Gauragopala Das ACBSP: Srila Prabhupada - "The planets are called "dvīpas", just like there are islands in the watery ocean, these planets are in the ocean of outer space." (CC Madhya 20.218, Purport)

The massive material universes (Brahmandas) coming from Maha-Visnu each have a smaller secondary universes deep inside them.

These secondary universes within each Brahmanda universe, are created by Maha-Visnu's expansion, Garbhodakashayi Visnu.

All the massive greater Brahmanda universes that originate from Maha-Visnu's Body, cover and encase the inner smaller secondary universe within each Brahmanda.

Our small "secondary universe" is called Bhu-Mandala and has 14 planetary systems according to Srimad Bhagavatam's 5th Canto, and is 4 billion miles (500,000,000 yojanas) in diameter.

Sadaputa dasa ACBSP (Richard L. Thompson) earned his Ph.D. in mathematics from Cornell University. He is the author of several books on Vedic Cosmology explain what Bhu-Mandala is-

"In the Bhagavatam, Bhu Mandala—the earth mandala (not to be confused with our small earth globe), is a disk 500 million yojanas in diameter (4 billion miles). Our small earth global round sphere is only 24,901 miles in circumference and is 7,917.5 miles in diameter.

Therefore, our small earth globe is too small to be the real Bhu-Mandala and therefore, is NOT the Bhu-Mandala described in Srimad Bhagavatam that is 500 million yojanas in diameter (4 billion miles in diameter or 12.6 billion miles in circumference)

One yojana is a unit of distance about 8 miles long, and, as said above, the diameter of Bhu-Mandala is about 4 billion miles in diameter, which is the size of our "secondary material universe" existing deep inside our Brahmanda universe.

Bhu-Mandala is marked by circular features designated as islands (dvipas can also mean planets and oceans)

Srila Prabhupada - "The "planets" are called "dvīpas". Outer space is like an ocean of air. Just as there are islands in the watery ocean, these planets in the ocean of space are called dvīpas, or islands in outer space." (CC, Madhya 20.218, Purport)

Bhu-Mandala is far too big to be our small earth globe Sadaputa has explained. Our secondary single material universe with its 14 planetary systems would therefore fit in the circumference of Bhu-Mandala (4 billion miles (500,000,000 yojanas) in diameter.

Bhu-Mandala innermost island, Jambudvipa, contains Bharata-varsha which Srila Prabhupada has repeatedly identified as our earth globe.

The first covering of our secondary universe inside our Brahmanda that surrounds and encases our inner Bhu-Mandala universe, is EARTH as explained in Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 6 Chapter 16 Text 37.

In most references in Srimad Bhagavatam it is says the "earth covering" is the first layer of our inner universe's surrounding Brahmanda shell, although in other places in Bhagavatam it says water is as SB Canto 3 Ch 26 Text 52 explains.

There are contradictory comments in Srimad Bhagavatam that needs further understanding and clarification, such as in many texts it says there is 7 layers covering our inner material universe, while in other places it says 8.

In this case we understand the 4 billion mile diameter secondary universe is often said to be the first the first, and is 10 times that 4 billion miles diameter of the inner secondary universe inside the Brahmanda is the second.

However, 40 billion miles diameter really refers to the "earth" element, the first Brahmanda covering.

The same with Brahma's day/night, where it says it is 8 billion 640 million human years long while other places it says 8 billion 600 million human years long.

There are unlimited Brahmanda greater universe, each with a smaller secondary universe deep inside them, that each have many planetary systems. In our secondary material universe, deep inside our surrounding Brahmanda, there are 14 planetary systems.

In the 5th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, it explains our secondary material universe inside our Brahmanda, is 500 million yojanas in diameter (4 billion miles)

One yojana equals approximately eight miles therefore, the size of our secondary universe, according to Srimad Bhagavatam, is 8 × 500 = 4 billion miles in diameter.

Furthermore, Srimad Bhagavatam states the size of Bhū-maṇḍala is almost 4 billion miles in diameter which is the size of our secondary universe. Therefore Bhu-Mandala is our secondary universe surrounded by its Brahmanda.

This means the inner "secondary material universe" inside its surrounding Brahmanda, where Garbhodakashayi Visnu and Lord Brahma reside, along with 14 different planetary systems, IS Bhu-Mandala.

Srila Prabhupāda - There are innumerable universes besides this one, and some of them are many, many times greater. It is considered, in fact, that this universe is the smallest; therefore the predominating superintendent, or Brahmā, has only four heads for management. In other universes, which are far greater than this one, Brahmā has more heads. In the Caitanya-caritāmṛta it is stated that all these Brahmās were called one day by Lord Kṛṣṇa on the inquiry of the small Brahmā, who, after seeing all the larger Brahmās." (SB Canto 3,26,52 Purport)

As said above, all Brahmanda universes originate from the Body of Maha-Visnu as seen in photo below.

As said above, Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 3 Chapter 26 Text 52 says "water" is the first layer however, most references say the seven subtle and gross material layers surround our secondary inner universe deep within or Brahmanda, begin with the "earth" element.

Srimad Bhagavatam - "Every universe is covered by seven layers - earth, water, fire, air, sky, total energy, (mahat-tattva or pradhāna), false ego. Each layer is ten times greater than the previous one. There are innumerable universes besides this one, and although they are unlimitedly large, they move about like atoms in You. Therefore You are called unlimited [ananta]." (SB, Canto 6 Ch 16 Text 37)

Srila Prabhupada - "This verse describes the coverings of the universe (saptabhir daśa-guṇottarair aṇḍa-kośaḥ).

1 - First is earth,

2 - Second is water,

3 - Third is fire,

4 - Fourth is air,

5 - Fifth is sky,

6 - Sixth is the total material energy known as the mahat-tattva (pradhāna).

7 - Seventh is the false ego.

Beginning with the covering of earth, each covering is ten times greater than the previous one. Thus we can only imagine how great each universe is, and there are many millions of universes." (SB, Canto 6 Ch 16 Text 37 Purport)

Srila Prabhupada - ''The mahat-tattva, the total material energy, is called avyakta. Then, when it is agitated by the glance of the Supreme Lord, the three modes of material nature acts. And by interaction of these three modes of material nature, the whole cosmic manifestation comes into being." (Lecture SB, Canto 1.2.33 - Vrndavana, Nov 12, 1972)

Srila Prabhupada - "So actually, there are twenty-six different elements which is conducting this material world.

Etat kṣetraṁ samāsena sa-vikāram udāhṛtam.

Kṣetra means this body. Either you take this body or this material world, they are interaction of these twenty-four elements. Either you take the gigantic body of this universe or you take the body of this planet or you take this your body, my body, or a cat's body, dog's body, all these bodies, they are formed of these twenty-four elements, sa-vikāram, by action and reaction.

Just like chemically, if you mix one chemical with another chemical, a third element is produced, similarly, originally the reservation of all these elements is called mahat-tattva. It is called pradhāna, upadhāna.

So, gradually they manifest, they divide by three guṇas. Three guṇas means in the mahat-tattva, in the total material reservoir, three guṇas, three modes of nature, first of all appear and they act with one another, and then gradually, one after another, the twenty-four elements become manifested. Etat kṣetraṁ samāsena sa-vikāram udāhṛtam." (Lecture BG, Ch 13.6-7 - Montreal, Oct 25, 1968)

Srila Prabhupada - "So mahat-tattva, the total material energy, what are those? The five elements, namely, earth, water, fire, air, and sense objects and senses and the spirit soul. In this way it expands to sixteen. And from sixteen, it expands to twenty-four. That is the explanation of our Vedic creation. Ṣoḍaśa-kalam." (Lecture SB, Canto 1.3.1 - Vrindavana, Nov 14, 1972)

Srila Prabhupada - "The total energy of material creation is called mahat-tattva or pradhāna. Then, when the mahat-tattva is agitated by the three guṇas, then they become divided into twenty-four elements." (Lecture SB, Canto 3.26.11-14 - Bombay, Dec 23, 1974)

Srila Prabhupada - "That mahat-tattva is above this universe, above the sky. Above the sky there are seven layers. Each layer is ten times more than the other layer. In this way, that is called mahat-tattva. Total material elements, they are stocked there. And then these varieties take place. And above that mahat-tattva, there is spiritual world." (Lecture SB, Canto 3.26.10 - Bombay, Dec 22, 1974)

As confirmed by the Lord Himself-

Bhagavad Gita As It Is - "But what need is there, Arjuna, for all this detailed knowledge? With a single fragment of Myself I pervade and support this entire universe." (BG, Ch 10.42)

Bhagavad Gita As It Is - "The entire material world manifests is only one fourth of the Supreme Lord's energy. Therefore He is called ananta." (BG, Ch 10.42)

Srila Prabhupada - "The extent of the cosmic phenomenon or our individual universe is calculated to be diametrically four billion miles in size. Then the outer covering known as the ''Brahmanda shell'' begins. The first covering of earth is calculated to extend forty billion miles, (10 times the size of the inner universe) and the subsequent coverings of the universe are respectively of

water,

fire,

air,

sky,

total material energy (mahat-tattva or pradhāna),

false ego.

One after another, each extending ten times further than the previous.

The fearless devotee of the Lord penetrates each one of them and ultimately reaches the absolute atmosphere where everything is of one and the same spiritual identity. Then the devotee enters one of the Vaikuṇṭha planets, where he assumes exactly the same form as the Lord and engages in the loving transcendental service of the Lord. That is the highest perfection of devotional life. Beyond this there is nothing to be desired or achieved by the perfect yogī." (SB Canto 2 Ch 2 Text 28 Purport)

Srila Prabhupada - "The first layer is of earth, and it is ten times greater in size than the space within the universe; The second layer is water, and that is ten times greater than the earthly layer; The third covering is fire, which is ten times greater than the water covering. In this way each layer is ten times greater than the previous one." (SB, Canto 3 Ch 29 Text 43)

Srimad Bhagavatam explains there are unlimited individual Brahmanda universes coming from Maha-Visnu, making up the entire material creation (1/4 of the Spiritual Sky). And each Brahmanda also houses their own secondary universe (Bhu-Mandala in our universe) within.

All secondary universes inside their Brahmandas are of different sizes, some, like ours, are only 4 billion miles in diameter.

The 4 billion miles (500,000,000 yojanas) diameter of our material universe, with its 14 planetary systems, is one of the smallest.

Srila Prabhupada - "We have to imagine that these universes (Brahmandas), which according to our limited knowledge are expanded unlimitedly, are so great that the gross and subtle ingredients—the five elements of the cosmic manifestation, namely earth, water, fire, air and sky, along with the total material energy and false ego—are NOT only within the universe but cover the universe in seven layers, each layer ten times bigger than the previous one. In this way, each and every universe is very securely packed, and there are numberless universes. All these universes float within the innumerable pores of the transcendental body of Mahā-Viṣṇu. It is stated that just as the atoms and particles of dust are floating within the air along with the birds and their number cannot be calculated, so innumerable universes are floating within the pores of the transcendental body of the Lord. For this reason, the Vedas say that God is beyond the grasp of our knowledge." (Krsna Book 87)

We also cannot see from one secondary material universe to another secondary universe insise there Brahmanda.

This is because our secondary universe is surrounded and encased by 7 material layers that is the outer massive Brahmanda (shell shaped) universe. So, it is impossible to see the millions of other Brahmandas outside our secondary universe (inside our massive Brahmanda) because of those 7 material layers that only rare mystic yogis and advanced devotees like Arjuna can see and pass through.

So, of course Krsna and Arjuna did not encounter such limitations that we experience with the combination of these elements like earth, water, fire all gross elements as Bhagavad Gita explains.

Srila Prabhupada - "The Lord is not visible to the eyes of ordinary men, those who are beyond the covering layers because of their transcendental devotional service can still see Him." (Krsna Book 87)

As said above, we cannot see through our massive outer Brahmanda that surrounds and encases our small secondary universe within it. Srila Prabhupada was clear on this point.

Srila Prabhupada - "Lord Krsna and Arjuna crossed over the great region of darkness covering the material universes. Arjuna then saw the effulgence of light known as the brahmajyoti. The brahmajyoti is situated ''outside the covering of the material universes'', and because it cannot be seen with our present eyes, this brahmajyoti is sometimes called avyakta." (Krsna Book, 89)

Srila Prabhupada - "Each universe is covered by various layers of material elements (The 7 layers make up the outer Brahmanda covering beginning with Earth, then water, then fire, then air, then sky, then total material energy or mahat tattva, then false ego), and therefore although the universes are clustered together, we CANNOT see from one universe to another. In other words, whatever we see is within this one universe. In each universe there is one Lord Brahmā, and there are other demigods on other planets, but there is only one sun." (SB, Canto 5 Ch 21 Text 11, Purport)

Heat produces the smell of the aroma of the earth, and the gross earth is produced by such aroma. And all these combined together constitute the cosmic phenomenon. The extent of the cosmic phenomenon or our individual universe is calculated to be diametrically four billion miles in size. Then the outer covering, known as the Brahmanda shell begins. The first covering of Earth is calculated to extend forty billion miles, (10 times the size of the inner universe) and the subsequent coverings of the universe are respectively of water, fire, air, sky, total material energy, false ego one after another, each extending ten times further than the previous.

Srila Prabhupada - "The Brahma-saṁhitā (5.48) says-

yasyaika-niśvasita-kālam athāvalambya-jīvanti loma-vilajā jagad-aṇḍa-nāthāḥ viṣṇur mahān sa iha yasya kalā-viśeṣo - govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi

The origin of the material creation is Mahā-Viṣṇu, who lies in the Causal Ocean. While He sleeps in that ocean, millions of universes are generated as He exhales, and they are all annihilated when He inhales. This Mahā-Viṣṇu is a plenary portion of a portion of Viṣṇu, Govinda (yasya kalā-viśeṣaḥ). The word kalā refers to a plenary portion of a plenary portion.

From Kṛṣṇa, or Govinda, Balarāma comes;

from Balarāma Saṅkarṣaṇa comes;

from Saṅkarṣaṇa Nārāyaṇa comes;

from Nārāyaṇa, the second Saṅkarṣaṇa comes;

from the second Saṅkarṣaṇa Mahā-Viṣṇu comes;

from Mahā-Viṣṇu Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu comes;

from Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu, Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu (Paramatma/Supersoul.

Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu controls every universe.

This gives an idea of the meaning of ananta, unlimited. What is to be said of the unlimited potency and existence of the Lord? This verse describes the coverings of the universe (saptabhir daśa-guṇottarair aṇḍa-kośaḥ).

The first covering is earth, the second is water, the third is fire, the fourth is air, the fifth is sky, the sixth is the total material energy, and the seventh is the false ego. Beginning with the covering of earth, each covering is ten times greater than the previous one. Thus we can only imagine how great each universe is, and there are many millions of universes. As confirmed by the Lord Himself in Bhagavad-gītā As It Is-

"But what need is there, Arjuna, for all this detailed knowledge? With a single fragment of Myself I pervade and support this entire universe.” (SB, Canto 6, Ch 16 Text 37 Purport)

Bhagavad Gita As It Is - "The entire material world manifests only one fourth of the Supreme Lord’s energy. Therefore He is called ananta." (BG, Ch 10 Text 42)

Srila Prabhupada says there are 7 layers that make up our outer Brahmanda shell wall that surrounds our single universe that is deep within it, 8 including our 4 billion miles diameter inner secondary universe deep inside the greater massive outer Brahmanda universe. The circumference of our small single universe inside the Brahmanda shell is 12.6 billion miles. And within that area are the 14 planetary systems.

Srila Prabhupada - "The extent of the cosmic phenomenon or our individual universe is calculated to be diametrically four billion miles in size. Then the outer covering known as the Brahmanda shell begins. The first covering of Earth is calculated to extend forty billion miles, (10 times the size of the inner universe) and the subsequent coverings of the universe are respectively of water, fire, air, sky, total material energy, false ego one after another, each extending ten times further than the previous." (SB, Canto 2 Ch 2 Text 28 Purport)

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura is referring to the circumference of our Brahmanda universal shell our single universe is within in following text-

Caitanya Caritamrita - “Kṛṣṇa said, ‘Your particular universe has a diameter of four billion miles; therefore it is the smallest of all the universes. Consequently you have only four heads." (CC Madhya 21.84)

Srila Prabhupada - "Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, one of the greatest astrologers of his time, gives information from the Siddhānta-śiromaṇi that this universe measures 18,712,069,200,000,000 × 8 miles (That's 18 quadrillion, 712 trillion, 69 billion, 200 million yojanas × 8. So multiply that figure by 8 to get miles which is 149 quadrillion 696 trillion 553 billion 600 million miles in circumference). This is the circumference of this universe, according to some, this is only half the circumference." (CC Madhya 21.84 Purport)

This is circumference of our ''Brahmanda universal shell'' that includes our 4 billion mile diameter universe that is deep within it or half its size according to some. There are 7 layers surrounding our small 4 billion mile diameter ''Bhu-Mandala'' universe that has 14 planetary systems in it.

Each material layer or element our small universe is surrounded by, is 10 times thicker than the previous layer. Starting with the small 4 billion mile diameter Bhu-Mandala universe that is very deep within the Brahmanda 'universe that came from the pores and breathing of Maha-Visnu along with millions of others.

So just multiply each layer by 10

For example the 4 billion miles diameter Bhu-Mandala = 40 billion.

Then you multiply 40 billion by 10, like that, for all 7 layers of material elements that adds up too 44 quadrillion 444 trillion 444 billion miles.

The first covering of the universe is earth, and it is ten times thicker than the universe itself. If the universe is four billion miles in size, then the size of the earthly covering of the universe is four billion times ten.

Srimad Bhagavatam - "This phenomenal material world is expanded to a diameter of four billion miles, as a combination of eight material elements transformed into sixteen further categories, within and without, as follows." (ŚB, Canto 3 Ch 11 Text 40)

Srila Prabhupada - "As explained before, the entire material world is a display of sixteen diversities and eight material elements. The analytical studies of the material world are the subject matter of Sāńkhya philosophy. The first sixteen diversities are the eleven senses and five sense objects, and the eight elements are the gross and subtle matter, namely earth, water, fire, air, sky, mind, intelligence and ego. All these combined together are distributed throughout the entire universe, which extends diametrically to four billion miles. Besides this universe of our experience, there are innumerable other universes. Some of them are bigger than the present one, and all of them are clustered together under similar material elements as described below." (ŚB, Canto 3 Ch 11 Text 40 Purport)

Srimad Bhagavatam - "The layers or elements covering the universes are each ten times thicker than the one before, and all the universes clustered together appear like atoms in a huge combination." (ŚB, Canto 3 Ch 11 Text 41)

Srila Prabhupada - "The coverings of the universes are also constituted of the elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether, and each is ten times thicker than the one before. The first covering of the universe is earth, and it is ten times thicker than the universe itself. If the universe is four billion miles in size, then the size of the earthly covering of the universe is four billion times ten. The covering of water is ten times greater than the earthly covering, the covering of fire is ten times greater than the watery covering, the covering of air is ten times greater than that of the fire, the covering of ether is ten times greater still than that of air, and so on. The universe within the coverings of matter appears to be like an atom in comparison to the coverings, and the number of universes is unknown even to those who can estimate the coverings of the universes." (ŚB, Canto 3 Ch 11 Text 41 Purport)

Srimad Bhagavatam - "The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, is therefore said to be the original cause of all causes. Thus the spiritual abode of Viṣṇu is eternal without a doubt, and it is also the abode of Mahā-Viṣṇu, the origin of all manifestations." (ŚB, Canto 3 Ch 11 Text 42)

Srila Prabhupada - "Mahā-Viṣṇu, who is resting in yoga-nidrā on the Causal Ocean and creating innumerable universes by His breathing process, only temporarily appears in the mahat-tattva for the temporary manifestation of the material worlds. He is a plenary portion of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, and thus although He is nondifferent from Lord Kṛṣṇa, His formal appearance in the material world as an incarnation is temporary.

The original form of the Personality of Godhead is actually the svarūpa, or real form, and He eternally resides in the Vaikuṇṭha world (Viṣṇuloka). The word mahātmanaḥ is used here to indicate Mahā-Viṣṇu, and His real manifestation is Lord Kṛṣṇa, who is called parama, as confirmed in the Brahma-saḿhitā:

īśvaraḥ paramaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ

sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahaḥ

anādir ādir govindaḥ

sarva-kāraṇa-kāraṇam

[Bs. 5.1]

“The Supreme Lord is Kṛṣṇa, the original Personality of Godhead known as Govinda. His form is eternal, full of bliss and knowledge, and He is the original cause of all causes.” (ŚB, Canto 3 Ch 11 Text 42 Purport)

Do the maths yourself based on Srimad-Bhagavatam and work out the massive size of our Brahmanda egg shaped universe.

Srimad Bhagavatam - "This universal egg, or the universe in the shape of an egg, is called the manifestation of material energy. Its layers of water, air, fire, sky, ego and mahat-tattva increase in thickness one after another. Each layer is ten times bigger than the previous one, and the final outside layer is covered by pradhāna. Within this egg is the universal form of Lord Hari, of whose body the fourteen planetary systems are parts." (SB, Canto 3 Ch 26 Text 52)

Srila Prabhupada - "There are seven coverings, each one ten times greater than the one preceding it. The layer of water is ten times greater than the diameter of the universe, and the layer of fire is ten times greater than that of water.Similarly, the layer of air is ten times greater than that of fire. These dimensions are all inconceivable to the tiny brain of a human being. It is also stated that this description is of only one egg shaped universe (Brahmanda).

There are innumerable universes besides this one, and some of them are many, many times greater. It is considered, in fact, that this universe is the smallest; therefore the predominating superintendent, or Brahmā, has only four heads for management. In other universes, which are far greater than this one, Brahmā has more heads. In the Caitanya-caritāmṛta it is stated that all these Brahmās were called one day by Lord Kṛṣṇa on the inquiry of the small Brahmā, who, after seeing all the larger Brahmās." (SB Canto 3,26,52 Purport)

Srila Prabhupada says there are 7 layers 8 including the original 4 billion miles in diameter or 12.6 billion miles in circumference that has 14 planetary systems in the Bhu-Mandala universe. One can do their own maths, start with the size of our Bhu-Mandala universe.

There are 7 layers of elements (gross and subtle matter), each layer is 10 times greater than the previous layer as Srimad Bhagavatam tells us.

1 - 4 billion miles × by 10 = 40 billion miles (earth)

2 - 40 billion miles × by 10 = 400 billion miles (water)

3 - 400 billion miles × by 10 = 4 trillion miles (fire)

4 - 4 trillion miles × by 10 = 40 trillion miles (air)

5 - 40 trillion miles × by 10 = 400 trillion miles (sky or ether)

6 - 400 trillion miles × by 10 = 4 quadrillion miles (total material energy or mahat tattva)

7 - 4 quadrillion miles × by 10 = 40 quadrillion (false ego)

Eight material layers including the inner four billion miles diameter or 12.6 billion miles in circumference that houses our 14 planetary systems, is deep inside the Brahmanda egg shaped outer universe that surrounds it.

The full size of our Brahmanda egg shaped universe that has our 4 billion miles diameter Bhu-Mandala smaller universe very deep inside it at its center, originates from the Body of Maha Visnu.

Therefore, our Brahmanda is 44 quadrillion 444 trillion 444 billion miles in diameter and even possibly double that figure if measured from the outer wall of the inner secondary material universe.

Our individual secondary material universe, with its 14 planetary systems, is found deep inside a larger spherical massive universe called a "Brahmanda" that surrounds and encases our small inner universe found deep within it.

There are an unlimited number of Brahmanda universes in the material creation that make up 25% of the Spiritual Sky.

The small "secondary universes" found within each Brahmanda, is known in our Brahmanda as Bhu-Mandala, which is just a mere 4 billion miles in diameter.

Our "Brahmanda shell" is a massive egg shaped universe, yet almost spherical covering, that houses and encases our small secondary material universe that is deep inside the Brahmanda universe and is known as Bhu-Mandala.

The makeup of the entire material universe is difficult to comprehend, our Brahmanda, like all others coming from Maha Visnu, is massive in size whereas, our inner secondary universe inside the Brahmanda is but an insignificant spec in relation to the size of the Brahmanda.

1 - Our secondary universe is 4 billion miles in diameter.

2 - Our Brahmanda universe (the secondary universe is within) is 44 quadrillion, 444 billion, 444 million miles in diameter.

Our secondary universe, with its 14 planetary systems, found deep inside the massive Brahmanda surrounding universe, is further found within the lotus steam coming from Garbhodakashayi Visnu who resides in the center of our Brahmanda.

The vast number of "Brahmanda universes" each surrounds and encases a smaller secondary universe where Garbhodakashayi Visnu and Lord Brahma resides.

Our small universe in our Brahmanda is known as Bhu-Mandala which is just a mere 4 billion miles in diameter.

The 14 planetary systems are in the stem coming from the Body of Garbhodakashayi Visnu.

Srimad Bhagavatam - "Within the stem of the lotus there are fourteen divisions of planetary systems, and the earthly planets are situated in the middle." (SB canto 1 Ch 3 text 2)

Srila Prabhupada - "All these planetary systems are scattered over the complete universe, which occupies an area of "two billion times two billion square miles." (SB 2.5.40-41, Purport)

Question - "I have heard that all of the planets are in the stem of the lotus from which Brahma took birth.

How are we to understand this?"

Sadaputa dasa - "Since the planetary systems are distributed throughout the universal globe, it must be that the stem encompasses everything within this globe.

We should note that the standard pictures we see of Brahma sitting on the lotus flower are three-dimensional representations of a scene that cannot be seen using our ordinary senses.

Although the pictures show the lotus stem emerging from the navel of Garbhodakashayi Visnu, Brahma himself was unable to locate the origin of the stem.

Thus, part of the scene was beyond the senses of Brahma, and so it is certainly beyond the reach of our senses. We also note that the planetary systems were created by Brahma from the lotus." (SB 3.10.7-8). This suggests that these systems were produced by transforming the substance of the lotus." (End of Sadaputa comment)

Srila Prabhupada - "From Karanodakasayi Visnu (Maha Vishnu) skin holes innumerable universes have sprung up. In each and every universe, the purusa enters as the Garbhodakasayi Visnu. He is lying within the half of the universe which is full with the water of His body. And from the navel of Garbhodakasayi Visnu has sprung the stem of the lotus flower, the birthplace of Brahma, who is the father of all living beings and the master of all the demigod engineers engaged in the perfect design and working of the universal order.

Within the stem of the lotus there are fourteen divisions of planetary systems, and the earthly planets are situated in the middle. Upwards there are other, better planetary systems, and the topmost system is called Brahmaloka or Satyaloka. Downwards from the earthly planetary system there are seven lower planetary systems inhabited by the asuras and similar other materialistic living beings.

From Garbhodakasayi Visnu there is expansion of the Ksirodakasayi Visnu, who is the collective Paramatma of all living beings. He is called Hari, and from Him all incarnations within the universe are expanded. Therefore, the conclusion is that the purusa-avatara is manifested in three features-

1 - First the Karanodakasayi Visnu (Maha Visnu) who creates aggregate material ingredients in the mahat-tattva,

2 - Second the Garbhodakasayi Visnu who enters in each and every universe,

3 - Thirdly the Ksirodakasayi Visnu who is the Paramatma (Supersoul) of every material object, organic or inorganic.

One who knows these plenary features of the Personality of Godhead knows Godhead properly, and thus the knower becomes freed from the material conditions of birth, death, old age and disease, as it is confirmed in Bhagavad-gita, In this sloka the subject matter of Maha-Visnu is summarized. The Maha-Visnu lies down in some part of the spiritual sky by His own free will. Thus He lies on the ocean of karana, from where He glances over His material nature, and the mahat-tattva is at once created. Thus electrified by the power of the Lord, the material nature at once creates innumerable universes, just as in due course a tree decorates itself with innumerable grown fruits.

The seed of the tree is sown by the cultivator, and the tree or creeper in due course becomes manifested with so many fruits. Nothing can take place without a cause. The Karana Ocean is therefore called the Causal Ocean. Karana means "causal." We should not foolishly accept the atheistic theory of creation. The description of the atheists is given in the Bhagavad-gita As It Is. The atheist does not believe in the creator, but he cannot give a good theory to explain the creation. Material nature has no power to create without the power of the purusa, just as a prakrti, or woman, cannot produce a child without the connection of a purusa, or man.

The purusa impregnates, and the prakrti delivers. We should not expect milk from the fleshy bags on the neck of a goat, although they look like breastly nipples. Similarly, we should not expect any creative power from the material ingredients; we must believe in the power of the purusa, who impregnates prakrti, or nature. Because the Lord wished to lie down in meditation, the material energy created innumerable universes at once, in each of them the Lord lay down, and thus all the planets and the different paraphernalia were created at once by the will of the Lord. The Lord has unlimited potencies, and thus He can act as He likes by perfect planning, although personally He has nothing to do. No one is greater than or equal to Him. That is the verdict of the Vedas." (SB Canto 1 Ch 3 Text 2 Purport)

Our small inner Universe's 14 planetary systems are situated inside the lotus stem surrounded and encased by the larger universal Brahmanda. This massive Brahmanda outer shell or covering is made up of 7 material layers that is collectively 44 quadrillion, 444 trillion, 444 billion miles in diameter.

The 7 layers are-

1 - Earth,

2 - Water,

3 - Fire,

4 - Air,

5 - Sky,

6 - Total Material Energy or Mahat-tattva,

7 - False ego." (SB, Canto 6 Ch 16 Text 37)

Srimad Bhagavatam says there are millions of individual Brahmanda universes coming from Maha Visnu making up the entire material creation (1/4 of the Spiritual Sky) that also house their own inner universe. All smaller universes inside their Brahmanda are of different sizes, some, like ours, are only 4 billion miles in diameter. The "4 billion miles (500,000,000 yojanas)" diameter of our universe with its 14 planetary systems is one of the smallest. Ours is called Bhu-Mandala.

Srila Prabhupada - "The space within the hollow of the universe cannot be measured by any human scientist or anyone else. This also suggests that something unexpected must happen to space (as well as time) as one approaches the outer universal Brahmanda shell, for it hardly seems impossible to measure a distance of 2 billion miles in ordinary space." (SB Canto 3 Ch 26 text 52 in Purport)

earth,

water,

fire,

air,

sky

Along with the total material energy and false ego—are not only within the universe but cover the universe in seven layers, each layer ten times bigger than the previous one. In this way, each and every universe is very securely packed, and there are numberless universes. All these universes float within the innumerable pores of the transcendental body of Mahā-Viṣṇu. It is stated that just as the atoms and particles of dust are floating within the air along with the birds and their number cannot be calculated, so innumerable universes are floating within the pores of the transcendental body of the Lord. For this reason, the Vedas say that God is beyond the grasp of our knowledge." (Krsna Book 87)

We CANNOT see from one universe to another from inside our Brahmanda, this is because our individual secondary universe is surrounded and encased by 7 material layers of the outer Brahmanda universe. So it is impossible to see the millions of other Brahmandas outside our inner universe (inside a massive Brahmanda) because of those 7 thick material layers.

Although there are rare mystic yogis and advanced devotees like Arjuna who can see and pass through the thick material layers of our Brahmanda. So of course Krsna and Arjuna did not encounter such limitations from these elements of earth, water, fire and all other gross elements as Bhagavad Gita As It Is explains.

We cannot see through our Brahmanda that surrounds and encases our small universe, Srila Prabhupada is clear on this.

Srila Prabhupada - "Lord Krsna and Arjuna crossed over the great region of darkness covering the material universes. Arjuna then saw the effulgence of light known as the brahmajyoti. The brahmajyoti is situated "outside the covering of the material universes," and because it cannot be seen with our present eyes, this brahmajyoti is sometimes called avyakta." (Krsna Book, 89)

Srila Prabhupada - "Each universe is covered by various layers of material elements (The 7 layers of the outer Brahmanda covering), and therefore although the universes are clustered together, we CANNOT see from one universe to another. In other words, whatever we see is within this one universe. In each universe there is one Lord Brahmā, and there are other demigods on other planets, but there is only one sun." (SB, Canto 5 Ch 21 Text 11, Purport)

Srimad Bhagavatam - "Every universe is covered by seven layers—earth, water, fire, air, sky, the total energy and false ego—each ten times greater than the previous one. There are innumerable universes besides this one, and although they are unlimitedly large, they move about like atoms in You. Therefore You are called unlimited [ananta]. Beginning with the covering of earth, each covering is ten times greater than the previous one. Thus we can only imagine how great each universe is, and there are many millions of universes." (SB Canto 6 Ch 16 Text 37)

As confirmed by the Lord Himself-

Bhagavad Gita As It Is - "But what need is there, Arjuna, for all this detailed knowledge? With a single fragment of Myself I pervade and support this entire universe. The entire material world manifests is only one fourth of the Supreme Lord's energy. Therefore He is called ananta." (BG, Ch 10.42)

Srila Prabhupada - "Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī confirms that a part of the material nature, after being initiated by the Lord, is known as the mahat-tattva. A fractional portion of the mahat-tattva is called the false ego. A portion of the ego is the vibration of sound, and a portion of sound is atmospheric air. A portion of the airy atmosphere is turned into forms, and the forms constitute the power of electricity or heat. Heat produces the smell of the aroma of the earth, and the gross earth is produced by such aroma. And all these combined together constitute the cosmic phenomenon. The extent of the cosmic phenomenon or our individual universe is calculated to be diametrically four billion miles in size. Then the outer covering known as the Brahmanda shell begins.

The first covering of Earth is calculated to extend forty billion miles, (10 times the size of the inner universe) and the subsequent coverings of the universe are respectively of water, fire, air, sky, total material energy, false ego one after another, each extending ten times further than the previous. The fearless devotee of the Lord penetrates each one of them and ultimately reaches the absolute atmosphere where everything is of one and the same spiritual identity. Then the devotee enters one of the Vaikuṇṭha planets, where he assumes exactly the same form as the Lord and engages in the loving transcendental service of the Lord. That is the highest perfection of devotional life. Beyond this there is nothing to be desired or achieved by the perfect yogī." (SB, Canto 2 Ch 2 Text 28)

Srila Prabhupada - "The dimensions of the universe are estimated here. The outer covering is made of layers of water, air, fire, sky, ego and mahat-tattva, and each layer is ten times greater than the one previous. The space within the hollow of the universe cannot be measured by any human scientist or anyone else, and beyond the hollow there are seven coverings, each one ten times greater than the one preceding it. The layer of water is ten times greater than the diameter of the universe, and the layer of fire is ten times greater than that of water. Similarly, the layer of air is ten times greater than that of fire. These dimensions are all inconceivable to the tiny brain of a human being." (SB, Canto 3 Ch 26 Text 52)

Srila Prabhupada - "It is understood from this verse that all the planets in outer space are floating, and they all hold living entities. The word svasatam means "those who breathe," or the living entities. In order to accommodate them, there are innumerable planets. Every planet is a residence for innumerable living entities, and the necessary space is provided in the sky by the supreme order of the Lord. It is also stated here that the total universal body is increasing. It is covered by seven layers, and as there are five elements within the universe, so the total elements, in layers, cover the outside of the universal body.

The first layer is of earth, and it is ten times greater in size than the space within the universe;

The second layer is water, and that is ten times greater than the earthly layer;

The third covering is fire, which is ten times greater than the water covering. In this way each layer is ten times greater than the previous one. The above mentioned purports to Srimad Bhagavatam seemingly gives contradictory information that can make things confusing to scholars." (SB, Canto 3 Ch 29 Text 43)

SB 2.2.28 and SB 3.26.52 says the first layer of the surrounding Brahmanda is water, and SB 3.29.43 says it is earth. Furthermore, what is the breadth (diameter) of the first layer?

The purport to Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 2 Chapter 2 Text 28 says it is 80,000 000 miles while the diameter of our secondary universe is 4,000,000,000 miles (4 billion miles in diameter)

On the other hand, Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 3 Chapter 29 Text 43 says the first layer is the same diameter of our secondary universe (Bhu-Mandala), multiplied by 10, which is 4 billions miles diameter multiplied by 10 = 40 billion miles in diameter.

Therefore, the first layer is 10 times greater in size than our 4 billion mile diameter inner universe and is 40 billion miles in diameter.××**