Well earlier I also used to think that the Sisumara of the Puranas is referring to Milky way but on deeper analysis I discovered that the idea and description of Sisumara matches exactly with that of the the great constellation which ancient Greeks used to call as The Draco, you can check the striking similarities between the two in this research paper by IIT BOMBAY
The resemblance to Draco is clear, of course, but the Purāṇic description is too broad to be limited to a single constellation. It would probably be better to try to reconcile the two
SB 4.9.25, Purport: “Therefore Dhruvaloka, or the polestar, is the abode of Lord Viṣṇu within this material world. Upon it there is an ocean of milk, and within that ocean there is an island known as Śvetadvīpa.”
SB 1.8.34, Purport: “Within the halo of the universe there is a transcendental planet known as Śvetadvīpa, which is the abode of the Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu…”
SB 1.11.8, Purport: “They have to wait on the shore of the Ocean of Milk where Lord Viṣṇu is lying on White Land (Śvetadvīpa). This Ocean of Milk and the Śvetadvīpa planet are the replica of Vaikuṇṭhaloka within the universe…”
SB 6.16.18–19, Purport: “Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu is situated in every universe in a special planet called Śvetadvīpa… From Him come all the incarnations within this universe.”
SB 5.17.14, Purport: “On the island known as Śvetadvīpa, there is an ocean of milk, and in the midst of that ocean…”
Well earlier I also used to think that the Sisumara of the Puranas is referring to Milky way but on deeper analysis I discovered that the idea and description of Sisumara matches exactly with that of the the great constellation which ancient Greeks used to call as The Draco, you can check the striking similarities between the two in this research paper by IIT BOMBAY
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283894340_Sisumara_the_forgotten_Constellation_of_Ancient_Indian_Astronomy_Invited_Conference_Talk
The resemblance to Draco is clear, of course, but the Purāṇic description is too broad to be limited to a single constellation. It would probably be better to try to reconcile the two
One more small question regarding the location of Dhruvaloka in the Material cosmos:
Do our scriptures give the location of Dhruvaloka in relation to upper planetary systems.
For example: lower than or higher than or near to any of upper planets such as Mahar Loka, Jana Loka , Tapa Loka etc.
Do we get such a reference?
Hare Krishna
The final chapters of the 5th canto give the distances in yojanas in detail, you can check.
Dhruvaloka is above Svargaloka. After Dhruvaloka there is Maharloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka and Satyloka, in exponentially larger distances
Thank you so much - very helpful reply
Hare Krishna
It's a wonderful article - very grateful to HG Chaitanaya Chandra Prabhu
Just one small question:
Could you please give the Sastric reference that Dhruva Loka is the abode of Sri Kshirodaksayai Vishnu.
Does that mean - Kshirsagar is situated on the Dhruva Planet ?
I have also heard this in the lectures/ Katha, but couldn't found the Reference from Scriptures.
Will be very helpful to get a Sastric reference.
Hare Krishna
Your Servant
Hare Krsna! Here is a short search.
SB 4.9.25, Purport: “Therefore Dhruvaloka, or the polestar, is the abode of Lord Viṣṇu within this material world. Upon it there is an ocean of milk, and within that ocean there is an island known as Śvetadvīpa.”
SB 1.8.34, Purport: “Within the halo of the universe there is a transcendental planet known as Śvetadvīpa, which is the abode of the Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu…”
SB 1.11.8, Purport: “They have to wait on the shore of the Ocean of Milk where Lord Viṣṇu is lying on White Land (Śvetadvīpa). This Ocean of Milk and the Śvetadvīpa planet are the replica of Vaikuṇṭhaloka within the universe…”
SB 6.16.18–19, Purport: “Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu is situated in every universe in a special planet called Śvetadvīpa… From Him come all the incarnations within this universe.”
SB 5.17.14, Purport: “On the island known as Śvetadvīpa, there is an ocean of milk, and in the midst of that ocean…”
Thank you so much dear Chaitanya Chandra Prabhu for the references