Vedic Cosmology in Contrast to Mechanistic Science
These explanations address your questions about the internal mechanics of the Vedic cosmological model, particularly as analyzed by scholars like Richard L. Thompson. The model describes a geocentric, flat-disk universe (Bhu-mandala) that operates on specific principles distinct from modern astronomy.
The Multi-Layered Cosmos: Why the Moon is "Above" the Sun
In the Puranic planosphere model (e.g., from the Srimad Bhagavatam), the universe is structured as a vertical hierarchy of planes, or Lokas. "Above" refers to a higher plane in this spiritual and metaphysical hierarchy, not merely greater linear altitude.
| Cosmic Level | Vedic Realm (Loka) | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Planes | Satyaloka, Tapoloka, etc. | Realms of sages, advanced beings, and liberation, far above the celestial realms. |
| Middle Celestial Plane | Svargaloka (Heavenly Planets) | Abode of Chandra (the moon deity) and other celestial beings. This is the plane higher than the sun. |
| Solar Plane | The Sun (Surya) | The pivotal plane where the sun's chariot orbits, regulating time, light, and seasons for the earthly plane below. |
| Earthly Plane | Bhu-mandala | The vast, central horizontal disk. Our known Earth (Bhu-gola) is described as one small part of this larger plane. |
| Subterranean Planes | Bila-svarga & Lower Lokas | Realms below the surface, such as Atala and Vitala, inhabited by asuras and nagas. |
Key Explanation: Hierarchical Placement
The moon (Chandra) is described as being situated on a celestial plane (Svargaloka) that is metaphysically higher than the plane on which the sun's chariot travels. This placement relates to its nature, presiding deity, and function within the cosmic order, not solely to a measurable distance.
Mechanics of Sunlight on a Flat Earth (Bhu-mandala)
The model provides an integrated explanation for how a single sun illuminates a flat, expansive disk, avoiding the "flashlight" problem.
[Schematic Diagram: A top-down view of Bhu-mandala with a central Mount Meru, concentric rings of islands, and the circular orbital path of the sun around it.]
Conceptual diagram of the Sun's orbit around Mount Meru, illuminating half of Bhu-mandala at a time.
1. The Sun's Divine Function
The sun (Surya) is not considered a ball of gas but a divine luminary and planet (graha). Its primary function is to measure time and distribute light, heat, and seasonal influence across the Bhu-mandala.
2. Circular Orbit & Sphere of Influence
The sun's chariot orbits in a fixed circular path around the central axis, Mount Meru, on a plane parallel to the Earth-disk. It is described as having a localized sphere of radiant influence. As it circles, it illuminates the region of the disk directly facing it, creating day. Night falls where its light does not reach or is blocked.
3. Mount Meru as the Central Axis & Obstructor
Mount Meru, at the center of the disk, is described as being of immense height. It acts as a permanent, colossal gnomon that casts the shadow of night upon the regions on the opposite side of the disk from the sun's current position.
In Summary: Within its own premises, the Vedic planosphere model is self-consistent. The moon occupies a higher celestial stratum. Sunlight is not from a distant point source but from a localized, orbiting luminary whose defined sphere of illumination systematically traverses the flat, geographical complex of Bhu-mandala, with day and night governed by this orbital mechanics and the central mountain.
