—json {

  "name":"SB 5.21.16",
  "h1":"SB 5.21.16",
  "label":"Text 16",
  "title":"Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 5.21.16",
  "description":"Although Aruṇadeva sits in front of the sun-god and is engaged in driving the chariot and controlling the horses, he looks backward toward the sun-god."

} —

SB 5.21.16

Text

purastāt savitur aruṇaḥ paścāc ca niyuktaḥ sautye karmaṇi kilāste.

Synonyms

purastāt—in front; savituḥ—of the sun-god; aruṇaḥ—the demigod named Aruṇa; paścāt—looking backward; ca—and; niyuktaḥ—engaged; sautye—of a charioteer; karmaṇi—in the work; kila—certainly; āste—remains.

Translation

Although Aruṇadeva sits in front of the sun-god and is engaged in driving the chariot and controlling the horses, he looks backward toward the sun-god.

Purport

In the Vāyu Purāṇa the position of the horses is described:

saptāśva-rūpa-cchandāṁsī
vahante vāmato ravim
cakra-pakṣa-nibaddhāni
cakre vākṣaḥ samāhitaḥ

Although Aruṇadeva is in the front seat, controlling the horses, he looks back toward the sun-god from his left side.