Slokam 7

The expanse of Kurma and the toughness of its shell,  in supporting Mandara, is described in this slokam. 

The shell is described as being tougher than a thunderbolt and the expanse is 1lakh yojanas, which is 8 lakh miles (or12.5 lakh kilometers).  So the expanse of the ocean of milk described in the canto probably refers to apart of the milky way or a segment of our universe/galaxy, rather than just our mother earth.

The asura within us tries to transcend interstellar space through rockets and the deva within us goes on the same journey through meditation and exploration of the inner self. 

May we always have the Paramathma in our consciousness,   to pave the way and smoothen the path of the long journey.