In the Mahabharata and other ancient Indian texts, a Yojana is a traditional unit of distance that emphasizes the vast scales of epic journeys and battles. While its exact measurement varies across texts and regions, scholars have estimated that one Yojana typically equates to a range between 8 to 13 kilometers (approximately 5 to 8 miles). This measurement allows readers to grasp the grandeur and depth of distances described in the Mahabharata, from immense mountain ranges to cosmic realms. Below is a comparison of the Yojana to some modern units:
Below is a comparison of the Yojana to some modern units:
| Measurement | Approximate Modern Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 1 Yojana | 8–13 km (5–8 miles) |
| 10 Yojanas | 80–130 km (50–80 miles) |
| 100 Yojanas | 800–1,300 km (500–800 miles) |
The use of Yojanas in the Mahabharata underscores the scale of heroic quests and divine feats, adding to the epic’s grandeur and providing readers with a sense of the vast distances traversed by its legendary characters.
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