Text 14] The Structure of the Universe 287

twice as wide as the ocean of liquor. As Salmalidvipa is surrounded
by a liquor ocean, KuSadvipa is surrounded by an ocean of liquid
ghee as broad as the island itself. On Kusadvipa there are clumps
of kuésa grass, from which the island takes its name. This kusa
grass, which was created by the demigods by the will of the
Supreme Lord, appears like a second form of fire, but with
very mild and pleasing flames. Its young shoots illuminate all
directions.

PURPORT

From the descriptions in this verse, we can make an educated guess
about the nature of the flames on the moon. Like the sun, the moon must
also be full of flames because without flames there cannot be illumina-
tion. The flames on the moon, however, unlike those on the sun, must be
mild and pleasing. This is our conviction. The modern theory that the
moon is full of dust is not accepted in the verses of Srimad-Bhagavatam.
In regard to this verse, Srila Vigvanatha Cakravarti Thakura says,
susaspani sukomala-sikhas tesa rocisa: the kusa grass illuminates all
directions, but its flames are very mild and pleasing. This gives some
idea of the flames existing on the moon.

TEXT 14

aearrata: Haat Try fewata aa al aaa: ATA TA TINT
fra at a9 aifasd sar acaccelaattraperazafafna-
TAMAR: 11 2 UI

tad-dvipa-patih praiyavrato rajan hiranyareta nama svar dvipam
saptabhyah sva-putrebhyo yatha-bhagam vibhajya svayam tapa
atisthata vasu-vasudana-drdharuci-nabhigupta-stutyavrata-vivikta-
vamadeva-namabhyah.

tat-dvipa-patih—the master of that island; praiyavratah—the son of
Maharaja Priyavrata; rajan—O King; hiranyareta —Hiranyareta;
nédma—named; svam—his own; dvipam—island; saptabhyah—unto
seven; sva-putrebhyah—his own sons; yatha-bhagam—according to
division; vibhajya—dividing; svayam—himself; tapah atisthata—
