227:22 A marginal note in one MS. explains the phrase of the text, ### to signify as far as to the moon and stars; but the Pitri yána, or path of the Pitris, lies amongst the asterisms; and, according to the Pauráńik system of the heavens, it is not clear what could be meant by its being bounded by the moon and stars. The path south of the solar orb is, according to the Vedas, that of smoke or darkness.

227:23 The stars of the Nágavíthi are those of Aries and Taurus; and by the seven Rishis we are here to understand Ursa Major.

227:24 This, according to the Vedas, is all that is to be understood of the immortality of the gods: they perish at the period of universal dissolution.

227:25 That is, generally as affecting created beings, not individuals, whose acts influence their several successive births.

228:26 From Ursa Major to the polar star.

228:27 The popular notion is, that Śiva or Mahádeva receives the Ganges on his head; but this, as subsequently explained, is referred, by the Vaishńavas at least, to the descent of the Alakanandá, or Ganges of India, not to the celestial Ganges.

229:28 Or, in other words, 'flows into the sea.' The legend here alluded to is more fully detailed in a subsequent book.

229:29 The situation of the source of the Ganges of heaven identifies it with the milky way.

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Hinduism

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