Cosmic Distances and the Calculation of Yojanas

Śrīla Prabhupāda provides a remarkably precise description of the material universe using the traditional Vedic unit of measurement known as the yojana. By understanding these vast cosmic distances, devotees can better appreciate the inconceivable scale and perfect organization of the Supreme Lord's creation.

The Diameter of the Universe

Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that a yojana is equivalent to eight miles, and a koṭi means ten million. Using these measurements, the total diameter of the universe is calculated to be fifty koṭi yojanas, or four billion miles, with the sun resting precisely in the middle.

• The word koti means ten million, and a yojana is eight miles. The diameter of the universe is fifty koti yojanas (four billion miles).
• The distance between the sun and the circumference of Anda-golaka, the globe of the universe, is estimated to be twenty-five koti yojanas (two billion miles).
• Since the sun is in the middle of the universe, the distance between the sun and the edge of the universe is calculated to be twenty-five koti yojanas - two billion miles.

Distances Between Planetary Systems

The vertical arrangement of the cosmos is meticulously detailed in terms of yojanas. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains the exact distances separating the earthly realm from the sun, the moon, and the various upper and lower planetary systems.

• The distance from the sun to the earth is 100,000 yojanas.
• Above the rays of the sunshine by a distance of 100,000 yojanas (800,000 miles) is the moon, which travels at a speed faster than that of the sun.
• Below the earth by 70,000 yojanas are the seven lower planetary systems called Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talatala, Mahatala, Rasatala and Patala.

The Scale of Bhū-maṇḍala

The earthly planetary system, known as Bhū-maṇḍala, contains colossal geographical features that dwarf modern earthly conceptions. Śrīla Prabhupāda describes islands, mountains, and oceans that span hundreds of thousands of yojanas.

• As Sumeru Mountain is surrounded by Jambudvipa, Jambudvipa is also surrounded by an ocean of salt water. The breadth of Jambudvipa is 100,000 yojanas (800,000 miles), and the breadth of the saltwater ocean is the same.
• Outside the ocean of liquor is another island, known as Kusadvipa, which is 800,000 yojanas (6,400,000 miles) wide, twice as wide as the ocean of liquor.
• Surrounding Mount Sumeru are eight mountains, each extending for eighteen thousand yojanas.

Measurements of Hellish Punishments

Even the terrifying hellish planets are subjected to exact mathematical calculation. Śrīla Prabhupāda reveals that sinful living entities must traverse tens of thousands of yojanas and suffer in lakes of corresponding proportions as a result of their karmic actions.

• After death he is put into the most abominable hell, known as Krmibhojana. In that hell is a lake 100,000 yojanas (800,000 miles) wide and filled with worms. He becomes a worm in that lake and feeds on the other worms there, who also feed on him.
• Thus he has to pass ninety-nine thousand yojanas within two or three moments, and then he is at once engaged in the torturous punishment which he is destined to suffer.
• Unless he (Living being) atones for his actions before his death, such a sinful man remains in the hellish lake of Krmibhojana for as many years as there are yojanas in the width of the lake.

Conclusion

Śrīla Prabhupāda utilizes the yojana to unveil the majestic and staggering scale of the material universe. By converting these ancient measurements—where one yojana equals eight miles—devotees can comprehend a universe that is four billion miles in diameter. From the precise positioning of the sun and moon to the vast expanses of Bhū-maṇḍala's islands and the immense depths of the hellish planets, these descriptions confirm that the cosmic manifestation is not a random occurrence. Rather, it is a perfectly engineered, mathematically precise creation governed by the supreme intelligence of the Lord.

Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Yojanas. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

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