 yojanas [52,608 miles].
Earth [Jambūdvīpa] is a square. The four vertices of earth's [Jambūdvīpa's]
Text 38 Studying the Structure of the UnivcrNc 445
square touch the ocean. The astronomers say each side of earth's square is
4,967 yojanas [32,536 miles]. But we disagree with that and take it as 4,650
yojanas [37,200 miles]. The difference between these two is 367 yojanas [2,936
miles]. But it is said 317 yojanas [2,536 miles]. This difference is because of
the variation in the unit of measurement. Earth [Jambūdvīpa] is a square, hut
the sun's path around Meru is circular. We do not accept the two sun's theory
of the Bauddhas [Jains]. All the other aspects should be taken as enjoined in
the books on astronomy. The Purānas say that earth's [Bhū-mandala's] expanse
is 500,000,000 yojanas [4 billion miles].
These are things which we should not try to understand by logic. The
anirvachaniya theory is to be accepted which vouches for the inexplicahility
of things or whatever dimensions have been stated in Purānas. We should
take only a twentieth part of that. A reduction factor of 1/20 is to be applied
everywhere—so 500,000,000 means 25,000,000. The width of Jambūdvipa is
5,000 and not 100,000. The width of Bhārata-khanda is 450 yojanas [3.600
miles] in place of 9,000 yojanas$2,0QQ miles]. Bhārata-varsa is triangular
The dimensions are given quite differently because the basic units of angula
[finger] and hasta [hand] differ from person to person. Thus, the contradictions
should be resolved on this basis. It is said in the Purānas that Vyāsa is Nārāyana
incarnate, then how did he state contradictorily to astronomy? Vyāsa has
transgressed astronomy and it could be according to a different angula and
hasta units—so the contradiction is only apparent and not absolute. Then how
can there be a contradiction between Bhāgavata and astronomy? This
question has been raised in Goladarsha, a book on astronomy and also
answered there. The essence of the reply is this: the earth has two dimensions
one is very big and the other is the small spherical dimension mentioned in
the works on astronomy. Pariksit has questioned about the Bhū-gola (the
earth's sphere) and Śuka has replied. This confirms with the spherical shape
of astronomy.
There is another word in that context—it is vishesha which means the
golden anda [egg, universe]. It is said that earth rests like a mustard seed on
hood of Ananta. The analogy implies the spherical shape. In the Kardama
story the word, "bhuva golam" is used, which confirms the above fact. This is
the small earth, but where is another big earth? We reply it is above the star
belt. It is like a reflection. Its circumference is 95,100,000 yojanas [760,800,(XK)
miles] as told in the Bhāgavata. There is sphere of fire in between the two
earths. There is also a sphere of water in between the two. This has been
stated in the Sūrya-siddhānta and other works. All the sentences of Bhāgavata
should be interpreted against the background of all these things. The
contradictions should be resolved as I have suggested earlier and the
Bhāgavata should be deemed to be valid.