Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 37
The Six Dvīpas Beyond Jambūdvīpa and the Cosmic Boundary of Lokāloka
स लोकत्रयान्ते परित ईश्वरेण विहितो यस्मात्सूर्यादीनां ध्रुवापवर्गाणां ज्योतिर्गणानां गभस्तयोऽर्वाचीनांस्त्रींल्लोकानावितन्वाना न कदाचित्पराचीना भवितुमुत्सहन्ते तावदुन्नहनायाम: ॥ ३७ ॥
sa loka-trayānte parita īśvareṇa vihito yasmāt sūryādīnāṁ dhruvāpavargāṇāṁ jyotir-gaṇānāṁ gabhastayo ’rvācīnāṁs trīḻ lokān āvitanvānā na kadācit parācīnā bhavitum utsahante tāvad unnahanāyāmaḥ.
By the supreme will of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, Lokāloka Mountain is set as the outer boundary of the three worlds—Bhūrloka, Bhuvarloka, and Svarloka—so that the rays of the sun and all luminaries remain within that limit. From the sun up to Dhruvaloka, the shining hosts illumine the three worlds, yet their rays can never pass beyond this mountain, for it rises exceedingly high, even above Dhruvaloka, and blocks their light.
When we speak of loka-traya, we refer to the three primary planetary systems — Bhūḥ, Bhuvaḥ and Svaḥ — into which the universe is divided. Surrounding these planetary systems are the eight directions, namely east, west, north, south, northeast, southeast, northwest and southwest. Lokāloka Mountain has been established as the outer boundary of all the lokas to distribute the rays of the sun and other luminaries equally throughout the universe.
FAQs
This verse says the universe has a divinely established limit at the edge of the three worlds, set by the Supreme Lord, beyond which even the sun’s rays cannot extend.
He highlights that cosmic motion is regulated—luminaries follow fixed paths centered around Dhruva—showing an ordered universe governed by the Lord rather than random movement.
It encourages humility and faith in divine order: just as cosmic forces move within God-given limits, a devotee lives within dharma and aligns daily life with higher purpose.