Svetadvipa and the Flat-Earth
BY: MAYESVARA DASA
Nov 04, 2019 — IRELAND (SUN) — PART ONE
In the following paper we shall look at the scriptural evidence from the Vedic Puranas (histories) regarding the location of Svetadvipa on the Vedic Earth (Bhu-mandala). Although Svetadvipa is described as a spiritual realm which is eternal and transcendental to the material world, it is also understood to be located on the Earth itself. The Earth in question, however, is not the supposed Earth globe that floats in space, but rather a colossal circular plane that spans the center of the universe. According to the Srimad Bhagavatam, the Milk Ocean is the one of the seven cosmic-sized oceans that form part of the huge circular landscape of the Earth-circle. In our presentation of the Vedic Earth-circle (Bhu-mandala) we refer to Bhu-mandala as a 'flat-Earth'. We use the term 'flat-Earth' because the massive landscape of Bhu-mandala is described as forming a contiguous horizontal plane; it is not otherwise described as a landscape that curves around the surface of a globe or sphere.
Many Indians and other followers of Vedic culture may not like to hear that the Vedic Earth is described as a flat-Earth. Since the term 'flat-Earth' has become associated with anything pre-scientific and imbecile, one naturally does not wish to be associated with such an idea. However, the Vedic Earth is not a simply a flattened version of the iconic Earth-globe—the Vedic Earth-circle is something else altogether. The nature of the Earth-circle will become clearer as we go through the various details. In today's paper we shall look at the description of the Earth-circle as it relates to a place called Svetadvipa.
SVETADVIPA (WHITE ISLAND) IS A SPIRITUAL REALM WITHIN THE MATERIAL WORLD
The Puranas describe that there are innumerable material universes which are shaped like perfectly round eggs, hence the Sanskrit name for universe is anda (cosmic egg). The universe is otherwise known as brahmanda, jagat, vishva, etc. Within each universe there are various locations to house and facilitate the many living entities according to their respective material desires and karma. Earth is obviously one such location, but according to the Vedic Puranas we are not alone in the universe; indeed the Puranas describe in fascinating detail the other realms and civilizations that are scattered through-out the cosmos—most interestingly the Puranas describe other lands and civilizations belonging to a larger Earth plane. But before coming to that, let us first introduce the topic at hand which is the location of Svetadvipa (the White Island). Svetadvipa is a transcendental location within the material universe, and is one of several abodes wherein the Supreme Personality of Godhead resides.
The Puranas describe the original Kingdom of God as being outside of the material universe in a place called Goloka-Vrindavana:
"The Supreme Personality of Godhead is to be known as the supreme reservoir of all material opulences by the one fourth of His energy in which all the living entities exist. Deathlessness, fearlessness, and freedom from the anxieties of old age and disease exist in the kingdom of God, which is beyond the three higher planetary systems and beyond the material coverings". (SB 2.6.9)
Although Sri-Krishna resides in Goloka-Vrindavana which is outside of, and beyond the innumerable universes commonly known as ‘the material world’, the Puranas also state that Sri-Krishna expands as Vishnu, and resides at various locations within each particular universe. One such place is Svetadvipa (White Island). Srila Prabhupada explains Svetadvipa as follows:
"Kshirodakasayi Vishnu is situated in every universe in a special planet called Svetadvipa. This is confirmed in the Brahma-samhita: andantara-stha. The word anda means this universe. Within this universe is a planet called Svetadvipa, where Kshirodakasayi Vishnu is situated. From Him come all the incarnations within this universe. (SB 6.16-18-19 purport)
Srila Prabhupada describes the transcendental nature of Svetadvipa as follows:
"Concerning ajitasya padam, the abode of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the Milk Ocean of this material world, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura says: padam kshirodadhi-stha-svetadvipam tamasah prakriteh param. The island known as Svetadvipa, which is in the Ocean of Milk, is transcendental. It has nothing to do with this material world. A city government may have a rest house where the governor and important government officers stay. Such a rest house is not an ordinary house. Similarly, although Svetadvipa, which is in the Ocean of Milk, is in this material world, it is param padam, transcendental. (SB 8.5.24 purport)
WHERE IS SVETADVIPA?
In his commentaries and lectures, Srila Prabhupada presents several different locations for Svetadvipa. For example, in the following purport to Srimad Bhagavatam, Srila Prabhupada describes Svetadvipa as being located in the Polestar (Dhruvaloka).
"The Personality of Godhead continued: My dear Dhruva, after your material life in this body, you will go to My planet, which is always offered obeisances by the residents of all other planetary systems. It is situated above the planets of the seven rishis, and having gone there you will never have to come back again to this material world. (SB 4.9.25)
PURPORT
In this verse the word navartate is very significant. The Lord says, "You will not come back to this material world, for you will reach mat-sthanam, My abode." Therefore Dhruvaloka, or the polestar, is the abode of Lord Vishnu within this material world. Upon it there is an ocean of milk, and within that ocean there is an island known as Svetadvipa.
However, in a previous purport, Srila Prabhupada quoted Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura who said that Druvaloka was ‘like Svetadvipa’, with the inference that it is not the same place as Dhruvaloka itself:
"Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura comments in this connection that Dhruvaloka is one of the lokas like Svetadvipa, Mathura and Dvaraka. They are all eternal places in the kingdom of Godhead, which is described in the Bhagavad-gita (tad dhama paramam) and in the Vedas (om tad vishnoh paramam padam sada pasyanti surayah). (SB 4.9.20-21 purport)
Sanatana Goswami in the following verse from Brhat-Bhagavatamrta, similarly describes Svetadvipa and Dhruvaloka (Polestar) as two separate abodes:
"We cannot be certain where He lives. His abode is unapproachable, difficult for even sages to attain. Sometimes He is in Vaikuntha, sometimes on Dhruva’s planet, and sometimes within the Ocean of Milk".
COMMENTARY
Narada might ask, “Then why don’t you join your Lord?” Indra answers that he is unsure where the Lord is. He might be in Vaikuntha, beyond the material world, or else on the Vaikuntha planet Ramapriya, inside this universe. He might be on Dhruva’s planet, known as Vishnupada, or He might be on the island of Svetadvipa, in the Ocean of Milk. (Brhat Bhagavatamrta, 1.2.27)
In another purport to Srimad Bhagavatam, Srila Prabhupada stated that Svetadvipa was within the halo of the universe:
"Within the halo of the universe there is a transcendental planet known as Svetadvipa, which is the abode of the Kshirodakasayi Vishnu, the Paramatma feature of the Supreme Lord". (SB 1.8.34)
Again in a purport to Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Srila Prabhupada places Svetadvipa in the Milk Ocean which is one of the seven oceans of the Earth:
"In the Siddhanta-Siromani, an astrological text, the different oceans are described as follows: (1) the ocean of salt water, (2) the ocean of milk, (3) the ocean of yogurt, (4) the ocean of clarified butter, (5) the ocean of sugarcane juice, (6) the ocean of liquor and (7) the ocean of sweet water. On the southern side of the ocean of salt water is the ocean of milk, where Lord Ksirodakasayi Vishnu resides. He is worshiped there by demigods like Brahma”. (CC Adi-lila, 5.111)
So where exactly is Svetadvipa? In pursuance of Srila Prabhupada’s request to ‘carefully study the details of the fifth canto and make a working model of the universe’, we will present the evidence that Svetadvipa is located on the Milk Ocean, which is one of the seven great oceans of Bhu-mandala (the Earth circle), thus not on Dhruvaloka which is millions of miles above Bhu-mandala, nor in the halo of the universe itself.
In a promotional video for the Temple Of Vedic Planetarium named, Temple of Vedic Planetarium Universal Chandelier, the narrator (following Srila Prabhupada’s purport to SB 4.9.25) describes Svetadvipa as being on Dhruvaloka. We wish to argue in the following paper that this placement of Svetadvipa has not taken into account the overwhelming scriptural evidence that locates Svetadvipa on the Bhu-mandala, not Dhruvaloka. The correct understanding of Svetadvipa’s location on the Bhu-mandala also has important ramifications for our understanding of the Vedic Earth, indeed, the description of a larger Earth plane nullifies the idea that the Puranas ever present the Earth as a small globe floating in space.
THE LOCATION OF THE MILK OCEAN IN SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM
The description of the Ocean of Milk can be found in chapter 20 of the fifth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. This chapter follows four previous chapters that begin the discussion of the shape, size, and characteristic features of the Bhu-mandala (Earth circle). The description follows a question by King Pariksit to Sukadeva Goswami about the size, shape, and characteristics of the Earth (see SB 5.16.1-2). In response Sukadeva Goswami says:
"The great rishi Sukadeva Gosvami said: O King, I shall nevertheless try to explain to you the principal regions, such as Bhu-goloka [Bhuloka], with their names, forms, measurements and various symptoms. (SB 5.16.4)
In chapters 16-19 of the fifth canto, the first great island of the Earth named Jambudvipa is described. In chapter 20, the great islands and oceans surrounding Jambudvipa are subsequently described. The seven islands and oceans have the unique feature of being circular, and they surround each other in the form of concentric circles (think of ripples spreading out in a pond of water).
The above image shows the golden Mount Meru in the center of the Earth plane. Mount Meru also marks the center of the universe (Axis Mundi). Mount Meru is situated in Jambudvipa which is a circular island measured at an astonishing 100,000 yojana (800,000 miles). Our own area of the Earth is located at the southern shore of this massive landscape in a place called Bharata-varsha. Jambudvipa is surrounded by the Salt-water Ocean measured at an equally astonishing 800,000 miles across. Our own salt-water oceans, such as the Pacific and Atlantic, are just a tiny drop of this greater ocean. The Salt-water Ocean is surrounded by another circular island called Plakshadvipa. Plakshadvipa is double the size of Jambudvipa and is measured at an astounding 200,000 yojana (1,600,000 miles across). Plakshadvipa is likewise surrounded by another circular-shaped ocean of the same size. In this way, each circular island is surrounded by a circular ocean, and each island and ocean is double the size of the previous one. There are further features on the Bhu-mandala, but the seven islands and seven oceans alone measure an incredible 202,800,000 miles. Each of these islands breaks down into innumerable locations such as our own area of the Earth. As mentioned, the other islands and oceans of Bhu-mandala surround Jambudvipa in the form of concentric circles (like ripples in a pond). The Milk Ocean is described as one of these cosmic-sized oceans situated on the surface of the Earth-circle. In the above image we can see that the Sun rotates in a circle above the plane of the huge Earth landscape, and creates day and night, the seasons, etc. according to its various movements (which shall be discussed in a later paper). In the distance can be seen the gigantic Lokaloka Mountain which again surrounds the seven islands and seven oceans in a circular formation.
The Milk Ocean is described as being situated between two islands called Krauchadvipa and Shakadvipa
"Outside the ocean of clarified butter is another island, known as Krauncadvipa, which has a width of 1,600,000 yojanas [12,800,000 miles], twice the width of the ocean of clarified butter. As Kusadvipa is surrounded by an ocean of clarified butter, Krauncadvipa is surrounded by an ocean of milk as broad as the island itself. On Krauncadvipa there is a great mountain known as Kraunca, from which the island takes its name”. (SB 5.20.18)
“Outside the Ocean of Milk is another island, Shakadvipa, which has a width of 3,200,000 yojanas [25,600,000 miles]. As Krauncadvipa is surrounded by its own ocean of milk, Skadvipa is surrounded by an ocean of churned yogurt as broad as the island itself”. (SB 5.20.24)
The image below shows the position of the Milk Ocean at number 11. Hopefully some video animation can be developed in the future which will show this more clearly:
Considering the context of Sukadeva Goswami’s description of the Bhu-mandala’s seven islands and seven oceans, the above verses clearly describe the Milk Ocean as being part of the Earth-circle, not Druvaloka which is described in a different chapter of the fifth canto. We shall confirm this with reference to the other Puranas in a moment.
In the above verses we learn that the Milk Ocean is 1,600,000 yojanas (12,800,000) miles across). To get a sense of the vast width of the ocean, it is said that Kurma-avatara expanded to the size of 100,000 yojana (800,000 miles) in order to support Mandara Mountain which was used as a pivot for the churning of the Milk Ocean:
"When the demigods and demons saw that Mandara Mountain had been lifted, they were enlivened and encouraged to begin churning again. The mountain rested on the back of the great tortoise, which extended for eight hundred thousand miles (laksha-yojana) like a large island”. (SB 8.7.9)
Although Svetadvipa is described as being located in the Ocean of Milk. it was not until June/July 1977 (when a rudimentary map of Bhu-mandala was eventually produced and presented to Srila Prabhupada for his inspection), that the specific location of Svetadvipa on Bhu-mandala was even discussed.
Yasoda-nandana: In fact, again surrounding the ghee ocean is Krauncadvipa, but Krauncadvipa is 1,600,000 yojanas in width. That means 12,800,000 miles. It is getting bigger, twice as big, as we go further. And after Krauncadvipa, surrounding Krauncadvipa is the Milk Ocean, and this Milk Ocean is surrounding the whole Krauncadvipa. And then again there is mention that the Svetadvipa Ocean, the Svetadvipa where Lord Vishnu... Lord Vishnu resides there in white island. This Your Divine Grace has described in the Caitanya-caritamrita.
Bhakti-prema: Kshirodakasayi Vishnu resides there.
Yasoda-nandana: Yes, kshira. kshira means milk. Sakadvipa is surrounding the Milk Ocean.
(Bhu-mandala Diagram Discussion, July 2 1977, Vrindavana)
A MAP OF THE VEDIC UNIVERSE
Please bear in mind that the map presented to Srila Prabhupada in the above conversation from July 1977 was the first map of the Vedic Earth that the society had produced, and even this was extremely rudimentary. Following the announcement to build a Temple of Vedic Planetarium in 1975, Srila Prabhupada had engaged several of his disciples to research the fifth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam and make a working model of the universe based on the description therein:
"So now all you Ph.D.'s must carefully study the details of the Fifth Canto and make a working model of the universe." (Letter from Srila Prabhupada to Svarupa Damodara dasa, April 27, 1976)
However progress was slow as the disciples found the text something of a mystery, as explained in the following conversation:
Tamala Krishna: So I think that Svarupa Damodara will be helped by these drawings when the men come. 'Cause he said that even though they are scientists, they could not understand this volume. It's been a mystery practically. These drawings, one by one, should be able to help in the creation of that planetarium.
Prabhupada: Thank you very much. Hare Krishna.
(Bhu-mandala Diagram Discussion, July 2, 1977, Vrindavana)
The drawings in question refer to some rudimentary maps of Bhu-mandala that had been produced by some of Srila Prabhupada's disciples in late June 1977 (see Showing of Planetary Sketches, June 28, 1977, Vrindavana). The endeavor followed an unsuccessful attempt by Srila Prabhupada to locate an Indian astronomer who could make a working model of the Vedic universe based on the description of the universe contained in the fifth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. After the announcement to build the Temple of Vedic Planetarium in 1975, almost a year and a half had passed without any significant progress being made in regards to transforming Srimad Bhagavatam's description of the universe into a working model that could be presented for display at the TOVP. By April 1977 Srila Prabhupada had become very eager to procure a proper map that would accurately depict each place in the Vedic universe along with the distance and direction from one place to another. The following discussion with a Vedic astronomer is revealing as we hear Srila Prabhupada requesting that a diagram be produced that would show the whereabouts of the sapta-sindu (seven oceans) and other features of Bhu-mandala:
Prabhupada: Sapta-sindhu... You have to make diagram where the sapta-sindhu are.
Indian Astronomer: Yes. All...
Prabhupada: No, all...
Indian Astronomer: ...because as we prepare diagram on the basis of pancama-skandha, Bhagavata, all must be given there.
(Conversation with Vedic Astronomer, April 30, 1977)
Here Srila Prabhupada uses the words ‘sapta-sindhu’ which refers to the seven oceans (including obviously the Milk Ocean). Thus Srila Prabhupada is requesting assistance to prepare a diagram that would indicate the whereabouts and layout of the seven oceans as they feature in the Vedic Universe. We can also infer that if the whereabouts of the seven oceans was unmapped, then logically the whereabouts and arrangement of the seven islands in the Vedic universe was also unmapped (since the seven oceans are described as surrounding the seven islands). In the following discussion we hear Srila Prabhupada request a map to show ‘where are different situation of the planets’. The Vedic astronomer was himself at a loss to depict the description as he admitted: “It is first attempt to give in picture the ideas of Bhagavatam”.
Indian Astronomer: I am also a great lover of Bhagavata. That is my life.
Prabhupada: Eh?
Indian Astronomer: Bhagavata is my solace of my life.
Prabhupada: So we are presenting this planetarium...
Indian Astronomer: Bhagavata, yes?
Prabhupada: From Bhagavatam.
Indian Astronomer: Yes, yes.
Prabhupada: In the Fifth Canto there is description of the planetary system.
Indian Astronomer: Yes, yes.
Prabhupada: So we want a diagram.
Indian Astronomer: Yes, yes.
Prabhupada: So kindly help us.
Indian Astronomer: With your Your Holiness permission, he told all these things to me. I use some Bhagavata sloka before. (quotes Sanskrit slokas from Bhagavata, Tenth Canto)
Prabhupada: Hare Krishna. Now find out that Fifth Canto. So this planetary system is hanging.
Indian Astronomer: Yes.
Prabhupada: Irdhva-mulam adhah-sakham [Bg. 15.1]. Same thing is explained in the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Now, how it is hanging and where are different situation of the planets and plateaus and hills and..., so as far as the book is concerned, kindly make a diagram so that we shall execute… Immediately we want the diagram how to fix it up so that people can see, "This is the situation." So you make this diagram.
Indian Astronomer: It is first attempt to give in picture the ideas of Bhagavatam.
Prabhupada: Yes. So we... We are... We have got very good scheme so that people from the world will come to see the Vedic idea of planetary system. This is the ambition. So you kindly help us.
(Conversation with Vedic Astronomer, April 30, 1977)
Notice here the particular details that Srila Prabhupada is requesting attention to. For example, Srila Prabhupada specifies details such as, “and where are different situation of the planets and plateaus and hills and...Immediately we want the diagram how to fix it up so that people can see, "This is the situation." So you make this diagram’.
The hills in question refer to great cosmic-sized mountains such as Mount Meru, Manosattara, Lokaloka, etc., which are arranged on the Earth-circle in a very specific way. Srila Prabhupada also directs attention to explaining ‘where are different situation of the planets’. This is an important request as followers of Srila Prabhupada simply assume that when Prabhupada talks about ‘Earthly planets’, or ‘hellish planets’, or ‘subterranean heavenly planets’, etc., that these places must refer to globe-shaped planets floating in space, when in fact, they are all described by Sukadeva Goswami as being part of the one colossal Earth. The paper entitled, "What’s Below the Earth?" explains, for example, the situation of the subterranean realms (bila-svarga) that go down for hundreds of thousands of miles into the interior or underground parts of Bhu-mandala:
We have yet to complete our presentation of the location of the hellish realms within Bhu-mandala’s underground region, but they are certainly not ‘planets’ floating in space as we may naturally assume when hearing the term 'hellish planets'. Please note again that Srila Prabhupada is himself requesting the astronomer, “Immediately we want the diagram how to fix it up so that people can see, ‘This is the situation.’ So you kindly help us.” Srila Prabhupada had full faith in the places described in Vedic cosmology such as the hells or subterranean heavens, but he did not have a map or diagram of any kind that could depict ‘the situation’.
When Srila Prabhupada asks the astronomer to make a diagram explaining ‘where are different situation of the planets’, we should also understand that this also includes the correct understanding of the situation of the Earth itself. The Vedic Earth (Bhu-mandala) is not the same as the modern Earth globe. The Earth globe concept does not even exist in Vedic cosmology, and the Earth is otherwise described as a colossal circular disc that is held by Ananta-sesha, the thousand headed serpent. Our own area of the area is situated in Bharata-varsha which is part of the gigantic island of Jambudvipa. In the absence of any depiction of Bhu-mandala, Srila Prabhupada had simply worked with the modern idea of the Earth, and it was not until the ‘Discussions About Bhu-mandala’ in late June early July 1977 that the radical differences between the two concepts even became a topic of discussion.
I was recently criticized as an 'offender' to Srila Prabhupada because I happened to mention in a previous paper that, “it was only a few months before his departure in 1977 that Srila Prabhupada along with his disciples even began to try to decipher the mysterious description of the Earth given by Sukadeva Goswami”. The offence, I presume, was inferring that certain details of Vedic cosmology were unfamiliar to Srila Prabhupada, despite the fact that Srila Prabhupada personally stated on several occasions that he was not familiar with all the details:
"Prabhupada answered a few more of Paramahamsa's questions about the current work on Srimad Bhagavatam, Fifth Canto, and then fell silent. "Actually," he added, after a few minutes, "I am not giving any more information -- simply what is there." Prabhupada was frank. "I am not an astronomer, so I may not understand all the details. Those details are given in another part of the Vedas. Sukadeva Gosvami is giving some basic summary ideas of the universal operation. The stress," Prabhupada concluded, "is on devotion, not geography." (The Great Transcendental Adventure, Ten Days in Perth, 1975, by Kurma das)
In the above conversation with the Vedic astronomer, we see that Srila Prabhupada is personally requesting the Vedic astronomer to make a map or diagram that would explain everything clearly. It is one thing to have complete faith in what is being described in Srimad Bhagavatam's cosmology, it is quite another thing to turn it into a visual presentation. Perhaps Srila Prabhupada could have produced his own diagram, rather than engage his disciples in this activity. Hari-Sauri dasa who was Srila Prabhupada's secretary at the time also mentioned during an interview:
"And during the summer of '77, Prabhupada had a lot of meetings with him and Tamala Krishna Maharaja to discuss how to do this Vedic Planetarium. And they actually sent people out, and they tried to get people from South India; there was a lot of effort that was made, you know, to try to get a good concept of how to present it. But they couldn't find anybody who was able to do it; at least not to Prabhupada's satisfaction. So it was one of those things that Prabhupada left with us." (Interview with Hari Sauri dasa from Danavir Goswami's Vedic Cosmos documentary)
The above information must be borne in mind when coming to understand why Srila Prabhupada also referred to Svetadvipa as ‘a planet’, when technically it is an island that is situated on the Ocean of Milk which is part of the Earth. Considering that it was not until the end of June 1977, that a rudimentary map of Bhu-mandala was even produced, it is not surprising why Srila Prabhupada on this occasion associated Svetadvipa with Druvaloka—Druvaloka, after all, is described as being a spiritual planet and one of the abodes of Vishnu within the material world. However, there are actually a number of transcendental abodes where Sri-Vishnu resides within the material universe, and as well shall continue to see, the particular abode called Svetadvipa (White Island) is located in the Milk Ocean which as mentioned, is one of the oceans of the Vedic Earth-circle (Bhu-mandala). We shall now look at various scriptural statements that confirm the Milk Ocean’s location on the Earth.
SVETADVIPA IS ON THE EARTH
We have seen above from Srimad Bhagavatam's description that the Milk Ocean is on the Earth. In the Mahabharata, Narada Muni also confirms that the Milk Ocean is on the Earth:
"Narada said, 'The region where we now are is called Rasatala and is the seventh stratum below the Earth. Here dwelleth Surabhi, the mother of all kine, she, who was born of the Amrita. She always yieldeth milk which is the essence of all the best things of the earth, and which, excellent as it is, and of one taste, springeth from the essence of the six different kinds of tastes (that are talked of). The faultless Surabhi herself sprang in days of old from the mouth of the Grandsire, gratified with drinking the Amrita and vomiting the best things. A single jet only of her milk, falling on the Earth, created what is known as the sacred and the excellent "Milky Ocean." (Mahabharata, Udoga Parva, Bhagavat Yana Parva, CII)
In the Narada Pancaratra, Srimati Parvati-devi the wife of Lord Shiva informs us that Svetadvip is on the Milk Ocean which is on the Earth:
Sri Parvati uvaca
tava vakasi radhaham rase vrindavane vane
Maha-lasksmis ca vaikunthe pada-padmarane rata
Parvati said: I am Radha, situated on Your chest, enjoying rasa dance in Vrindavan, as well as Mahalaksmi taking pleasure in worshipping Your lotus feet in Vaikuntha.
sveta-dvipe sindhu-kanya visnor urasi bhu-tale
brahma-loke ca brahmani veda-mata ca bharati
On Earth (Bhu-tale), at Svetadvipa I am the daughter of the ocean. I recline on Visnu's chest. At Brahmaloka I am the consort of Brahma, Mother of Vedas known as Bharati. (Narada Pancaratra 1.12.5.56)
Here Parvati says that Svetadvipa is on the Earth (Bhu-tale). In the following descriptions of Svetadvipa from Skanda Purana we also get confirmation that Svetadvipa is on the Earth. We will cite this long passage in full, as it not only informs us about Svetadvipa’s location on the Earth, but also provides some fascinating details about life on Svetadvipa:
"Skanda said:
He (Narada) who was the greatest one among persons possessing knowledge of the soul, and who was thus spoken to by the Superme Person Narayana, addressed the following words to that Acyuta, the greatest one among the worlds, the very abode of the welfare of the world.
Narada said: 0 Lord, whatever has been spoken by you, who have concealed your immense lustre within the form of a sage, has been heard by me completely. But I know in my mind that all this is the sport of you only, who are the Lord of all. 0 Bhuman (Vishnu), I shall have all my wishes fulfilled by your sight only, which is earnestly desired by my heart. I, however, have a strong desire to see your previous (original) form. 0 Lord, I am curious (to see it).
Sri Narayana said: That form of mine is not possible to be seen by acts of charity or religious gifts, performance of sacrifices, or practice of Yoga, or by study or recitation of the Vedas, or performance of penance, 0 Narada. It can be seen only by complete, undivided devotion unto me, by excellent devotees exclusively attached to me. Your devotion unto me is undivided; your knowledge is strengthened with disinterestedness to worldly pleasures. That is your Dharma. Hence, you will have that vision which is very difficult to have even by deities including the Lord of gods. I am extremely pleased with your devotion. Today, I assure you that vision. Go to Sveta-Dvipa (literally White Island). This desire of yours will be accomplished there, 0 excellent Brahmana.
Having heard the words, Narada, the son of Brahma, worshiped that ancient sage (Narayana). On an excellent auspicious astrological yoga (astral combination), he flew up in the sky. He at once descended on (a peak of) Meru. Finding a quiet solitary place, the sage stayed for a while on the peak of the mountain. While looking in the north-western direction, he saw an extremely wonderful island. To the northern side of the Milk Ocean (Ksirodadhi), there is a famous vast island known as White Island (Sveta-Dvipa). It is ever refulgent, radiating very bright, white mass of light spread all over its extent. It was surrounded and covered over with innumerable mango trees, (etc)
...It was full of innumerable great and excellent parks and gardens, rivers and lakes, full of blooming lotuses and sweetly warbling excellent birds like swans and others, and with excellent fleeing deer. There all living beings, both movable and immovable, lead a liberated life.
While he was observing, excellent devotees of the Supreme Lord were seen by him. They were beyond the ken of sense-organs. They were devoid of all sins and (bodily) discharges. They were sweet-smelling. They were two-handed and some of them were four-handed. Some were white, while others were like new clouds in complexion. Their eyes were like petals of lotuses. Their limbs were symmetrical. They were extremely powerful with beautiful heavenly limbs. Their hair were scattered. They were ever youthful and were characterized with all auspicious marks. Their palms and soles were marked with (the outlines of) lotus. They were devoid of six defects of life (hunger, thirst, decay, death, grief and illusion). They surpassed the Sun in lustre. They were clad in white. They were gentle and absorbed in meditation. Even the god of Death was always afraid of them.
Savarni said: Who are those men who are beyond the range of sense-organs, free from diseases and discharges of the body, full of sweet fragrance? How are persons of such category born? What is their destiny? Sveta-dvipa is on the surface of this Earth, (though) in an ocean of waters. How did you proclaim the state of being beyond the (ken of) sense-organs, in case of the inhabitants of Sveta-dvipa? Only those who are established in the imperishable Brahman of the form of existence, consciousness and bliss, full of (identical with) pure thought (Brahman), are the liberated ones and not others. Be pleased to remove this doubt of mine. I have got great eagerness (to know). As you are expert in all sorts of discourses, I have resorted to you.
Skanda replied: Those persons called imperishable ones (Akshara) who, through their undivided propitiation solely of the consort of Rama (i.e. Vishnu) during previous Kalpas, attained the state of Brahman and have attained agelessness and immortality, stay in this domain of Svetadvipa for serving Vasudeva and are being watched by gods and sages. When the time of world-destruction arrives, they will stay as independent beings in the eternal domain (Akshara-dhaman), free from the fear of Kala (Death, Time) and Maya. Even here, those persons as well, who are born of Maya and hence are perishable, verily become similar to those (Akshara Purushas) through pious adorations. 0 excellent sage, persons really become like those (Akshara Purushas) through (practice of) non-violence, penance, (by abiding) by one's specific duties, through non-attachment to worldly objects, knowledge of the glory of Vasudeva and steadiness in (devotion to) the Atman, supreme devotion (to the Lord), and contacts with the noble-souled ones, even though (originally) they are devoid of service to Hari, have no desire for liberation, and are covetous of all super-natural powers like Anima, but by hearing and describing to each other the birth and great deeds of Sri Hari (they become so). Even when the creation of the universe is under way, these are not born through the force of Time anywhere. Due to their independence they do not perish like others at the time of world-destruction. (Skanda Purana, Vaishnava-khanda,Vasudeva-mahatmya, chapter 4, verses 1-28 (ll.ix.4.1-28)
The above passage states that Narada Muni first viewed Svetadvipa from the top of the Mount Meru. Looking over the seven islands and oceans of the Earth, he saw Svetadvipa in the distance located in the Milk Ocean. When Narada looked over the Earth, he would not have seen an Earth-globe floating in dark space, rather he would have saw the huge Earth-circle comprised of seven islands and seven oceans. The Narada Purana itself declares that Mount Meru is at the center of the seven islands and oceans of the Earth; and here again we see that the Milk Ocean is counted as one of the Earth's oceans:
"The Meru Mountain, the resort of all gods, is located at the center of the surface of the Earth. The Lokaloka mountains form the farthest end (limit) of the Earth. In between them are the seven oceans. 0, prominent Brahmanas! There are seven islands, and each island has its own (chain of) principal mountains, and well-known rivers flowing therein, and the people thereof resemble the immortals i.e. gods. The names of the islands are: Jambu, Plaksha, Shalmala, Kusha, Krauncha, Shaka, and Pushkara. All of them are regions (traversed by) gods. These seven islands are surrounded by seven oceans, each having (for its liquid content) salt water, sugarcane juice, wine, ghee, curds, milk and sweet water”. (Narada Purana, 1.3.41-44)
The Srimad Bhagavatam measures the seven islands and oceans at 202,800,000 miles, again informing us that the Earth in question is a colossal plane, not a small globe. Beyond the seven islands and oceans, the Earth-circle has further features that continue for a complete diameter of 4 billion miles. The following passage from Skanda Purana again states that Svetadvipa is on the Earth:
"Then by deities faster than wind, who are in the disc (of the sun), he was taken to the wonderful abode of Vishnu, called Sveta-dvipa. 0 sage, though the island is on the Earth, it is extraordinary. After having reached this residence of the devotees of Hari by exclusive devotion to the Lord, it serves as a gateway to Goloka, Brahmapura, Vaikuntha to those noble-souled devotees desiring to get to them. 0 sage, those released from Sveta-dvipa whose characteristics have been described before, resort to that particular domain for which they cherish a desire”. (Skanda Purana, Vasudeva Mahatmya, Book 2, Vaisnvana khanda, section IX, Chapter 7 Verse 35-38) (II,ix,7, 35-38)
The commentators footnote to this passage says: “This Dvipa is located on the Earth but the residents are Aksara-Purushas. This Dvipa is a gateway to Goloka and Vaikuntha”. (infra Ch. 7.36-37)
Other Puranas similarly describe Svetadvipa as part of the Earth. In the Kurma Purana, Suta first of all states the names of the seven islands and oceans of the Earth and then he gives a description of each individual island and ocean. He particularly mentions Svetadvipa as the glory of the Milk Ocean. We should note in the following description that the Earth in question is measured at fifty crores of yojana (4 billion miles), which once again informs us that the Earth under description is not the supposed Earth globe. The following is from chapter forty-five of the Kurma Purana called Bhuvana Kosa, Description of seven Dvipas:
"This extensive cosmic egg consisting of fourteen parts has been described to you so far. Henceforth, I shall describe to you in detail the complete account of this Earth. There are seven continents of which Jambudvipa is the most important. (The other continents are : Plaksha, Salmali, Kusa, Krauncha, Saka and Pushkara. These seven great continents are encircled by seven oceans. The latter the continent, the greater it is in extent than the previous one, the latter ocean is said to be greater than the former.
The seven oceans are: Ksaroda (ocean of salt water). lkshurasoda (ocean of sugar-cane juice), Suroda (ocean of wine), Ghrtoda (ocean of ghee), Dadhyoda (ocean of curd), Kshirasalila (ocean of milk), Svaduda (ocean of sweet water). The Earth along with the oceans and seven continents extends to fifty crores of Yojanas [4 billion miles] all round. Jambudvipa is situated in the middle of continents. In its centre is the well-known mountain Mahameru that has the golden lustre”. (Kurma Purana 45.1-6)
The particular description of Svetadvipa is then given in chapter 49, verses 40-72. We shall quote this passage in full for the happiness of those who are interested to hear further details about this transcendental abode:
"Encircling the Saka Dvipa is the Ocean of Milk, and in its middle is Sveta-dvipa. The people thereof are devoted to Narayana. The territories thereof are meritorious and full of miracles. Men born there are white in complexion. They are devoted to Vishnu. There is neither mental agony nor physical illness; there is no fear of old age or death. People are devoid of anger and covetousness, delusion and mutual rivalry. They are forever magnificently provided and thriving. They are devoid of dispiritedness and awe; they are perpetually delighted and they enjoy pleasures forever. They are equal to (or look like) Narayana and are devotedly attached to Narayana.
Some of them, Yogins of fully controlled sense-organs are always devoted to meditation. Some perform Japas. Some perform penance; while others are endowed with perfect spiritual wisdom. Others are purified by meditating upon Brahman and by observing Nirbija ("seedless") yoga. They meditate on the great Brahman, the eternal Vasudeva. Others are Ekantins (followers of Ekanti-dharma) without support (solely depending on him). They are great devotees of the lord. They see the great Brahman called Visnu beyond Tamas (of ignorance). All of them have the four-armed form; They are the wielders of Sankha, Cakra and Gada (mace) all of them wear good yellow robes; their chests are marked by the line of golden hair called Srivatsa.
Others are devoted to Mahesvara. Their foreheads, are marked by Tripundras (three lines of ashes on the forehead), refulgence emanating through practice of excellent Yoga. They have great Garudas as their vehicles. All are endowed with Sakti; they have perpetual bliss and they are pure. Persons who closely move with Vishnu stay there. The city of Narayana named Narayanapura is also there. It is impassable to others; it cannot be assailed or transgressed; it is heightened in beauty by means of palaces. It is fitted with golden ramparts and crystal pandals and halls, the lustre of which is diffused in a thousand ways; it is splendid and unthwartable. It has mansions and palaces full of great apartments. It has thousands of golden archways shining with different jewels. It contains splendid sheets and covers; it is embellished with wonderful articles; its beauty is enhanced by delightful parks of various shapes and flowing rivulets; there are lakes all round; many banners of variegated colours beautify it. Everywhere it has streets; the steps and staircases are bedecked in jewels; it has hundreds and thousands of rivers; it is reverberating with divine songs and music. It abounds in swans, ducks and ruddy geese; it has four main gateways; it is incomparable and inaccessible to the enemies of Devas. Its beauty is enhanced by bevies of divine damsels who dance and who know the technique of different kinds of music difficult of access even to Devas; who are richly endowed with different modes and ways of dalliance; who are very tender and passionate; whose faces resemble the moon; whose anklets jingle and tinkle; who smile slightly; whose lips are like the red cherry (Bimba) fruits; whose eyes resemble the beautiful eyes of tender fawns; who possess all types of riches; who are graced with slender waists; whose gait resembles the movements of the royal swans; whose dress and features are fine; whose voice is sweet; who are efficient in conversations and pleasing talks; who are richly adorned with divine ornaments and who are stooping down with the weight of their breasts; whose eyes roll about due to the intake of wine; whose limbs are of variegated colours and who are fond of different pleasures and sexual dalliance.
The city is beautified with parks and gardens with full blown flowers and hundreds of living beings. Innumerable Devas also beautify it. It has numerous attributes. The city of the Lord and the consort of Sri, of unmeasured splendour is very sacred and glorious. In its middle is a highly-splendid spot of lofty ramparts and arched ornamental gateways.
It is the divine abode of Vishnu, the bestower of Siddhis on the Yogins. In it, the sole lord having the lustre of lotus petals, lord Hari from whom the entire Universe is born lies down on Sesha his serpent-couch. He is being meditated over by the leading Yogins, the chief of whom is Sanandana. He drinks in the nectar of the bliss of his own Atman. He is the deity beyond darkness; he is the yellow-robed large-eyed deity of great Maya and mighty arms. His pair of feet is stroked forever by the daughter of the milk-ocean; that goddess, the beloved of Hari, worthy of being worshipped by the Universe, stays at his feet for ever with her mind resting on him imbibing the nectar of Narayana. Evil men of impious activities do not go there; nor those who dwell in the abodes of other Devas.
It is the abode named Vaikuntha. It is revered even by Devas. My intellect is not competent to describe the entire region. Only this much can be said: it is indeed the city of Narayana. He alone is the great Brahman; He is the eternal Vasudeva. The glorious Narayana, deluding the Universe with his Maya, lies down there; this Universe is born of Narayana; it is stabilised in him alone. At the end of the Kalpa period, the world resorts to him. He is the ultimate goal. (Kurma Purana, 1.49.40-72)
After this description of Svetadvipa in the Milk Ocean, Suta goes on to explain the next island of the Earth called Pushkara-dvipa that surrounds and encircles the Milk Ocean. We should note that in Srimad Bhagavatam the Milk Ocean is surrounded by Shaka-dvipa, not Pushkara-dvipa as several Puranas state. Since we are presenting Srimad Bhagavatam at the TOVP, we shall follow the order of islands and oceans as they are given by Sukadeva Goswami. We should note, however, that although the order and arrangement of the seven islands and oceans is somewhat different in each Purana, they all list the same seven islands and oceans, and all give the same description of their immense size and unusual shape and formation (concentric circles). In any case, there is no doubt that Svetadvipa (though transcendental) is part of the Earth’s colossal flat-Earth landscape:
"The Milk Ocean extending to twice the size of Sakadvipa encircles it. The continent Pushkaradvipa rests in it". (Kurma Purana, 50.1)
Again:
“O Brahmins, Sakadvipa is encircled by the Ocean of Milk of the size of Sakadvipa. It is as though encircled by a girdle. O Brahmins, the Ocean of Milk is encircled by Pushkaradvipa.” (Brahma Purana 18.74)
Again:
"Sakadvipa is encircled by the Sea of Milk as by an armlet, and the sea is of the same breadth as the continent which it embraces…The Ksiroda Ocean or (Sea of Milk) is encompassed by the seventh dvipa, or Pushkara, which is twice the size of Sakadvipa”. (Visnu Purana Book 2, chapter 4)
In this way all of the Puranas define the Earth as having a diameter of 4 billion miles and containing seven gigantic islands and oceans:
"The extent and girth (circumference) of the Earth consisting of seven islands has been reckoned in proper measure in the Puranas...
The entire Earth is remembered as fifty crores of yojanas [4 billion miles] in extent. (Brahmanda Purana 1.2.21.8-12)
The second chapter of the second retra of Narada Pancaratra contains a brief description and overview of Vedic cosmology. Whilst describing the Earth’s seven islands, Narada states that Svetadvipa is in the Ocean of Milk. We shall again quote the passage in full as it contains many interesting details about Svetadvipa:
"Beyond Kushadvipa is Bakadvipa (shakdvipa) which is twice as large. It is surrounded by an ocean of yogurt that is twice as large as the ocean of ghee. Shalmalidvipa is twice as big as Bakadvipa and is surrounded by an ocean of milk that is twice as large as the ocean of yogurt. In the ocean of milk there is an enchanting island called Svetadvipa (sveta-dvipas ca ksirode) where lord Vishnu is eternally served by Lakshmi the daughter of the ocean. The abode of Svetadvipa is manifested by the spiritual potency of Lord Narayana. Another name of that transcendental abode is Vaikuntha. It is the shelter of the mode of pure goodness.
The four-handed Vishnu whose complexion is blackish and who is adorned with a garland of forest flowers resides there. He is constantly being served by His associates, and is glorified by great sages like Sanaka, and other exalted personalities like Brahma. He awards happiness and liberation to everyone. He is full of all opulence and is the bestower of all kinds of wealth.
The abode of the Lord known as Svetadvipa is round like the moon. The length and breadth of Svetadvipa is approximately 80,000 miles (jojanayuta). It was manifested by the will of Lord Hari, utilizing innumerable valuable gems. After seeing this island which has thousands and millions of residences belonging to the Lord’s associates, the architect of the demigods Visvakarma considered himself to be an ignorant fool.
There are millions of forests full of desire trees in Svetadvipa. That transcendental abode is inhabited by eight hundred billion surabhi cows. There are one hundred billion lakes situated beside beautiful gardens in that supreme abode. It is also inhabited by Gandharvas, dancers, perfected beings, the foremost of yogis and celestial women.
Beyond Svetadvipa is Krauncadvipa which is twice as large. It is surrounded by an ocean of sweet water that is twice as wide as the ocean of milk. I have thus described to you the seven beautiful islands all of which are nicely decorated with rivers, oceans, forests, gardens, mountains and caves. Beyond these islands is an uninhabited tract of land that is permeated by an effulgence and is covered with golden clay”. (Narada Pancharatra, second retra, second chapter, verses 82-94
Although the order of islands and oceans is different from Srimad Bhagavatam, this chapter of Narada Pancaratra, nonetheless clearly describes Svetadvipa as being situated on the Earth plane which consists of seven great islands and oceans. As mentioned, the order of Srimad Bhagavatam's description of the seven islands and oceans can be found in chapters 16-20 beginning with the description of Jambudvipa. The Milk Ocean is described in chapter 20.
In the above verses, Svetadvipa is said to be round like the moon (dvipas ca vartulakaro vishuddhas chandra-vimbavat). The word vartula can mean circular as well as round. In the above context we should understand that Svetadvipa is a circular island like Jambudvipa itself. The moon is not a globe as commonly assumed. The moon is described through-out the Puranas as a mandala (disc or circular). Here the same word vimba [bimba] is used to describe the moon. Bimba is a Sanskrit word which means disc or circular. Bimba, for example, is another Sanskrit word for a mirror and gives us the idea that the shape or form is circular not globular (try looking at your reflection in a globe!). As we find with any island situated in an ocean, the landscape of the island is horizontal and surrounded by water which is always at a level.
(To be continued...)
