Lord Balarama and the Bhu-Mandala
BY: MAYESVARA DASA
Aug 14, 2019 — IRELAND (SUN) —
On the happy occasion of Lord Balarama's appearance day we would like to look at the issue of the Earth as it relates to Lord Balarama, specifically in His incarnation as Ananta-sesha who is the holder of the Bhu-mandala (Earth-circle). We hope at some point to go through the descriptions of each of Sri-Krishna's avatars to show that all of the various pastimes of the Lord take place on the Bhu-mandala, and not on a supposed Earth-globe that floats in space. Krishna willing, we hope to show how the histories of Matsya, Varaha, Vamana, Nrsingha, etc., all describe the Earth as a colossal circular disc (a flat-Earth), not as a small isolated globe floating in space. A preliminary study of Lord Varaha and the Bhu-mandala can be found here.
The following is a verse from the Kavacha Stotra of Lord Balarama, from the Garga Samhita (translated by Kushakrata dasa)
goloka-dhaamaadhipatih pareshvarah
pareshu maam paatu pavitra-kirtanahbhu-mandalam sarshapavad vilakshyate
yan-murdhni maam paatu sa bhumi-mandale
goloka-dhaamaadhipatih-the master of the realm of Goloka; pareshvarah-the supreme controller; pareshu-among all controllers; maam-me; paatu-may protect; pavitra-pure; kirtanah-glories; bhu-mandalam-the circle of the Earth; sarshapavat-like a mustard seed; vilakshyate-is characterized; yan-murdhni-on whose head; maam-me; paatu-may protect; sa-he; bhumi-mandale-in the circle of the Earth.
"May Lord Balarama, who is the master of Goloka, who is the supreme controller of all controllers, and whose fame is spotless, protect me. May Lord Balarama, who on His head holds the Earth as if it were a single mustard seed, protect me in this world."
Here the name Bhu-mandala is used twice. The verse glorifies Lord Balarama (in the form of Ananta-sesha) who holds the Earth circle (Bhu-mandala) on His head (bhu-mandalam sarshapavad vilakshyate yan-murdhni). The verse goes on to request Lord Balarama to protect (paatu) me (maam) in Bhu-mandala (bhumi-mandale). If we live on a supposed Earth globe, why does the verse request the Lord to protect one in Bhu-mandala? The verse directly informs us that we live on the Bhu-mandala, not an Earth-globe, and that the Earth circle is held by Sri-Balarama in the form of Ananta-sesha.
The reference to the Earth being like a mustard seed should not be taken to mean that the Earth has a round globular shape like a mustard seed. The shape of the Earth is clearly described in all the Puranas as being round like a circle (mandala), not round like a globe. The huge size of the mandala at 500 million yojanas (4 billion miles) also rules out the idea that the comparison to a mustard seed is a reference to the round shape of a supposed Earth globe measured at 24,900 miles in circumference. In the following papers we have compiled many references from the Puranas that explain the Earth as circular, not globular; along with the relevant verses that describe the Earth's colossal size at 500 million yojanas (4 billion miles); see here and here.
Thus the reference to the Earth being like a mustard seed is simply to illustrate that Ananta-sesha feels no burden in carrying the huge Earth-circle which to Him is as light as a mustard seed.
For all Vaishnavas celebrating the happy appearance day of Lord Balarama, may I humbly submit that any profession of faith in Lord Balarama, must eventually be accompanied by a similar profession of faith in the Earth (Bhu-mandala) as it is described in Srimad Bhagavatam. Since Sri Balarama in the form of Ananta-sesha is the holder of the Bhu-mandala, faith in Balarama is inseparable from faith in Bhu-mandala. Whilst it is true that most devotees are still unfamiliar with the description of Bhu-mandala, and thus certainly not at fault for adhering to the present Earth-globe paradigm, as the Temple of Vedic Planetarium rises, it will become more of an issue for Sri-Krishna's devotees to understand and accept the true nature of the Earth as it is described in Srimad Bhagavatam.
On the occasion when Balarama became angry with the Kauravas for failing to release the captive Samba, as well as for having insulting Sri-Krishna, Balarama threatened to destroy the entire city of Hastinapura by using His plough weapon to drag Hastinapur into the river Ganges. The Kauravas not only relented and submitted to Balarama's wishes to free Samba, they also recited a number of verses in His glorification. The following verses spoken by the Kauravas glorifies Balarama as the holder of the Earth (Bhu-mandala):
[The Kauravas said:] "O Rama, Rama, foundation of everything! We know nothing of Your power. Please excuse our offense, for we are ignorant and misguided. You alone cause the creation, maintenance and annihilation of the cosmos, and of You there is no prior cause. Indeed, O Lord, authorities say that the worlds are mere playthings for You as You perform Your pastimes. O unlimited one of a thousand heads, as Your pastime You carry this earthly globe upon one of Your heads. At the time of annihilation You withdraw the entire universe within Your body and, remaining all alone, lie down to rest." (SB 10.68.44)
The verse says:
murdhnidam ananta lilaya bhu-mandalam bibharshi
"O unlimited one of a thousand heads, as Your pastime You carry this earthly globe upon one of Your heads." (SB 10.68.46)
Although the disciples of Srila Prabhupada have translated the name Bhu-mandala as 'Earthly globe', the description of Bhu-mandala provided by Sukadeva Goswami in chapters 16-26 of the fifth canto describes Bhu-mandala as a massive circular plane, not as a globe.
We have provided an explanation as to why Srila Prabhupada himself translated Sanskrit names for the Earth as 'Earth-globe' and 'Earth-planet' rather than as Earth circle. See here and here.
In any case the above verse spoken by the Kauravas (SB 10.68.46) plainly states that as a lila (pastime) Lord Balarama in the form of Ananta-shesha holds the Earth-circle (Bhu-mandala) on His head:
On the occasion when Sri-Krishna and Balarama visited Bali in the underground world of Sutala, Bali Maharaja also recognized Balarama as the same Ananta:
"King Bali said: Obeisances to the unlimited Lord, Ananta, the greatest of all beings. And obeisances to Lord Krishna, the creator of the universe, who appears as the impersonal Absolute and the Supersoul in order to disseminate the principles of sankhya and yoga. (SB 10.85.39)
PURPORT
"Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti identifies the supreme Ananta named here as Lord Balarama, from whom expands the divine serpent Ananta Shesha." (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.85.39)
Sri-Krishna Himself identifies Lord Balarama as Ananta-sesha:
"Within the womb of Devaki is My partial plenary expansion known as Sankarshana or Sesha [sesha-akhyam—known as Sesha]. Without difficulty, transfer Him into the womb of Rohni. (SB 10.2.8)
Purport: The first plenary expansion of Krishna is Baladeva, also known as Shesha. The Shesha incarnation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead supports the entire universe, and the eternal mother of this incarnation is mother Rohini."
Akrura's mystic vision of Krishna and Balarama as Vishnu and Ananta-sesha
Lord Brahma also informed the assembled demigods:
"The foremost manifestation of Krishna is Sankarshana, who is known as Ananta. He is the origin of all incarnations within this material world. Previous to the appearance of Lord Krishna, this original Sankarshana will appear as Baladeva, just to please the Supreme Lord Krishna in His transcendental pastimes." (SB 10.1.24)
Here it says that the plenary expansion of Sri-Krishna known as Ananta-sesha (having thousands of hoods) will appear along with Sri-Krishna:
vasudeva-kala anantah—the plenary expansion of Lord Krishna known as Anantadeva or Sankarshana Ananta, the all-pervasive incarnation of the Supreme Lord; sahasra-vadanah—having thousands of hoods; svarat—fully independent; agratah—previously; bhavita—will appear; devah—the Lord; hareh—of Lord Krishna; priya-cikirshaya—with the desire to act for the pleasure.
Sri Madhvacharya also confirms that Ananta-sesha the holder of Bhu-mandala appeared as Balarama:
"Before the advent of Sri-Hari on Earth, He ordered all gods to transmute and appear on earth. At that time, he also ordered Adi-shesha to appear on Earth. Accordingly, Adi-shesha entered and resided in the womb of Devaki for three month, at which time goddess Durga displaced Him from the womb of Devaki and placed him in the womb of Rohini. Spending seven more months in that womb Adi-shesha emerged as Balarama." (Mahabharata Tatpara Nirnaya, 12-57b, 58, 59)
Although numerous Sanskrit verses in Srimad Bhagavatam and Caitanya-caritamrita describe that Ananta-sesha holds the Earth (see link below), Srila Prabhupada generally translates the verses to mean that Ananta-sesha holds the entire universe. Whilst it is true that Ananta sustains the whole universe, if one is not paying attention to the Sanskrit words (as Srila Prabhupada requested his followers to do), the point may be missed that since Ananta-sesha specifically holds the Earth, then the Earth cannot be considered like one of the other planets that are described as floating and moving in space by the power of vayu (see SB 5.23.3). We have discussed the question in the paper, "Does the Earth Float in Space?
Ananta-sesha by his power certainly sustains the entire universe:
"The whole universe is maintained by the integrating power of the Supreme Lord, who is known in that capacity by the name Sankarsana." (SB 4.24.25 purport)
But specifically Ananta-sesha holds the Earth-circle. All the Puranas glorify Ananta-sesha as the holder of the Earth:
Sri Varaha said:
0 Goddess Earth, I established you on the delightfully pleasing head of Sesha. I placed the world (people) on you with the mountains as your assistants.
Thereafter I came here, 0 gentle lady...
Earth replied:
You lifted me up from the nether worlds and made me stable and steady on the (head) of Ananta splendid with a thousand hoods, as if on a high pedestal studded with jewels and precious stones. 0 Lord, you placed the mountains capable of sustaining me as my assistants. 0 Purushottama. they are holy and
identical with you. Now, 0 mighty one, tell me about the chief ones among them, who are my supports." (Skanda Purana, II.i. I. 34-36)
Again:
"Shesha bears the entire world, like a diadem, upon his head, and he is the foundation on which the seven Patalas rest. His power, his glory, his form, his nature, cannot be described, cannot he comprehended by the gods themselves. Who shall recount his might, who wears this whole Earth, like a garland of flowers, tinged of a purple dye by the radiance of the jewels of his crests. When Ananta, his eyes rolling with intoxication, yawns, then Earth, with all her woods, and mountains, and seas, and rivers, trembles...The Earth, sustained upon the head of this sovereign serpent, supports in its turn the garland of the spheres, along with their inhabitants, men, demons, and gods." (Vishnu Purana Book 2, chapter 5)
Again:
"Lord Vishnu in the tamasa (darkness) form as Sesha (the serpent) lies under the nether worlds. He, the Ananta (infinite) on account of his infinite (good ) qualities, (lies there) supporting the Earth with his head." (Agni Purana 120.4)
Again:
"Holding the sphere of the Earth on his back, Sesha, the lord of Bhutas stands at the root of Patala. He is worshipped for his endless attributes." (Siva Purana, chapter 15, verse 18)
Again:
"Brahman said, 'O Sesha, I am exceedingly gratified with this thy self-denial and love of peace. But, at my command, let this act be done by thee for the good of my creatures. Bear thou, O Sesha, properly and well this Earth so unsteady with her mountains and forests, her seas and towns and retreats, so that she may be steady.'
Sesha said, 'O divine Lord of all creatures, O bestower of boons, O lord of the Earth, lord of every created thing, lord of the universe, I will, even as thou sayest hold the Earth steady. Therefore, O lord of all creatures, place her on my head.'
Brahman said, 'O best of snakes, go underneath the Earth. She will herself give thee a crevice to pass through. And, O Sesha, by holding the Earth, thou shalt certainly do what is prized by me very greatly.'
Sauti continued, 'Then the elder brother of the king of the snakes, entering a hole, passed to the other side of the Earth, and holding her, supported with his head that goddess with her belt of seas passing all round.'
Brahman said, 'O Sesha, O best of snakes, thou art the god Dharma, because alone, with thy huge body, thou supportest the Earth with everything on her, even as I myself, or Valavit (Indra), can.'
Sauti continued, 'The snake, Sesha, the lord Ananta, of great prowess, lives underneath the Earth, alone supporting the world at the command of Brahman. And the illustrious Grandsire, the best of the immortals, then gave unto Ananta the bird of fair feathers, viz., the son of Vinata, for Ananta's help.'" (Mahabharta, Adi parva, astika parva, xxxvi)
The Earth in question is the Bhu-mandala described in chapters 16-26 of the fifth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. Bhu-mandala has the shape of a circle (mandala) and is measured at pancasat-koti yojana (500 million yojana or four billion miles in diameter. The Earth circle has seven great islands and oceans. The first or central island is called Jambudvipa and is measured at 100,000 yojana or 800,000 miles. Our own locality in Bharata-varsha is to the south of this great island. Thus, we are to understand from Vedic literature that we are standing on the surface of a great Earth-circle that is held by Ananta-sesha, not that we are standing on a globe floating in space. The Balarama kavacha therefore glories Ananta-sesha as holding bhu-mandala (bhu-mandalam sarshapavad vilakshyate yan-murdhni) and requests the Lord to please protect me in Bhu-mandala (maam paatu sa bhumi-mandale). Thus on the occasion of Lord Balarama's appearance day, let us exhibit faith in the Lord by entering the era of the Bhu-mandala paradigm, and understanding our location in the universe as it is revealed by Srimad Bhagavatam.
If one cannot accept the description of the Earth-circle as it is revealed in Srimad Bhagavatam, how can one hope to have firm faith in Sri-Balarama who is glorified in the Puranas as appearing in the form of Ananta-sesha—the divine serpent who holds the Earth on His head? Let us not be superficial in our praise of Balarama; let us rather accept the consistency of Srimad Bhagavatam's description of the Lord's lila along with its descriptions of the cosmos—particularly the nature of the Earth. Since the Lord in the form of a gigantic divine serpent is holding the Earth in the form of a great circle, this obviously calls into question the current belief among Vaishnavas that the Earth is a small isolated globe floating in space. The description of Ananta-sesha holding the Earth is not something out of a fairy-tale; it is something out of the Srimad Bhagavatam. If one doubts the description of the Earth as it is revealed in Srimad Bhagavatam, (which is to be soon presented to the world via the Temple of Vedic Planetarium), it may eventually cause one to doubt Ananta-sesha; and if one doubts Ananta-sesha, then naturally one will begin to doubt Lord Balarama. If one doubts Lord Balarama, how can one place any faith in Sri Nityananda Prabhu who is the incarnation of Balarama. The connection between Balarama, Sri Nityananda Prabhu, and Ananta-sesha is explained in the following verses by Srila Krishna-dasa Kaviraja Goswami:
"That original Lord Krishna appeared in Navadvipa as Lord Caitanya, and Balarama appeared with Him as Lord Nityananda. May Sri Nityananda Rama be the object of my constant remembrance. Sankarshana, Sesha Naga and the Vishnus who lie on the Karana Ocean, Garbha Ocean and ocean of milk are His plenary portions and the portions of His plenary portions. Lord Balarama is the original Sankarshana. He assumes five other forms to serve Lord Krishna. He Himself helps in the pastimes of Lord Krishna, and He does the work of creation in four other forms. He executes the orders of Lord Krishna in the work of creation, and in the form of Lord Sesha He serves Krishna in various ways. In all the forms He tastes the transcendental bliss of serving Krishna. That same Balarama is Lord Nityananda, the companion of Lord Gaurasundara." (CC Adi-lila 5:6-11)
Again:
"I offer my respectful obeisances unto the feet of Sri Nityananda Rama, whose secondary part is the Vishnu lying in the ocean of milk. That Kshirodakasayi Vishnu is the Supersoul of all living entities and the maintainer of all the universes. Sesha Naga is His further subpart.
anantah—Sesha Naga; tam—to Him; sri-nityananda-ramam—to Lord Balarama in the form of Lord Nityananda; prapadye—I surrender.
(CC. Adi 5.109)
Let us take to heart the Balarama Kavacha and glorify Lord Balarama who in the form of Ananta-sesha holds the bhu-mandala on his head (bhu-mandalam sarshapavad vilakshyate yan-murdhni). May the Lord please protect us who live in Bhu-mandala (maam paatu sa bhumi-mandale).
