And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were
under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament:
In the purport to the verse (SB 3.26.52) as well as in the purport to (SB 2.1.25) Srila Prabhupada states that the first covering of the universe begins with water. However, in most other lectures, and discussions, Srila Prabhupada generally states that the first covering of the universe is earth, followed by water.
Here the translation (SB 6.16.37) says that the first covering of the universe is a layer of earth: ksity-adibhir. This presents a conundrum: whilst one verse and several purports from Srimad Bhagavatam state that the layers of the universe begin with water (toya-adibhih), another verse and several purports states that the coverings begin with earth (ksity-adibhir). So do the coverings of the universe begin with earth or with water?
Water is the First Covering of the Universal Shell, Not Earth
BY: MAYESVARA DASA
Aug 08, 2019 — IRELAND (SUN) —
The following paper on the order of the seven layers of the universe is a somewhat minor point in comparison to the more fundamental errors that continue to be perpetrated in regards to Vedic Cosmology; however, it does serve to illustrate the sometimes unthinking nature that characterizes ISKCON’s presentation of the Vedic cosmos as it is described in the Puranas. In all of the diagrams of the Vedic universe that I have seen so far, the layers of the universe are depicted as beginning with the element earth; however the Srimad Bhagavatam itself along with all of the other Puranas concur that the first layer surrounding the universe is water, not earth; indeed the earth element is not even included in the list of the seven surrounding layers. First, let’s look at what the Srimad Bhagavatam itself says about the coverings of the universe:
The following paper on the order of the seven layers of the universe is a somewhat minor point in comparison to the more fundamental errors that continue to be perpetrated in regards to Vedic Cosmology; however, it does serve to illustrate the sometimes unthinking nature that characterizes ISKCON’s presentation of the Vedic cosmos as it is described in the Puranas. In all of the diagrams of the Vedic universe that I have seen so far, the layers of the universe are depicted as beginning with the element earth; however the Srimad Bhagavatam itself along with all of the other Puranas concur that the first layer surrounding the universe is water, not earth; indeed the earth element is not even included in the list of the seven surrounding layers. First, let’s look at what the Srimad Bhagavatam itself says about the coverings of the universe:
“This universal egg, or the universe in the shape of an egg, is called the manifestation of material energy. Its layers of water, air, fire, sky, ego and mahat-tattva increase in thickness one after another. Each layer is ten times bigger than the previous one, and the final outside layer is covered by pradhana. Within this egg is the universal form of Lord Hari, of whose body the fourteen planetary systems are parts.” (SB 3.26.52)
Here the Srimad Bhagavatam describes that the elements surrounding the universe begin with water: toya-adibhih—by water and so on. Toya is one of the many Sanskrit names for water and is used through-out Srimad Bhagavatam. In the purport Srila Prabhupada goes on to describe water as the first element that surrounds the shell of the universe.
“This universe, or the universal sky which we can visualize with its innumerable planets, is shaped just like an egg. As an egg is covered by a shell, the universe is also covered by various layers. The first layer is water, the next is fire, then air, then sky, and the ultimate holding crust is pradhana. Within this egg-like universe is the universal form of the Lord as the virat-purusha… The dimensions of the universe are estimated here. The outer covering is made of layers of water, air, fire, sky, ego, and mahat-tattva, and each layer is ten times greater than the one previous. The space within the hollow of the universe cannot be measured by any human scientist or anyone else, and beyond the hollow there are seven coverings, each one ten times greater than the one preceding it. The layer of water is ten times greater than the diameter of the universe, and the layer of fire is ten times greater than that of water. Similarly, the layer of air is ten times greater than that of fire. These dimensions are all inconceivable to the tiny brain of a human being.
It is also stated that this description is of only one egg-like universe. There are innumerable universes besides this one, and some of them are many, many times greater.” (Purport SB 3.26.52)
The Vedic universe is shaped like a completely round egg and has a diameter of pancasat koti yojana (4 billion miles). As described, the first covering that completely surrounds or encircles the universe is composed of water and this covering of water is 10 times the size of the universe itself. Thus the layer of water is 4 billion x 10 or 40 billion miles. The next layer of fire is 10 times the size of the preceding water element which would be 40 billion x ten or 400 billion miles. In this way, each layer surrounding the universe is ten times the size of the previous layer. The combined extent of all seven coverings is practically unfathomable.
In another purport Srila Prabhupada again states that water is the first layer or covering surrounding the universe:
“The gigantic universal form of the Personality of Godhead, within the body of the universal shell, which is covered by sevenfold material elements, is the subject for the virat conception. (SB 3.11.41)
Purport: Materialistic men can think, although very imperfectly, of the huge universal space, comprehending an innumerable number of planets as big as the sun. They can see only the circular sky overhead, without any information that this universe, as well as many other hundreds of thousands of universes, are each covered by sevenfold material coverings of water, fire, air, sky, ego, noumenon, and material nature, just like a huge football, pumped and covered, floating on the water of the Causal Ocean, wherein the Lord is lying as Maha-Vishnu.”
The confusion regarding the list and order of the seven universal coverings may arise from the fact that throughout his purports, conversations, and lectures, Srila Prabhupada sometimes included earth as one of the seven layers of the universe. For example, in the following purport, Srila Prabhupada states that earth is the first covering of the universe:
“The layers or elements covering the universes are each ten times thicker than the one before, and all the universes clustered together appear like atoms in a huge combination. (SB 3.11.41)
PURPORT
The coverings of the universes are also constituted of the elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether, and each is ten times thicker than the one before. The first covering of the universe is earth, and it is ten times thicker than the universe itself. If the universe is four billion miles in size, then the size of the earthly covering of the universe is four billion times ten. The covering of water is ten times greater than the earthly covering, the covering of fire is ten times greater than the watery covering, the covering of air is ten times greater than that of the fire, the covering of ether is ten times greater still than that of air, and so on. The universe within the coverings of matter appears to be like an atom in comparison to the coverings, and the number of universes is unknown even to those who can estimate the coverings of the universes.”
In the purport to SB 3.29.43, Srila Prabhupada makes the same statement that the ‘first layer is of earth’. Likewise, in various conversations and lectures Srila Prabhupada generally includes earth as one of the layers surrounding the universe, (though in these various discussions, Srila Prabhupada does not refer to any particular verse that specifies the list of elements, or their order). To cite Srila Prabhupada’s statements as a source of authority is certainly the credible thing to do; but simply repeating certain statements without checking them with the shastra itself (as in SB 3.26.52), is to ignore Srila Prabhupada’s own repeated instructions for his disciples and followers to ‘study the details’ of the fifth canto and make a working model of the universe:
““So now you all Ph.D.’s must carefully study the details of the 5th Canto and make a working model of the universe. If we can explain the passing seasons, eclipses, phases of the moon, passing of day and night, etc. then it will be very powerful propaganda. I am sending this letter to you, and you can make photocopies of it and send to our other Ph.D.’s and begin serious research into the matter in detail.” (Auckland, 27 April, 1976)
“Prem Yogi [Bhakti-prema dasa] showed Srila Prabhupada some illustrations from the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Fifth Canto, and explained them briefly. Prabhupada was impressed with his proper understanding. Prabhupada showed him the Mayapur model and explained what we intended to do there. Srila Prabhupada then expressed his concern: “We must exactly follow the description of Bhagavatam. As we are going to spend many crores of rupees, and there will be those who will try to find fault in our presentation, ‘Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion.’ I have explained whatever I could already in my books. Now my brain is no longer able to work properly. You young men can tax your brains to understand the Sanskrit and English descriptions and present them.” (Tamal Krishna dasa’s Diary: Prabhupada’s Final Days, May 30 1977)
Let me repeat that last statement again: ‘you young men can tax your brains to understand the Sanskrit and English descriptions’.
As we have seen, Srimad Bhagavatam beings the list with water, not earth: toya-adibhih—by water and so on (SB 3.26.52). The other Puranas all concur that water is the first of seven layers surrounding the universe, moreover, none of the Puranas actually included earth as one of the seven layers. The earth element appears to be represented by the universe itself which is then surrounded by seven layers of water, fire, air, ether, etc. The specific point about the universe being surrounded by a layer of earth is thus a detail that can be easily rectified by reference to the other Puranas. That the universe is surrounded by a layer of water, not a layer of Earth is confirmed in every Purana:
“The cosmic egg is externally enveloped by water ten times its magnitude. The water is externally enveloped by fire ten times its mass. The fire is externally enveloped by air ten times its mass. The air is externally enveloped by the ether ten times its magnitude. The ether is enveloped by ego the cause of sound. The ego is enveloped by intellect and intellect is enveloped by Pradhana. They say that the coverings of the cosmis egg are seven. There within is Brahma seated on the lotus. There are crores and crores of such eggs. (Linga Purana, chapter 3.30-33)
Again:
“The cosmic egg is enveloped externally by waters ten times its size. The waters are externally surrounded by fire ten times their size. Fire is externally enveloped by air ten times its size. The air is surrounded externally by ether ten times its size. The air is enveloped by the ether. The ether is en-circled by the cosmic Ego. The Ego is surrounded by Mahat (intellect) and Mahat (intellect) is surrounded by the unmanifest. The cosmic egg is thus surrounded by the seven coverings created by Prakrti. (Vayu Purana, chapter 4, verse 75-77)
Again:
“Dear Maitreya, I have narrated to you these seven lokas and also the seven nether worlds. This is the expanse of the Brahmanda. These fourteen worlds are enclosed by the shell of Brahmanda as the seeds of a kapittha fruit are enclosed by its shell. This Brahmanda is encircled by a sheet of water which is ten times thicker than the shell of the Brahmanda. This entire sheet of water is encircled by fire from outside. The fire is encircled by the wind, the wind by the sky, the sky by ahankara-tattva, and ahankara-tattva by mahat-tattva. These enclosures starting from that of water is ten times in thickness of each of the immediately enclosed. Mahat-tattva is enclosed by pradhana also called prakati. Prakati is infinite—thus there is no end to this as there is no number for the infinite. Prakati is the material cause for tens of millions of Brahmandas like this. It is the primordial cause.” (Vishnu Purana, Book 2, chapter seven, 20-26)
Again:
“O bramhins, these seven upper worlds have been mentioned by me to you as allso the seven nether worlds. This is the detailed description of the cosmic egg. This is enveloped by the cauldron of the egg (Andakatha) all around, at the sides and below like the seeds of an apple fruit. The egg is enveloped by water ten times its size. The encircling volume of water is enveloped by fire. O brahmins, the fire is enveloped by wind; and the wind is enveloped by ether. O excellent sages the eather is enveloped by mahat. These seven are such that the outer one is ten times the size of the inner one. The Pradhana stands enveloping the Mahat. It is infinite and endless. It has no reckoning since it cannot be measured by any unit, nor calculated by any figure. O brahmins it is the cause of the entire creation. It is the great Prakrti. There are thousands and thousands of such cosmic eggs. There are eggs like these, crores and hundreds of crores. (Brahma Purana, 21.21-30)
So if the universe is not surrounded by a layer of earth, why did Srila Prabhupada sometimes include the earth element as one of the seven coverings? A possible explanation is that Srila Prabhupada was so accustomed to citing the Bhagavad-gita’s list of eight material elements (that begins with earth), he may have simply included earth as a matter of course when discussing the seven material coverings of the universe:
“Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intelligence and false ego—all together these eight constitute My separated material energies.” (Bg 7.4)
In the above statement Sri Krishna lists the five gross and three subtle elements that make up material nature; however, in the case of the seven material elements that surround the universe, the universe itself appears to be representative of the earth element which is then surrounded by a layer of water, and by successive layers of fire, air, ether, etc. Despite sometimes mentioning earth as the first covering of the universe, Srila Prabhupada would certainly wish us to follow the authority of the shastra in this regard. May we please request devotees to cease producing diagrams or giving discourses that repeat the erroneous idea that the first covering of the universe is a layer of earth when all the Puranas including Srimad Bhagavatam clearly describe the universe as being surrounded by a layer of water. The point may seem trivial, but I mention it as an example of how devotees sometimes unthinkingly repeat information without checking the facts of the matter. As followers of Srila Prabhupada let us follow his instruction to carefully study the details of the fifth canto and make a proper working model of the universe.
Janardana: I never see anywhere where it is mentioned that there’s an earth covering. It’s always water as the first. Water is the first layer that’s given. So there are four of the elements.
Prabhupada: Then above water there is air.
(Room Conversation, October 27, 1968, Montreal)
SRILA PRABHUPADA’S PREACHING POINTS REGARDING THE SEVEN LAYERS SURROUNDING THE UNIVERSE
When discussing the seven coverings of the universe, Srila Prabhupada makes a number of preaching points: the first is that the universe has a definite form, taking the shape of a round anda (egg) which is encompassed by seven coverings each ten times bigger than the previous; secondly that the scientists don’t know the nature of the universe; and thirdly that conditioned souls are incapable of penetrating through the unfathomable expanse of the coverings of the universe in order to come to the spiritual world. The process for penetrating the coverings of the universe is by bhakti-yoga, not by attempting to travel in some tin-can space ship:
“There are so many things to be learned. This universe we see just like a ball, and this ball is covered by layers of water, fire, air, earth, like that. Circling. And each layer is ten times bigger than the previous layer. In this way the universe is covered. And beyond that covering, there is another sky. We are prisoned here within this universe. We are thinking that we are very free to move in the sky with, what is called, sputniks. But you cannot go beyond your limitation. That is not possible.” (Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.1, London, August 6 1971)
Again:
Prabhupada: Krishna went outside this universe, penetrating the sky. And Arjuna also accompanied Him. So it is Krishna’s power, He took His friend also. For ordinary human being it is not possible. But because Krishna said that “All right, I’ll take you.” So He took him. This covering, universal covering, there are seven layers: earth, water, fire, air…Each layer is ten times bigger than the one layer. Then you go to the spiritual world.
Svarupa Damodara: Ten times bigger than each layer, it increases?
Prabhupada: That one layer, the other layer is ten times bigger than the first layer, and the third are ten times bigger than that, ten times. In this way the whole universe is covered. What your scientists know? (laughs)
(Morning Walk, May 9 1973, Los Angeles)
Again:
“This universe is covered by seven layers: earth, water, fire, air, like that. When we shall be going to the spiritual sky, we have to pass through the seven layers. And each layer is ten times bigger than the first. Suppose we pass the air layer; the next layer, the fire, is ten times bigger. Then water, ten times. In this way, we have to pass through. We are so much tightly packed up. It is not so easy that I take a sputnik and go anywhere. No. That requires sadhana-bhajana, practice, how to give up this encagement of seven layers and then completely pure spirit soul, you enter into the spiritual sky.” (Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam 2.4.1, Los Angeles, June 24, 1972)
WATER ABOVE AND BELOW THE EARTH
The Puranas describe Earth (Bhu-mandala) as a great circular disc that is situated above the waters of the Garbhodaka Ocean; and since water is the first covering that completely surrounds the universe, we can say that there is water both above and below the Earth. Beyond even the coverings of the universe there is even more water situated in the spiritual realm. The verse below describes water pouring in from the hole created by Vamanadeva at the top of the universe:
“Sukadeva Gosvami said: My dear King, Lord Vishnu, the enjoyer of all sacrifices, appeared as Vamanadeva in the sacrificial arena of Bali Maharaja. Then He extended His left foot to the end of the universe and pierced a hole in its covering with the nail of His big toe. Through the hole, the pure water of the Causal Ocean entered this universe as the Ganges River” (SB 5.17.1).”
We can quickly note here the similarity with the Biblical conception of Earth which states that water is both above and below the Earth:
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth. Now the Earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the spirit of God was hovering over the waters…Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters and let it divide the waters from the waters.” Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under from the waters which were above the firmament and it was so. And God called the firmament heaven.” (Genesis 1.1-7)
Taking the firmament here to mean the shell of the universe we can see the similarities in the two models of creation. The image below shows the Vedic egg-shaped universe surrounded with seven layers beginning with water. The colossal Earth circle stretches across the center of the universe and is situated above the waters of the Garbhodaka Ocean which fills the bottom half of the universe:
By comparison we can see the image below of the Biblical Earth which shows waters both above and below the Earth:
In the above image we can see the Biblical Earth concept which is situated on pillars above the great deep of waters. Notice that the Earth unlike the other planets (which move and float in the sky) is supported by pillars and thus stationary.
“For the pillars of the Earth are the Lord’s and He has set the world upon them.” (1 Samuel 2.8)
[In the Vedas we read that Ananta-sesha acts as the pillar or support of the great Earth].
The Biblical underground realms of the Earth are known as Sheol. Though the Bible generally associates these realms with gloom and suffering, the Srimad Bhagavatam explains that the vast underground realms of the Earth contain hells as well as underground heavens (bila-svarga). These underground realms are hundreds of thousands of miles deep. The underground heavens (bila-svarga) are described in chapter 24 of the fifth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, and the hellish realms (naraka) are described in chapter 26 of the same canto. In any case, both the Puranas and the Bible speak of inhabited underground realms. The bila-svarga are situated within the core of the Bhu-mandala and are not separate planets floating in space (as may be inferred from Srila Prabhupada’s naming of them as ‘subterranean heavenly planets’). We have described the situation of the bila-svarga in a paper called What’s Below the Earth?.
======== THE END =======
Hast thou with him spread out the sky, which is strong, and as a molten looking glass?
60 Bible Verses describing a Flat Earth Inside a Dome
THE FIRMAMENT AND THE WATERS ABOVE
(according to the Bible)
“God Made it All By His Spoken Word”
Joh 1:1: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
“The waters above the firmament”
Gen 1:6: And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven.
“God Creates Dry Land not the Planet Earth!”
And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
„God made two great lights“
‘And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth…’
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The Word of God – John 1 King James Version
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Dear Learned Readers ;
We learn from the revealed Scriptures regarding the Fundamental Principles of the Material Nature that the Earth is the sum total of all other elements.
S.B. 3.29.43 Purport states ; ” …………..It is also stated here that the total universal body is increasing. It is covered by seven layers, and as there are five elements within the universe, so the total elements, in layers, cover the outside of the universal body. The first layer is of earth, and it is ten times greater in size than the space within the universe; the second layer is water, and that is ten times greater than the earthly layer; the third covering is fire, which is ten times greater than the water covering. In this way each layer is ten times greater than the previous one. ”
S.B. 3.26.49 TRANSLATION
Since the cause exists in its effect as well, the characteristics of the former are observed in the latter. That is why the peculiarities of all the elements exist in the earth alone.
PURPORT
Sound is the cause of the sky, sky is the cause of the air, air is the cause of fire, fire is the cause of water, and water is the cause of earth. In the sky there is only sound; in the air there are sound and touch; in the fire there are sound, touch and form; in water there are sound, touch, form and taste; and in the earth there are sound, touch, form, taste and smell. Therefore earth is the reservoir of all the qualities of the other elements. Earth is the sum total of all other elements. The earth has all five qualities of the elements, water has four qualities, fire has three, air has two, and the sky has only one quality, sound.
Now to answer the question as to why else where in the Srimad Bhagvatam such as S.B. 3.26. 52 stated below describes the first first layer is the Water not Earth in the Universe is its importance of water in that particular verse related to the creation of the the Fundamental Principles of the Material Nature.
S.B. 3.26.52 ;TRANSLATION This universal egg, or the universe in the shape of an egg, is called the manifestation of material energy. Its layers of water, air, fire, sky, ego and mahat-tattva increase in thickness one after another. Each layer is ten times bigger than the previous one, and the final outside layer is covered by pradhāna. Within this egg is the universal form of Lord Hari, of whose body the fourteen planetary systems are parts.
Purport ; “This universe, or the universal sky which we can visualize with its innumerable planets, is shaped just like an egg. As an egg is covered by a shell, the universe is also covered by various layers. The first layer is water, the next is fire, then air, then sky, and the ultimate holding crust is pradhāna. ……………… ”
Does that mean ” Water is the First Covering of the Universal Shell, Not Earth ” ?
The answer is very obvious that ” the Earth is the sum total of all other elements. ” NOT Water as per
S.B. 3.26.49.
Therefore, the Clarification in knowledge of understanding the FACTS from the Sastras becomes very vital to arrive at the final understanding of As It Is what the Sastras and the Sadhu say on the subject matter.
OM TAT SAT.
Hare Krishna. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
SB 3.11.41 P Calculation of Time, from the Atom
The coverings of the universes are also constituted of the elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether, and each is ten times thicker than the one before. THE FIRST COVERING OF THE UNIVERSE IS EARTH, AND IT IS TEN TIMES THICKER THAN THE UNIVERSE ITSELF. If the universe is four billion miles in size, then the size of the earthly covering of the universe is four billion times ten. The covering of water is ten times greater than the earthly covering, the covering of fire is ten times greater than the watery covering, the covering of air is ten times greater than that of the fire, the covering of ether is ten times greater still than that of air, and so on. The universe within the coverings of matter appears to be like an atom in comparison to the coverings, and the number of universes is unknown even to those who can estimate the coverings of the universes.
SB 3.29.43 P Explanation of Devotional Service by Lord Kapila
It is understood from this verse that all the planets in outer space are floating, and they all hold living entities. The word svasatam means “those who breathe,” or the living entities. In order to accommodate them, there are innumerable planets. Every planet is a residence for innumerable living entities, and the necessary space is provided in the sky by the supreme order of the Lord. It is also stated here that the total universal body is increasing. It IS COVERED BY SEVEN LAYERS, AND AS THERE ARE FIVE ELEMENTS WITHIN THE UNIVERSE, SO THE TOTAL ELEMENTS, IN LAYERS, COVER THE OUTSIDE OF THE UNIVERSAL BODY. THE FIRST LAYER IS OF EARTH, AND IT IS TEN TIMES GREATER IN SIZE THAN THE SPACE WITHIN THE UNIVERSE; THE SECOND LAYER IS WATER, AND THAT IS TEN TIMES GREATER THAN THE EARTHLY LAYER; THE THIRD COVERING IS FIRE, WHICH IS TEN TIMES GREATER THAN THE WATER COVERING. IN THIS WAY EACH LAYER IS TEN TIMES GREATER THAN THE PREVIOUS ONE.
SB 6.16.37 P King Citraketu Meets the Supreme Lord
The origin of the material creation is Maha-Visnu, who lies in the Causal Ocean. While He sleeps in that ocean, millions of universes are generated as He exhales, and they are all annihilated when He inhales. This Maha-Visnu is a plenary portion of a portion of Visnu, Govinda (yasya kala-visesah). The word kala refers to a plenary portion of a plenary portion. From Krsna, or Govinda, comes Balarama; from Balarama comes Sankarsana; from Sankarsana, Narayana; from Narayana, the second Sankarsana; from the second Sankarsana, Maha-Visnu; from Maha-Visnu, Garbhodakasayi Visnu; and from Garbhodakasayi Visnu, Ksirodakasayi Visnu. Ksirodakasayi Visnu controls every universe. This gives an idea of the meaning of ananta, unlimited. What is to be said of the unlimited potency and existence of the Lord? This verse describes the coverings of the universe (saptabhir dasa-gunottarair anda-kosah). THE FIRST COVERING IS EARTH, THE SECOND IS WATER, THE THIRD IS FIRE, THE FOURTH IS AIR, THE FIFTH IS SKY, THE SIXTH IS THE TOTAL MATERIAL ENERGY, AND THE SEVENTH IS THE FALSE EGO. BEGINNING WITH THE COVERING OF EARTH, EACH COVERING IS TEN TIMES GREATER THAN THE PREVIOUS ONE. Thus we can only imagine how great each universe is, and there are many millions of universes. As confirmed by the Lord Himself in Bhagavad-gita (10.42):
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“10) The seven coverings of the universe”
November 14, 1976
Deputy Secretary, 14 November, 1976
Krishna Balarama Mandir
Chattikara Road
Vrindaban, U.P.
Subject: The Times of India Article of November 7th 1976 concerning your paper on the Puranic theory of evolution.
Dear Sir,
The abovementioned International Society for Krishna Consciousness has published within the last ten years English translations of the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam (Maha-purana), Caitanya Caritamrta, Isopanisad and many other volumes of India’s most ancient Vedic cultural heritage, which are now translated into French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian, Chinese, etc. and which are being purchased by the millions all over the world.
Now, here in India, we are planning construction of a very large “Vedic Planetarium” or “Temple of Understanding”. Within the planetarium we will construct a huge, detailed model of the universe as described in the text of the fifth canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam. Within the planetarium the model will be studied by onlookers from different levels by use of escalators. Detailed information will be given on open verandas at the different levels by means of dioramas, charts, films, etc.
The planetarium is planned to be approximately 400 feet high and will have floor space of approximately 90,000 sq. ft. The model will depict: (from bottom to top)
1) The lower planetary system (pataladi-saptaloka)
2) THE EARTHLY SYSTEM (BHU-MANDALA with Sumeru in center, SEVEN ISLANDS (SAPTADVIPA), seven oceans (sapta-samudra), Manosattara Parvata, Lokaloka Parvata, Alokavarsa.
3) The Bhuvarloka (Siddha-caranadi-loka)
4) The upper planetary system (Svarga loka) beginning from the Sun, showing with electrial apparatus both its horizontal and vertical rotations, Rahu, the Moon, the Naksatras, the other seven planets ending with Saturn (Saniscara), the Saptarsis, and Dhruvaloka with Ksirodakasayi Visnu on the Ksirodaka ocean.
5) Maharloka
6) Janaloka
7) Tapoloka
8) Satyaloka
9) Garbhodakasayi Visnu lying on Sesanaga on the Garbhodaka ocean
10) The seven coverings of the universe
11) Sivaloka
12) Karanarnavasayi visnu lying on the Karana-samudra
13) Impersonal brahmajyoti
14) Vaikunthaloka with the various Visnumurtis
15) Goloka Vrndavana
This model (approximately 200 feet high and 100 feet wide) will be engineered to suspend from the structure of the dome and rotate according to the real movement of the planets. The plans for this very large project are being taken solely from the references found in fifth canto Srimad Bhagavatam and its authoritative commentaries by important acaryas, along with other Puranas and Samhitas like Brahma-samhita etc.
As you can appreciate, the work involved in this project will be gigantic and the advice of many experts from all fields will be needed to make it come out successful. It will be a glorious exhibition of India’s Vedic culture that will attract visitors from all the world. I am inquisitive to know how you can help us with this project, as I know you are an expert in the field of Puranic astronomy. Hoping to hear from you in the near future.
Faithfully yours,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
ACBS/jda
reply c/o:
Saurabh Das
Hare Krishan Land
Gandhi Gram Rd.
Juhu, Bombay 400049
Note: Mayesvara das wants to present his little sanskrit learning to MINIMIZE AND CONTRADICT Srila Prabhupada:
Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: It is a fact though that the repository of Indian culture and religion is Sanskrit. So are you saying then that the harijanas or these class of people…
Prabhupāda: Yes, it is Sanskrit, but the Vedic mantras are received not by learning Sanskrit, but by hearing from the authorized person. Therefore it is called śruti. It is in Sanskrit because there was no other language. Sanskrit was the only language. So now they’re being translated into English. So it doesn’t matter whether it is in Sanskrit or English, one has to learn it by hearing from the proper person. That is wanted. It is… THE VEDIC MANTRAS ARE CALLED ŚRUTI, NOT SANSKRITI. (LAUGHTER). IT IS CALLED ŚRUTI. ŚRUTI MEANS THE FIRST BUSINESS IS HEARING. TAD-VIJÑĀNĀRTHAṀ SA GURUM EVĀBHIGACCHET [MU 1.2.12]. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF GOING TO GURU? MEANS TO, GURU IS THE AUTHORIZED PERSON FROM HEAR…, FROM HIM HEAR. SO IT DOESN’T REQUIRE THAT ONE HAS TO LEARN SANSKRIT. We have got so many disciples. It is not that they first of all learned Sanskrit. They heard. It may be in Sanskrit language or in English language. It doesn’t matter. Let him hear the real fact. That is wanted. Although the Vedic mantras are in Sanskrit, the process to understand is to hear. To hear it may be any language, to hear and understand, then he becomes perfect. It is not the Sanskrit language. It is the hearing which is important.
Puṣṭa Kṛṣṇa: So will this bring respect…?
Prabhupāda: Śravanaṁ kīrtanaṁ viṣṇu. Hear and chant about Viṣṇu. That is wanted. Not kṛn pratyaya, di-pratyaya, du-pratyaya. No. That is not wanted. Na hi na hi rakṣati du-kṛn-kāraṇe. This will not save you. If you have become a Sanskrit scholar, du-pratyaya, di-pratyaya, da-pratyaya, that will not save you. Na hi na hi rakṣati dukṛn-kāraṇe, bhaja govindaṁ bhaja govindaṁ bhaja govindaṁ mūḍha mate. So this, they are thinking by learning Sanskrit they will become perfect. In the Bhagavad-gītā I don’t find that “You learn Sanskrit, then you become perfect.” “You surrender unto Me, then you become perfect.” That is wanted. If you learn Sanskrit, there is no harm, but it is not the only condition that “You have to learn Sanskrit, then you will be able.” Who knows in our camp Sanskrit? Who knows Sanskrit? How many?
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/conversations/1976/jun/answers_to_a_questionnaire_from_bhavans_journal/vrndavana/june/28/19
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I am also practically finding that if any of our students artificially try to become scholars by associating with unwanted persons they become victimized, for a little learning is dangerous, especially for the Westerners. I AM PRACTICALLY SEEING THAT AS SOON AS THEY BEGIN TO LEARN A LITTLE SANSKRIT IMMEDIATELY THEY FEEL THAT THEY HAVE BECOME MORE THAN THEIR GURU AND THEN THE POLICY IS KILL GURU AND BE KILLED HIMSELF.
Your ever well wisher,
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/letters/vrindaban/september/18/1976/dixit
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Prabhupāda: Little ABCD, and they are trying to challenge the laws of nature. Little learning dangerous. Alpa-vidyā bhayaṁ kare(?). JUST LIKE IN OUR SOCIETY. SOME OF THEM HAVE GOT LITTLE SANSKRIT—THEY HAVE BECOME SCHOLAR, SANSKRIT SCHOLAR. THEY’RE READING ONLY SANSKRIT. RASCAL CANNOT READ ANYTHING, AND THEY ARE WASTING MONEY, FOUR HUNDRED, FIVE HUNDRED, LIKE THAT, “SANSKRIT DEPARTMENT,” DOZEN MEN. YOU WERE SPEAKING. SO I HAVE STOPPED IT. Unnecessary. I have talked with so many foreign Sanskrit scholars. They do not know anything. Still, they are passing as Sanskrit scholar.
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/conversations/1977/apr/bombay/april/19/1977
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760628bj.nv Conversations
Pradyumna: Ah, Prabhakara. Hm,hm.
Prabhupada: He’s a big Sanskrit scholar. But what is his position? He got big, big position also, but he could not stay. If one’s mind is not fixed up, you learn Sanskrit or no Sanskrit, it will…. (break) To make a good man, it is not necessary that one has to learn Sanskrit. He can be made good provided he fully surrenders to Krsna. Sarvair gunais tatra samasate surah. Yasyasti bhaktir bhagavaty akincana. If one has got unflinching faith and devotion to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, then sarvair gunais tatra samasate surah. All good qualities will develop automatically. Harav abhaktasya kuto mahad guna. IF HE’S NOT A DEVOTEE, HE WILL HOVER OVER THE MENTAL CONCOCTION. MANORATHENASATI DHAVATO BAHIH. THEN HE’LL REMAIN IN THE MATERIAL PLATFORM. NEVER MIND HE’S A SANSKRIT SCHOLAR OR THIS OR THAT.
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Prabhupāda: Nobel Prize-winner, another rascal has given him a Nobel Prize. He’s a rascal; another rascal has given. Suri sākṣī mātāla.(?) In the liquor house the witness is the drunkard. WHAT IS VALUE OF THE WITNESS OF A DRUNKARD? Do you know suri sākṣī mātāla? THERE IS SOME INCIDENT WITHIN THE LIQUOR SHOP, AND THE PROPRIETOR OF THE LIQUOR SHOP HAS BROUGHT SOME WITNESSES. ALL OF THEM ARE DRUNKARDS. (LAUGHTER) SO WHAT IS VALUE OF THIS? SURI SĀKṢĪ MĀTĀLA. AS SOON AS YOU ARE DRUNKARD, IMMEDIATELY THEY ARE REJECTED. Surā dekhi nā saya nā.(?) The proprietor of the liquor shop has no more witness than the drunkard.
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/conversations/1977/aug/s_bangladesh_preaching/prabhavisnu_articles_by_hamsaduta/vrndavana/august/11/1977
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Note: Drunkards evidence: Mayesvara das is quoting TKG the SAME man who was part and parcel of the gang responsible for giving poison to Srila Prabhupada AND ALSO denying the Ritvik System as per July 9th 1977. So WHAT is the VALUE of such a man’s evidence?
“Prem Yogi [Bhakti-prema dasa] showed Srila Prabhupada some illustrations from the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Fifth Canto, and explained them briefly. Prabhupada was impressed with his proper understanding. Prabhupada showed him the Mayapur model and explained what we intended to do there. Srila Prabhupada then expressed his concern: “We must exactly follow the description of Bhagavatam. As we are going to spend many crores of rupees, and there will be those who will try to find fault in our presentation, ‘Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion.’ I have explained whatever I could already in my books. NOW MY BRAIN IS NO LONGER ABLE TO WORK PROPERLY. YOU YOUNG MEN CAN TAX YOUR BRAINS TO UNDERSTAND THE SANSKRIT AND ENGLISH DESCRIPTIONS AND PRESENT THEM.” (Tamal Krishna dasa’s Diary: Prabhupada’s Final Days, May 30 1977)
http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/editorials/08-19/editorials17159.htm
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Mayesvara das: First, let’s look at what the Srimad Bhagavatam itself says about the coverings of the universe:
“This universal egg, or the universe in the shape of an egg, is called the manifestation of material energy. Its layers of water, air, fire, sky, ego and mahat-tattva increase in thickness one after another. Each layer is ten times bigger than the previous one, and the final outside layer is covered by pradhana. Within this egg is the universal form of Lord Hari, of whose body the fourteen planetary systems are parts.” (SB 3.26.52)
Here the Srimad Bhagavatam describes that the elements surrounding the universe begin with water: toya-adibhih—by water and so on. Toya is one of the many Sanskrit names for water and is used through-out Srimad Bhagavatam”.
Mahesh: what Mayesvara das FAILS to comprehend is :
KB 82 Lord Krsna and Balarama Meet the Inhabitants of Vrndavana
The WHOLE philosophy is considered on the basis of inconceivable, SIMULTANEOUS ONENESS AND DIFFERENCE.
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Mayesvara das WANTS to CONTRADICT Srila Prabhupada by presenting ONLY ONE side. Here Srila Prabhupada presents the other side BUT this is JUST AS VALID:
SB 3.11.41 P Calculation of Time, from the Atom
THE FIRST COVERING OF THE UNIVERSE IS EARTH, AND IT IS TEN TIMES THICKER THAN THE UNIVERSE ITSELF. ….
SB 3.29.43 P Explanation of Devotional Service by Lord Kapila
THE FIRST LAYER IS OF EARTH, AND IT IS TEN TIMES GREATER IN SIZE THAN THE SPACE WITHIN THE UNIVERSE;…
SB 6.16.37 P King Citraketu Meets the Supreme Lord
THE FIRST COVERING IS EARTH,….
Note: It is not always that the Original Sanskrit editors have created the problems in editing.
We have to understand that Srimad Bhagavatam is NOT consecutive or chronology accounts – the incidences do NOT always follow one after the other. The incidences, accounts etc do NOT have to tally exactly. The incidences are from DIFFERENT millennium, different Brahmas. This being the case there may appear to be contradictions but are NOT actually so as they may apply at DIFFERENT TIMES OR EVEN DIFFERENT CREATIONS:
Different Yuga Different Incarnations . Different Brahmas, Different Millenniums.
SB 5.26.40 A Description of the Hellish Planets
Srila Baladeva Vidyabhusana remarks that in the Eighth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam THERE IS ANOTHER DESCRIPTION OF RSABHADEVA, BUT THAT RSABHADEVA IS DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE DESCRIBED IN THIS CANTO
SB 2.7.37 Scheduled Incarnations with Specific Functions
When the atheists, after being well versed in the Vedic scientific knowledge, annihilate inhabitants of different planets, flying unseen in the sky on well-built rockets prepared by the great scientist Maya, the Lord will bewilder their minds by dressing Himself attractively as Buddha and will preach on subreligious principles.
PURPORT
THIS INCARNATION OF LORD BUDDHA IS NOT THE SAME BUDDHA INCARNATION WE HAVE IN THE PRESENT HISTORY OF MANKIND. ACCORDING TO SRILA JIVA GOSVAMI, THE BUDDHA INCARNATION MENTIONED IN THIS VERSE APPEARED IN A DIFFERENT KALI AGE. In the duration of life of one Manu there are more than seventy-two Kali-yugas, and in one of them the particular type of Buddha mentioned here would appear.
Adi 5.153 The Glories of Lord Nityananda Balarama
Sri Rama and Sri Laksmana, who are plenary portions of Lord Krsna and Lord Balarama, entered into Them at the time of Krsna’s and Balarama’s appearance.
PURPORT
WITH REFERENCE TO THE VISNU-DHARMOTTARA, THE LAGHU-BHAGAVATAMRTA EXPLAINS THAT RAMA IS AN INCARNATION OF VASUDEVA, LAKSMANA IS AN INCARNATION OF SANKARSANA, BHARATA IS AN INCARNATION OF PRADYUMNA, AND SATRUGHNA IS AN INCARNATION OF ANIRUDDHA. The Padma Purana describes that RAMACANDRA IS NARAYANA AND THAT LAKSMANA, BHARATA AND SATRUGHNA ARE RESPECTIVELY SESA, CAKRA AND SANKHA (THE CONCHSHELL IN THE HAND OF NARAYANA). In the Rama-gita of the Skanda Purana, LAKSMANA, BHARATA AND SATRUGHNA HAVE BEEN DESCRIBED AS THE TRIPLE ATTENDANTS OF LORD RAMA.
761213BG.HYD Lectures
Formerly the kings of Bharatavarsa, India, they used to kill these uncivilized men. Bad example. They did not follow the Vedic civilization, so the king’s order was that they should be killed. If they are too much prominent… Just like they are hunting in the forest. So these… There is history among, about King Bharata, King Bharata, under whose name this planet is called Bharatavarsa. No, not that Bharata. THERE ARE THREE BHARATAS. ONE BHARATA IS THE SON OF RSABHADEVA. ANOTHER BHARATA IS THE SON OF MAHARAJA DUSYANTA. ANOTHER BHARATA IS THE YOUNGER BROTHER OF LORD RAMACANDRA. OUT OF THESE THREE BHARATAS, THE SON OF RSABHADEVA IS THE PERSON AFTER WHOSE NAME THIS PLANET IS CALLED BHARATAVARSA. So another Bharata was the son of Maharaja Dusyanta. He was very powerful, supposed to be or partial incarnation of God. So in his life he would not allow the uncivilized men to exist. He was king. He used to kill them. Why uncivilized men? Even the ksatriyas, if they are not ruling properly according to the ksatriyas… Ksatriyas are supposed to be the ruler of the world. But if they are deviating from their duties, Parasurama, the brahmana, would kill them. On the whole, in the Vedic civilization everyone should be in order. That was the set-up.
SB 3.14.2 P Pregnancy of Diti in the Evening
As referred to previously, the boar incarnation was manifested in two millenniums–namely Svayambhuva and Caksusa. In both millenniums there was a boar incarnation of the Lord, but in the Svayambhuva millennium He lifted the earth from within the water of the universe, whereas in the Caksusa millennium He killed the first demon, Hiranyaksa. IN THE SVAYAMBHUVA MILLENNIUM HE ASSUMED THE COLOR WHITE, AND IN THE CAKSUSA MILLENNIUM HE ASSUMED THE COLOR RED. VIDURA HAD ALREADY HEARD ABOUT ONE OF THEM, AND HE PROPOSED TO HEAR ABOUT THE OTHER. THE TWO DIFFERENT BOAR INCARNATIONS DESCRIBED ARE THE ONE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD.
SB 2.7.37 Scheduled Incarnations with Specific Functions
When the atheists, after being well versed in the Vedic scientific knowledge, annihilate inhabitants of different planets, flying unseen in the sky on well-built rockets prepared by the great scientist Maya, the Lord will bewilder their minds by dressing Himself attractively as Buddha and will preach on subreligious principles.
PURPORT
SB 2.7.37 P Scheduled Incarnations with Specific Functions
THIS INCARNATION OF LORD BUDDHA IS NOT THE SAME BUDDHA INCARNATION WE HAVE IN THE PRESENT HISTORY OF MANKIND. ACCORDING TO SRILA JIVA GOSVAMI, THE BUDDHA INCARNATION MENTIONED IN THIS VERSE APPEARED IN A DIFFERENT KALI AGE. IN THE DURATION OF LIFE OF ONE MANU THERE ARE MORE THAN SEVENTY-TWO KALI-YUGAS, AND IN ONE OF THEM THE PARTICULAR TYPE OF BUDDHA MENTIONED HERE WOULD APPEAR. Lord Buddha incarnates at a time when the people are most materialistic and preaches common-sense religious principles. Such ahimsa is not a religious principle itself, but it is an important quality for persons who are actually religious. It is a common-sense religion because one is advised to do no harm to any other animal or living being because such harmful actions are equally harmful to he who does the harm. But before learning these principles of nonviolence one has to learn two other principles, namely to be humble and to be prideless. Unless one is humble and prideless, one cannot be harmless and nonviolent. And after being nonviolent one has to learn tolerance and simplicity of living. One must offer respects to the great religious preachers and spiritual leaders and also train the senses for controlled action, learning to be unattached to family and home, and enacting devotional service to the Lord, etc. At the ultimate stage one has to accept the Lord and become His devotee; otherwise there is no religion. In religious principles there must be God in the center; otherwise simple moral instructions are merely subreligious principles, generally known as upadharma, or nearness to religious principles.
Adi 5.36 The Glories of Lord Nityananda Balarama
THIS DISCUSSION BETWEEN MAITREYA MUNI AND PARASARA MUNI CENTERED ON WHETHER DEVOTEES COME DOWN INTO THE MATERIAL WORLD IN EVERY MILLENNIUM LIKE JAYA AND VIJAYA, WHO WERE CURSED BY THE KUMARAS TO THAT EFFECT. IN THE COURSE OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS TO MAITREYA ABOUT HIRANYAKASIPU, RAVANA AND SISUPALA, PARASARA DID NOT SAY THAT THESE DEMONS WERE FORMERLY JAYA AND VIJAYA. HE SIMPLY DESCRIBED THE TRANSMIGRATION THROUGH THREE LIVES. IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR THE VAIKUNTHA ASSOCIATES OF THE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD TO COME TO TAKE THE ROLES OF HIS ENEMIES IN ALL THE MILLENNIUMS IN WHICH HE APPEARS. THE “FALLDOWN” OF JAYA AND VIJAYA OCCURRED IN A PARTICULAR MILLENNIUM; JAYA AND VIJAYA DO NOT COME DOWN IN EVERY MILLENNIUM TO ACT AS DEMONS. To think that some associates of the Lord fall down from Vaikuntha in every millennium to become demons is totally incorrect.
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Just like all of a sudden something comes to your mind. It has no connection. Just like a bubble, comes out. Because so many dirty things are reserved on account of our material conditional life for millions and millions of years. Anādi karama-phale paḍi’ bhavārṇava-jale. Anādi, we cannot… Anādi means… Ādi means the creation. So before this creation. Bhūtvā bhūtvā pralīyate [Bg. 8.19]. WE ARE IN THIS MATERIAL CONTAMINATION NOT THAT IN THIS MILLENNIUM-BEFORE THAT. JUST LIKE MILLENNIUM AFTER MILLENNIUM. NĀRADA MUNI WAS SPEAKING HIS LIFE BEFORE THIS MILLENNIUM. SO ANĀDI. ANĀDI MEANS CREATION. BUT NOT ONLY ONE CREATION, SEVERAL CREATIONS, WE ARE FORGOTTEN, OR WE ARE IN THIS MATERIAL WORLD. Kṛṣṇa-bahirmukha hañā bhoga vāñchā… We are searching after material comfort, material comfort, sense gratification, in so many ways. So anādi karama-phale paḍi’ bhavārṇava-jale, taribāre nā dekhi upāya. In this way we are going.
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/classes/sb/1/5/25/vrndavana/august/06/1974
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TEXT 16
maitreya uvāca
parameṣṭhī tv apāṁ madhye
tathā sannām avekṣya gām
katham enāṁ samunneṣya
iti dadhyau dhiyā ciram
SYNONYMS
maitreyaḥ uvāca—Śrī Maitreya Muni said; parameṣṭhī—Brahmā; tu—also; apām—the water; madhye—within; tathā—thus; sannām—situated; avekṣya—seeing; gām—the earth; katham—how; enām—this; samunneṣye—I shall lift; iti—thus; dadhyau—gave attention; dhiyā—by intelligence; ciram—for a long time.
TRANSLATION
Śrī Maitreya said: Thus, seeing the earth merged in the water, Brahmā gave his attention for a long time to how it could be lifted.
PURPORT
According to Jīva Gosvāmī, the topics delineated here are of DIFFERENT MILLENNIUMS. The present topics are of the Śveta-varāha millennium, and topics regarding the Cākṣuṣa millennium will also be discussed in this chapter.
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/3/13/16
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TEXT 2
vidura uvāca
tenaiva tu muni-śreṣṭha
hariṇā yajña-mūrtinā
ādi-daityo hiraṇyākṣo
hata ity anuśuśruma
SYNONYMS
viduraḥ uvāca—Śrī Vidura said; tena—by Him; eva—certainly; tu—but; muni-śreṣṭha—O chief among the sages; hariṇā—by the Personality of Godhead; yajña-mūrtinā—the form of sacrifices; ādi—original; daityaḥ—demon; hiraṇyākṣaḥ—by the name Hiraṇyākṣa; hataḥ—slain; iti—thus; anuśuśruma—heard in succession.
TRANSLATION
Śrī Vidura said: O chief amongst the great sages, I have heard by disciplic succession that Hiraṇyākṣa, the original demon, was slain by the same form of sacrifices, the Personality of Godhead [Lord Boar].
PURPORT
As referred to previously, the boar incarnation was manifested in two millenniums—namely Svāyambhuva and Cākṣuṣa. In both millenniums there was a boar incarnation of the Lord, BUT IN THE SVĀYAMBHUVA MILLENNIUM HE LIFTED THE EARTH FROM WITHIN THE WATER OF THE UNIVERSE, WHEREAS IN THE CĀKṣUṣA MILLENNIUM HE KILLED THE FIRST DEMON, HIRAṇYĀKṣA. IN THE SVĀYAMBHUVA MILLENNIUM HE ASSUMED THE COLOR WHITE, AND IN THE CĀKṣUṣA MILLENNIUM HE ASSUMED THE COLOR RED. VIDURA HAD ALREADY HEARD ABOUT ONE OF THEM, AND HE PROPOSED TO HEAR ABOUT THE OTHER. THE TWO DIFFERENT BOAR INCARNATIONS DESCRIBED ARE THE ONE SUPREME PERSONALITY OF GODHEAD.
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/3/14/2
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Thus far, Hiraṇyakaśipu has adored Lord Brahmā as the Supreme Personality of Godhead and has expected to become immortal by the benediction of Lord Brahmā. NOW, HOWEVER, HAVING COME TO UNDERSTAND THAT EVEN LORD BRAHMĀ IS NOT IMMORTAL BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE MILLENNIUM LORD BRAHMĀ WILL ALSO DIE, HIRAṇYAKAŚIPU IS VERY CAREFULLY ASKING HIM FOR BENEDICTIONS THAT WILL BE ALMOST AS GOOD AS IMMORTALITY. His first proposal is that he not be killed by any of the different forms of living entities created by Lord Brahmā within this material world.
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/7/3/35
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Note: Ganges, therefore, is a combination of THREE transcendental waters
TEXT 4
dhātuḥ kamaṇḍalu-jalaṁ tad urukramasya
pādāvanejana-pavitratayā narendra
svardhuny abhūn nabhasi sā patatī nimārṣṭi
loka-trayaṁ bhagavato viśadeva kīrtiḥ
SYNONYMS
dhātuḥ—of Lord Brahmā; kamaṇḍalu-jalam—water from the kamaṇḍalu; tat—that; urukramasya—of Lord Viṣṇu; pāda-avanejana-pavitratayā—because of washing the lotus feet of Lord Viṣṇu and thus being transcendentally pure; nara-indra—O King; svardhunī—the river named Svardhunī of the celestial world; abhūt—so became; nabhasi—in outer space; sā—that water; patatī—flowing down; nimārṣṭi—purifying; loka-trayam—the three worlds; bhagavataḥ—of the Supreme Personality of Godhead; viśadā—so purified; iva—just like; kīrtiḥ—the fame or the glorious activities.
TRANSLATION
O King, the water from Lord Brahmā’s kamaṇḍalu washed the lotus feet of Lord Vāmanadeva, who is known as Urukrama, the wonderful actor. Thus that water became so pure that it was transformed into the water of the Ganges, which went flowing down from the sky, purifying the three worlds like the pure fame of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
PURPORT
Here we understand that the Ganges began when the water from Lord Brahmā’s kamaṇḍalu washed the lotus feet of Lord Vāmanadeva. But in the Fifth Canto it is stated that the Ganges began when Vāmanadeva’s left foot pierced the covering of the universe so that the transcendental water of the Causal Ocean leaked through. And elsewhere it is also stated that Lord Nārāyaṇa appeared as the water of the Ganges. The water of the Ganges, therefore, is a combination of three transcendental waters, and thus the Ganges is able to purify the three worlds. This is the description given by Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura.
Link to this page: https://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/8/21/4