cittaanurakkho wrote:Any mentioned of aurora in the Pali text or
elsewhere? Could be the radiant deva? Russian scholar of
Mahabharata Boris Smirnov brought up a hypothesis that the
apsara's "play of rainbows", described in Mahabharata as
happening near Meru, is actually aurora. There are descriptions
of mount Meru's efflugence in Mahabharata: There is a glowing
mountain called Meru, which is bathed in its own radiance. Fine
beyond all other mountains, it subdues the sun's own light with
its dazzling golden peaks. Indeed, it is like a wondrous golden
ornament. Popular with gods and Gandharvas, it is immeasurable
and can be approached only by those who are abundantly
righteous. Awesome beasts of prey frequent that great mountain,
and heavenly herbs illumine it. Standing tall, it spreads up and
over the vault of heaven. Unattainable by most, lying beyond
even their imagination, this mountain, rich in rivers and
forests, resounds with the songs of the most charming varieties
of birds. Scaling its bright and gem-s