Chandrayana’s landing is a joyful & fulfilling moment for ISRO scientists and an exciting & thrilling one for Bharatiyas.
However, what should we do with the statements from Bhagavatam and Vishnu Purana that differ from Jyothishya Sastra and Aryabhata’s accounts regarding the distance from Earth to the Moon?
The distance mentioned in Bhagavatam from the Earth to Chandraloka, cannot possibly be reached by humans because it’s a few crore of miles away. Perhaps the Chandraloka mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavatam is different from the Chandraloka referred to in the Jyotish shastras and in today’s science (note that all other countries have testified to Chandrayan 3 landing on the south pole of the moon)! Nevertheless let us proceed with this question of referencec to the Chandraloka unresolved….
The perceived conflict between Sastra and the soft landing of Chandrayana is confusing for many. They are torn between the idea of celebrating something they perceive as unreal and the conflicting assertion that the landing cannot occur, which goes against the natural flow of emotions.
For someone without access to the technical realities of Sastrik knowledge or Scientific discoveries, relying on common sense and a touch of wisdom is necessary.
The purpose of Bhagavatam is not to give technical details, it is a Rasa Sastra. On the other hand, Jyothishya and Aryabhata deal with technical realities. The Vedas, by nature encourage us to explore. “Jigyasa” is one of the core ideas of dharma.
“Bhagavatam” is “Bhakti Yoga Rasa Sastra”. It’s core is relishing the Rasa of bhava. So, the analysis of the universe within it will be “principle centric” not ” technicality centric”. There are some stories in the Bhagavatam that are narrated with slight variation in comparison to other Sastras, such as departure of Parikshit Maharaja, the story of Vritrasura. Thus, what Sukadeva Goswami is saying, holds profound and absorbing significance due to its very purpose. Getting into technical details is counter productive to its original purpose.
It’s understandable that some might harbor doubts that Moon landing is not possible, they must have landed elsewhere. It is perfectly alright to believe what one chooses. But either way it should not create a conflict with one’s relationship with the Bhagavatam and the purpose for what it means. Because the Srimad Bhagavatam offers something transcending the distance between the moon and earth. It is an Adhyatma Sastra, teaching the art of cultivating a deeper relationship with Sri Krishna and His entourage.
From the Rastra’s perspective, the Moon landing unified the Nation. The people who were working for the mission are much more dharmik than scientists elsewhere, along with their hard work, they had the honesty to pray in different temples. They have a genuine desire to serve and explore, in a way that benefits the Nation.
I prefer to believe in Aryabhata’s theory of technical reality, as his theory is closer to what modern Scientists are figuring out, about the distance.
The distance mentioned in the Bhagavatam and Vishnu Purana needs to be explored to understand what it means. Meanwhile, let us accept the Jyothishya Sastra, which primarily deals with Astronomy. One cannot find Rasa, relationship and devotion in Aryabhata’s work because that is not the intended purpose of his work.
I would not see Bhagavatam from technical reality but focus on its Rasa, Bhava, Kavya, Raga bhakti and deep sentiments.
Jai Chandrayana as a Bharatiya. Jai Bhagavatam and other Dharma Sastras for taking us beyond Navagrahas. By the way, Sri Krishna’s lineage comes from Chandra.
– Govinda Das
