Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 45
The Six Dvīpas Beyond Jambūdvīpa and the Cosmic Boundary of Lokāloka
सूर्येण हि विभज्यन्ते दिश: खं द्यौर्मही भिदा । स्वर्गापवर्गौ नरका रसौकांसि च सर्वश: ॥ ४५ ॥
sūryeṇa hi vibhajyante diśaḥ khaṁ dyaur mahī bhidā svargāpavargau narakā rasaukāṁsi ca sarvaśaḥ
أيها الملك، إن إله الشمس وكوكب الشمس يقسمان جهات الكون كلها. وبوجود الشمس وحده ندرك تمييز السماء والعوالم العليا وهذه الأرض والعوالم السفلى. وبالشمس وحدها نعرف أي المواضع للتمتع المادي، وأيها للتحرر، وأيها جحيمية، وأيها تحت أرضية.
FAQs
This verse states that the Sun is the basis by which distinctions become manifest—directions, space, heaven and earth, and even the classification of higher and lower realms such as svarga, naraka, and the subterranean regions.
In Canto 5, Śukadeva answers Parīkṣit’s inquiries about the structure of the universe, explaining how the Lord’s creation is organized into higher, middle, and lower regions, with the Sun functioning as a key reference for these divisions.
It trains one to see the universe as an ordered, purposeful creation under divine law—encouraging humility, dharmic living, and a focus on apavarga (liberation) rather than merely pursuing svarga (temporary heavenly enjoyment).