SECTION IV.Parāçara said:—As Jambu-dwipa is encircled all around by the ocean of salt water like a bracelet, so that ocean is also girt by the insular continent Plaksha. The extent of Jambu-dwipa is a hundred thousandyojanasand it is said, O Brahman, that the extent of Plaksha-dwipa is twice as much.Medhatiti, the king of Plaksha-dwipa, had seven sons, Santabhaya, Sisira, Sukhodhaya, Ananda, Siva, Kshemaka and Dhruva. And all these seven became kings of Plaksha-dwipa. The seven divisions were named after them—Santābhaya-varsa, Sisira-varsa, Sukhada-varsa, Ananda-varsa, Siva-varsa, Kshemaka-varsa, and Dhruva-varsa. These seven varsas had seven mountain-ranges as their boundaries. Do thou hear, from me, the names of these mountains, O foremost of Munis,—Gomeda, Chandra, Nārada, Dundhubi, Somaka, Sumanas, and Vaibhraja. In all these picturesque mountains the sinless inhabitants dwell perpetually along with the celestials and Gandharvas. There are holy villages where people live for a long time, freed from care and pain and enjoying uninterrupted happiness. And in those divisions there are seven rivers all flowing into the ocean—I shall relate their names, bearing which all sins shall be removed. They are the Anutapā, Sikhi, Vipasā, Tridivā, Kramu, Amritā and Sukritā. These are the principal rivers and mountains of Plakshsa-dwipa, which I have described to you; but there are thousands of others of inferior size. Those who partake of the waters of these rivers, always live happy and contented; there is neither the increase nor decrease of the population; the revolution of the four ages is not known there; O thou of great mind, the time there is uniformly of the character of Treta Yuga. In all these Dwipas, O Brahman, people live peacefully for five thousand years, and religious rites are severally performed by diverse castes and divisions of the people. There are four castes which I shall relate to you. They are Aryaka, Kuru, Vivasa and Bhavi corresponding respectively with Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras, O foremost of Munis. As there is a huge Jambu-tree in the Jambu-dwipa so there is a large fig-tree in this insular continent and this Dwipa is called Plaksha after the name of that tree, O foremost of twice-born ones. Hari, the all, the lord of all, the creator of the universe, is worshipped in the form of the moon by the Aryakas and other caste people. Plaksha-dwipa is girt, as if by a disc, by the sea of molasses which is equal to the island in extent. I have thus given to you, O Maitreya, in a brief compass, a description of the island called Plaksha; I shall now describe the island Salmala; do thou hear it.The heroic Vapusmat is the sovereign of the Salmala-dwipa; do thou hear the names of his seven sons who gave names to the seven divisions of this insular continent. They were Sweta, Harita, Jimuta, Rohita, Vaidyuta, Manasa, and Suprabha. The sea of molasses is girt by this insular continent on all sides, which is twice in extent. There are seven mountain ranges containing precious jems and dividing the Dwipa and there are seven rivers. They are Kumuda, Unnata, Valahaka, Drona, abounding in medicinal herbs, Kanka, Mahisha and Kakkudwat. The principal rivers are Yauni, Toya, Vitrishna, Chandra, Sukla, Vimochani and Nivritti; the waters of all these remove sins. All the varsas namely Sweta, Harita, Vaidyuta, Manasa, Jimuta and Suprava are very charming. All these varsas are peopled by men of four castes. The four castes, O great Muni, who reside in Salmala-dwipa, are severally known as Kapilas, Arunas, Pitas and Rohitas (or tawny, purple, yellow and red) corresponding to Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras, who all perform sacrifices and worship the Great undecaying Vishnu, the soul of all things, in the form of Vayu (wind) with pious rites. The people there enjoy frequent association with the celestials. There is a huge Salmali (silk-cotton) tree in this insular continent, which gives its name and affords delight to gods.This Dwipa is encircled on all sides by the Ocean named Suroda, which is equal to the island in extent. This ocean Suroda is again girt on all sides by the Kusa-dwipa which is twice the Salmali island in extent. The king Jyotishmat in Kusa-dwipa had seven sons; do thou hear their names. They are Udvida, Venuman, Swairatha, Lavana, Dhriti, Prabhakara and Kapita after whom the seven varshas were severally named. There live men along with the Daityas, Dānavas, gods, Gandharvas, Yakshas, and Kimparushas. The four castes devoted to the performance of their respective duties are called Damis, Sushinis, Snehas, and Mandehas corresponding, in order to Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras. They worship Janārddana in the form of Brahmā, in the Kusa-dwipa according to the rites laid down in the Sastras for the protection of their kingdom and setting aside actions which lead to temporal rewards. There are seven mountain ranges (in this island) namely: Bidruma, Hemasaila, Dyutimat, Pushpavan, Kusheshaya, Havi Mandarachala, O great Muni. There are seven rivers—the names of which I shall relate in order, do thou hear them. They are Dhutapapa, Siva, Pavitra, Sanmati, Bidyudambha and Mahi. They all remove sins. Besides there are thousands of small rivers and mountains. There is a huge clump of Kusa-grass and the island is named after that. It is girt by the Ghrita sea (the ocean of butter) of the same dimension as this insular continent.The sea of Ghrita is encircled by Krauncha-dwipa which is twice as large as Kusa-dwipa. Dyutiman was the sovereign of this island. The high-souled king named the seven varshas after his seven sons. They were Kusala, Mallaga, Ushna, Pivara, Andhakaraka, Muni and Dundhuvi, O Muni. There are seven boundary mountains highly picturesque and resorted to by the celestials and Gandharvas, O thou of great understanding; do thou hear their names from me. They are Krauncha, Vamana, Andhakaraka, Devavrita, Pundjirikavan, Dundhuvi, and Mahasaila—each of which is double the preceding one in height as each dwipa is twice as extensive as the one before it. In these charming mountains, people reside, freed from fear, along with the celestials. In this island, O great Muni, the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras are respectively called Pushkara, Pushkala, Dhanya and Tishpa. Do thou, O Maitreya, hear the names of the rivers, the waters whereof are drunk by those men. There are seven principal rivers and hundreds of small rivers. The seven principal rivers are Gauri, Kumudvati, Sandhyā, Ratri, Mānojavā, Kshānti and Pundarikā.In this island the four caste people worship the great Janārddana in the form of Rudra with various sacrifices. Krauncha is girt by the sea of curds of a similar dimension and that again is encircled by Sāka-dwipa, which is twice as much in extent, O great Muni.The high-souled Bhavya, the king of Sāka-dwipa had seven sons upon whom he severally conferred the seven portions. They are Jalada, Kumāra, Sukumāra, Manecchaka, Kusumoda, Mandāki and Mahādruma. The seven varsas were named in order after the seven princes. There are seven boundary mountains. Of these one situate on the east is Udayagiri and others are named Jatādhāra, Raivatak, Shyama, Astagiri, Anchikeya and Kesari. They are all charming and excellent mountains. There is a large Sāka (Teak) tree, frequented by the Siddhas and Gandharvas; and the wind produced by its fluttering leaves, spreads joy. The holy lands of this insular continent were inhabited by people of four castes. There are seven sacred rivers which remove all sins—they are Sukumari, Kamari, Nalini, Dhenuka, Ikshu, Benuka and Gavasti. Besides these seven rivers there are numerous rivulets. There are hundreds and thousands of mountains. People residing in Jalada varsa partake of the waters of these rivers. They seem to have come down from heaven to earth. In those divisions there is no decrease of virtue; there is no quarrel and there is no deviation from honesty. The four castes, Nriga, Magadha, Manasa and Mandaga correspond respectively to Brāhmmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras. They worship Vishnu, in the form of the sun, having controlled their minds with diverse pious observances. Sāka-dwipa, O Maitreya, is girt by the sea of milk on all sides, as by a bracelet, which is of the same dimension as the continent.The sea of milk, O Brahman, is again encircled on all sides by the insular continent of Pushkara, which is twice the extent of Sāka-dwipa. The king Savala of Pushkara had two sons; one was named Mahavira and the other Dhataki; and the two varsas were named after them. O great sage, there is only one mighty range of mountains, named Mānosattara, which runs in a circular direction like an armlet. It is fifty thousandyojanasin height and the same in breadth, circular on all sides, and divides the island in the middle, as if like a bracelet into two divisions. And being divided into two portions by that mountain they are also of a circular form. There the people live for ten thousand years, freed from disease, sorrow, anger and jealousy. There is neither virtue nor vice, killer nor slain: there is no jealousy, envy fear, hatred, malice, nor any moral delinquency. The varsa situate on the outside of Mānosattara is called Mahavira and the one situate inside is called Dhataki: they are both frequented by the celestials and Dānavas. And in that island of Pushkara there is neither truth nor falsehood. And in that insular continent divided into two portions there is no other mountain nor river. All men and celestials here have the same form and dress. There is no distinction of caste or order; they do not perform rites and the three Vedas, Puranaa, ethics, polity and the laws of service are unknown there. These two portions, O Maitreya, might be denominated as paradise on earth. In these two varsas of Dhataki and Mahavira, where time affords delight to the inhabitants who are freed from sickness and decay. There is a Nyagrodha-tree (Fisucus-indica) on this insular continent which is a favourite resort of Brahmā and where he lives worshipped by the celestials and Asuras. Pushkara is encircled by Syaduka ocean (sea of fresh water) which is of equal extent with the island.In this way the seven insular continents are encircled by seven seas and each ocean and island is twice the dimension of that which precedes it. The water, in all these oceans, remains the same at all seasons and never increases or diminishes. Like the water in a cauldron, which expands in consequence of heat, the waters of the oceans swell with the increase of the moon, O foremost of Munis. Except in the light and dark fortnights the waters neither increase nor decrease. O great Muni, the rise and fall of the waters is five hundred and ten inches. In this island of Pushkara, O Brahman, foods are produced spontaneously and people there enjoy viands of various flavours.Beyond the sea of fresh water, there is the land of gold which is twice its extent where no living beings dwell. Beyond that is the mountain Lokaloka which is a ten thousandyojanasin height and as many in breadth. The other side of the mountain is enshrouded with perpetual darkness which again is encircled by the shell of egg.Such, O Maitreya, is the earth with all its continents, mountains and oceans and exterior shell. The extent of the earth is five hundred millions. It is the mother and nurse of beings, the foremost of all elements and the stay of all the worlds.
SECTION IV.Parāçara said:—As Jambu-dwipa is encircled all around by the ocean of salt water like a bracelet, so that ocean is also girt by the insular continent Plaksha. The extent of Jambu-dwipa is a hundred thousandyojanasand it is said, O Brahman, that the extent of Plaksha-dwipa is twice as much.Medhatiti, the king of Plaksha-dwipa, had seven sons, Santabhaya, Sisira, Sukhodhaya, Ananda, Siva, Kshemaka and Dhruva. And all these seven became kings of Plaksha-dwipa. The seven divisions were named after them—Santābhaya-varsa, Sisira-varsa, Sukhada-varsa, Ananda-varsa, Siva-varsa, Kshemaka-varsa, and Dhruva-varsa. These seven varsas had seven mountain-ranges as their boundaries. Do thou hear, from me, the names of these mountains, O foremost of Munis,—Gomeda, Chandra, Nārada, Dundhubi, Somaka, Sumanas, and Vaibhraja. In all these picturesque mountains the sinless inhabitants dwell perpetually along with the celestials and Gandharvas. There are holy villages where people live for a long time, freed from care and pain and enjoying uninterrupted happiness. And in those divisions there are seven rivers all flowing into the ocean—I shall relate their names, bearing which all sins shall be removed. They are the Anutapā, Sikhi, Vipasā, Tridivā, Kramu, Amritā and Sukritā. These are the principal rivers and mountains of Plakshsa-dwipa, which I have described to you; but there are thousands of others of inferior size. Those who partake of the waters of these rivers, always live happy and contented; there is neither the increase nor decrease of the population; the revolution of the four ages is not known there; O thou of great mind, the time there is uniformly of the character of Treta Yuga. In all these Dwipas, O Brahman, people live peacefully for five thousand years, and religious rites are severally performed by diverse castes and divisions of the people. There are four castes which I shall relate to you. They are Aryaka, Kuru, Vivasa and Bhavi corresponding respectively with Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras, O foremost of Munis. As there is a huge Jambu-tree in the Jambu-dwipa so there is a large fig-tree in this insular continent and this Dwipa is called Plaksha after the name of that tree, O foremost of twice-born ones. Hari, the all, the lord of all, the creator of the universe, is worshipped in the form of the moon by the Aryakas and other caste people. Plaksha-dwipa is girt, as if by a disc, by the sea of molasses which is equal to the island in extent. I have thus given to you, O Maitreya, in a brief compass, a description of the island called Plaksha; I shall now describe the island Salmala; do thou hear it.The heroic Vapusmat is the sovereign of the Salmala-dwipa; do thou hear the names of his seven sons who gave names to the seven divisions of this insular continent. They were Sweta, Harita, Jimuta, Rohita, Vaidyuta, Manasa, and Suprabha. The sea of molasses is girt by this insular continent on all sides, which is twice in extent. There are seven mountain ranges containing precious jems and dividing the Dwipa and there are seven rivers. They are Kumuda, Unnata, Valahaka, Drona, abounding in medicinal herbs, Kanka, Mahisha and Kakkudwat. The principal rivers are Yauni, Toya, Vitrishna, Chandra, Sukla, Vimochani and Nivritti; the waters of all these remove sins. All the varsas namely Sweta, Harita, Vaidyuta, Manasa, Jimuta and Suprava are very charming. All these varsas are peopled by men of four castes. The four castes, O great Muni, who reside in Salmala-dwipa, are severally known as Kapilas, Arunas, Pitas and Rohitas (or tawny, purple, yellow and red) corresponding to Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras, who all perform sacrifices and worship the Great undecaying Vishnu, the soul of all things, in the form of Vayu (wind) with pious rites. The people there enjoy frequent association with the celestials. There is a huge Salmali (silk-cotton) tree in this insular continent, which gives its name and affords delight to gods.This Dwipa is encircled on all sides by the Ocean named Suroda, which is equal to the island in extent. This ocean Suroda is again girt on all sides by the Kusa-dwipa which is twice the Salmali island in extent. The king Jyotishmat in Kusa-dwipa had seven sons; do thou hear their names. They are Udvida, Venuman, Swairatha, Lavana, Dhriti, Prabhakara and Kapita after whom the seven varshas were severally named. There live men along with the Daityas, Dānavas, gods, Gandharvas, Yakshas, and Kimparushas. The four castes devoted to the performance of their respective duties are called Damis, Sushinis, Snehas, and Mandehas corresponding, in order to Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras. They worship Janārddana in the form of Brahmā, in the Kusa-dwipa according to the rites laid down in the Sastras for the protection of their kingdom and setting aside actions which lead to temporal rewards. There are seven mountain ranges (in this island) namely: Bidruma, Hemasaila, Dyutimat, Pushpavan, Kusheshaya, Havi Mandarachala, O great Muni. There are seven rivers—the names of which I shall relate in order, do thou hear them. They are Dhutapapa, Siva, Pavitra, Sanmati, Bidyudambha and Mahi. They all remove sins. Besides there are thousands of small rivers and mountains. There is a huge clump of Kusa-grass and the island is named after that. It is girt by the Ghrita sea (the ocean of butter) of the same dimension as this insular continent.The sea of Ghrita is encircled by Krauncha-dwipa which is twice as large as Kusa-dwipa. Dyutiman was the sovereign of this island. The high-souled king named the seven varshas after his seven sons. They were Kusala, Mallaga, Ushna, Pivara, Andhakaraka, Muni and Dundhuvi, O Muni. There are seven boundary mountains highly picturesque and resorted to by the celestials and Gandharvas, O thou of great understanding; do thou hear their names from me. They are Krauncha, Vamana, Andhakaraka, Devavrita, Pundjirikavan, Dundhuvi, and Mahasaila—each of which is double the preceding one in height as each dwipa is twice as extensive as the one before it. In these charming mountains, people reside, freed from fear, along with the celestials. In this island, O great Muni, the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras are respectively called Pushkara, Pushkala, Dhanya and Tishpa. Do thou, O Maitreya, hear the names of the rivers, the waters whereof are drunk by those men. There are seven principal rivers and hundreds of small rivers. The seven principal rivers are Gauri, Kumudvati, Sandhyā, Ratri, Mānojavā, Kshānti and Pundarikā.In this island the four caste people worship the great Janārddana in the form of Rudra with various sacrifices. Krauncha is girt by the sea of curds of a similar dimension and that again is encircled by Sāka-dwipa, which is twice as much in extent, O great Muni.The high-souled Bhavya, the king of Sāka-dwipa had seven sons upon whom he severally conferred the seven portions. They are Jalada, Kumāra, Sukumāra, Manecchaka, Kusumoda, Mandāki and Mahādruma. The seven varsas were named in order after the seven princes. There are seven boundary mountains. Of these one situate on the east is Udayagiri and others are named Jatādhāra, Raivatak, Shyama, Astagiri, Anchikeya and Kesari. They are all charming and excellent mountains. There is a large Sāka (Teak) tree, frequented by the Siddhas and Gandharvas; and the wind produced by its fluttering leaves, spreads joy. The holy lands of this insular continent were inhabited by people of four castes. There are seven sacred rivers which remove all sins—they are Sukumari, Kamari, Nalini, Dhenuka, Ikshu, Benuka and Gavasti. Besides these seven rivers there are numerous rivulets. There are hundreds and thousands of mountains. People residing in Jalada varsa partake of the waters of these rivers. They seem to have come down from heaven to earth. In those divisions there is no decrease of virtue; there is no quarrel and there is no deviation from honesty. The four castes, Nriga, Magadha, Manasa and Mandaga correspond respectively to Brāhmmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras. They worship Vishnu, in the form of the sun, having controlled their minds with diverse pious observances. Sāka-dwipa, O Maitreya, is girt by the sea of milk on all sides, as by a bracelet, which is of the same dimension as the continent.The sea of milk, O Brahman, is again encircled on all sides by the insular continent of Pushkara, which is twice the extent of Sāka-dwipa. The king Savala of Pushkara had two sons; one was named Mahavira and the other Dhataki; and the two varsas were named after them. O great sage, there is only one mighty range of mountains, named Mānosattara, which runs in a circular direction like an armlet. It is fifty thousandyojanasin height and the same in breadth, circular on all sides, and divides the island in the middle, as if like a bracelet into two divisions. And being divided into two portions by that mountain they are also of a circular form. There the people live for ten thousand years, freed from disease, sorrow, anger and jealousy. There is neither virtue nor vice, killer nor slain: there is no jealousy, envy fear, hatred, malice, nor any moral delinquency. The varsa situate on the outside of Mānosattara is called Mahavira and the one situate inside is called Dhataki: they are both frequented by the celestials and Dānavas. And in that island of Pushkara there is neither truth nor falsehood. And in that insular continent divided into two portions there is no other mountain nor river. All men and celestials here have the same form and dress. There is no distinction of caste or order; they do not perform rites and the three Vedas, Puranaa, ethics, polity and the laws of service are unknown there. These two portions, O Maitreya, might be denominated as paradise on earth. In these two varsas of Dhataki and Mahavira, where time affords delight to the inhabitants who are freed from sickness and decay. There is a Nyagrodha-tree (Fisucus-indica) on this insular continent which is a favourite resort of Brahmā and where he lives worshipped by the celestials and Asuras. Pushkara is encircled by Syaduka ocean (sea of fresh water) which is of equal extent with the island.In this way the seven insular continents are encircled by seven seas and each ocean and island is twice the dimension of that which precedes it. The water, in all these oceans, remains the same at all seasons and never increases or diminishes. Like the water in a cauldron, which expands in consequence of heat, the waters of the oceans swell with the increase of the moon, O foremost of Munis. Except in the light and dark fortnights the waters neither increase nor decrease. O great Muni, the rise and fall of the waters is five hundred and ten inches. In this island of Pushkara, O Brahman, foods are produced spontaneously and people there enjoy viands of various flavours.Beyond the sea of fresh water, there is the land of gold which is twice its extent where no living beings dwell. Beyond that is the mountain Lokaloka which is a ten thousandyojanasin height and as many in breadth. The other side of the mountain is enshrouded with perpetual darkness which again is encircled by the shell of egg.Such, O Maitreya, is the earth with all its continents, mountains and oceans and exterior shell. The extent of the earth is five hundred millions. It is the mother and nurse of beings, the foremost of all elements and the stay of all the worlds.
SECTION IV.Parāçara said:—As Jambu-dwipa is encircled all around by the ocean of salt water like a bracelet, so that ocean is also girt by the insular continent Plaksha. The extent of Jambu-dwipa is a hundred thousandyojanasand it is said, O Brahman, that the extent of Plaksha-dwipa is twice as much.Medhatiti, the king of Plaksha-dwipa, had seven sons, Santabhaya, Sisira, Sukhodhaya, Ananda, Siva, Kshemaka and Dhruva. And all these seven became kings of Plaksha-dwipa. The seven divisions were named after them—Santābhaya-varsa, Sisira-varsa, Sukhada-varsa, Ananda-varsa, Siva-varsa, Kshemaka-varsa, and Dhruva-varsa. These seven varsas had seven mountain-ranges as their boundaries. Do thou hear, from me, the names of these mountains, O foremost of Munis,—Gomeda, Chandra, Nārada, Dundhubi, Somaka, Sumanas, and Vaibhraja. In all these picturesque mountains the sinless inhabitants dwell perpetually along with the celestials and Gandharvas. There are holy villages where people live for a long time, freed from care and pain and enjoying uninterrupted happiness. And in those divisions there are seven rivers all flowing into the ocean—I shall relate their names, bearing which all sins shall be removed. They are the Anutapā, Sikhi, Vipasā, Tridivā, Kramu, Amritā and Sukritā. These are the principal rivers and mountains of Plakshsa-dwipa, which I have described to you; but there are thousands of others of inferior size. Those who partake of the waters of these rivers, always live happy and contented; there is neither the increase nor decrease of the population; the revolution of the four ages is not known there; O thou of great mind, the time there is uniformly of the character of Treta Yuga. In all these Dwipas, O Brahman, people live peacefully for five thousand years, and religious rites are severally performed by diverse castes and divisions of the people. There are four castes which I shall relate to you. They are Aryaka, Kuru, Vivasa and Bhavi corresponding respectively with Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras, O foremost of Munis. As there is a huge Jambu-tree in the Jambu-dwipa so there is a large fig-tree in this insular continent and this Dwipa is called Plaksha after the name of that tree, O foremost of twice-born ones. Hari, the all, the lord of all, the creator of the universe, is worshipped in the form of the moon by the Aryakas and other caste people. Plaksha-dwipa is girt, as if by a disc, by the sea of molasses which is equal to the island in extent. I have thus given to you, O Maitreya, in a brief compass, a description of the island called Plaksha; I shall now describe the island Salmala; do thou hear it.The heroic Vapusmat is the sovereign of the Salmala-dwipa; do thou hear the names of his seven sons who gave names to the seven divisions of this insular continent. They were Sweta, Harita, Jimuta, Rohita, Vaidyuta, Manasa, and Suprabha. The sea of molasses is girt by this insular continent on all sides, which is twice in extent. There are seven mountain ranges containing precious jems and dividing the Dwipa and there are seven rivers. They are Kumuda, Unnata, Valahaka, Drona, abounding in medicinal herbs, Kanka, Mahisha and Kakkudwat. The principal rivers are Yauni, Toya, Vitrishna, Chandra, Sukla, Vimochani and Nivritti; the waters of all these remove sins. All the varsas namely Sweta, Harita, Vaidyuta, Manasa, Jimuta and Suprava are very charming. All these varsas are peopled by men of four castes. The four castes, O great Muni, who reside in Salmala-dwipa, are severally known as Kapilas, Arunas, Pitas and Rohitas (or tawny, purple, yellow and red) corresponding to Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras, who all perform sacrifices and worship the Great undecaying Vishnu, the soul of all things, in the form of Vayu (wind) with pious rites. The people there enjoy frequent association with the celestials. There is a huge Salmali (silk-cotton) tree in this insular continent, which gives its name and affords delight to gods.This Dwipa is encircled on all sides by the Ocean named Suroda, which is equal to the island in extent. This ocean Suroda is again girt on all sides by the Kusa-dwipa which is twice the Salmali island in extent. The king Jyotishmat in Kusa-dwipa had seven sons; do thou hear their names. They are Udvida, Venuman, Swairatha, Lavana, Dhriti, Prabhakara and Kapita after whom the seven varshas were severally named. There live men along with the Daityas, Dānavas, gods, Gandharvas, Yakshas, and Kimparushas. The four castes devoted to the performance of their respective duties are called Damis, Sushinis, Snehas, and Mandehas corresponding, in order to Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras. They worship Janārddana in the form of Brahmā, in the Kusa-dwipa according to the rites laid down in the Sastras for the protection of their kingdom and setting aside actions which lead to temporal rewards. There are seven mountain ranges (in this island) namely: Bidruma, Hemasaila, Dyutimat, Pushpavan, Kusheshaya, Havi Mandarachala, O great Muni. There are seven rivers—the names of which I shall relate in order, do thou hear them. They are Dhutapapa, Siva, Pavitra, Sanmati, Bidyudambha and Mahi. They all remove sins. Besides there are thousands of small rivers and mountains. There is a huge clump of Kusa-grass and the island is named after that. It is girt by the Ghrita sea (the ocean of butter) of the same dimension as this insular continent.The sea of Ghrita is encircled by Krauncha-dwipa which is twice as large as Kusa-dwipa. Dyutiman was the sovereign of this island. The high-souled king named the seven varshas after his seven sons. They were Kusala, Mallaga, Ushna, Pivara, Andhakaraka, Muni and Dundhuvi, O Muni. There are seven boundary mountains highly picturesque and resorted to by the celestials and Gandharvas, O thou of great understanding; do thou hear their names from me. They are Krauncha, Vamana, Andhakaraka, Devavrita, Pundjirikavan, Dundhuvi, and Mahasaila—each of which is double the preceding one in height as each dwipa is twice as extensive as the one before it. In these charming mountains, people reside, freed from fear, along with the celestials. In this island, O great Muni, the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras are respectively called Pushkara, Pushkala, Dhanya and Tishpa. Do thou, O Maitreya, hear the names of the rivers, the waters whereof are drunk by those men. There are seven principal rivers and hundreds of small rivers. The seven principal rivers are Gauri, Kumudvati, Sandhyā, Ratri, Mānojavā, Kshānti and Pundarikā.In this island the four caste people worship the great Janārddana in the form of Rudra with various sacrifices. Krauncha is girt by the sea of curds of a similar dimension and that again is encircled by Sāka-dwipa, which is twice as much in extent, O great Muni.The high-souled Bhavya, the king of Sāka-dwipa had seven sons upon whom he severally conferred the seven portions. They are Jalada, Kumāra, Sukumāra, Manecchaka, Kusumoda, Mandāki and Mahādruma. The seven varsas were named in order after the seven princes. There are seven boundary mountains. Of these one situate on the east is Udayagiri and others are named Jatādhāra, Raivatak, Shyama, Astagiri, Anchikeya and Kesari. They are all charming and excellent mountains. There is a large Sāka (Teak) tree, frequented by the Siddhas and Gandharvas; and the wind produced by its fluttering leaves, spreads joy. The holy lands of this insular continent were inhabited by people of four castes. There are seven sacred rivers which remove all sins—they are Sukumari, Kamari, Nalini, Dhenuka, Ikshu, Benuka and Gavasti. Besides these seven rivers there are numerous rivulets. There are hundreds and thousands of mountains. People residing in Jalada varsa partake of the waters of these rivers. They seem to have come down from heaven to earth. In those divisions there is no decrease of virtue; there is no quarrel and there is no deviation from honesty. The four castes, Nriga, Magadha, Manasa and Mandaga correspond respectively to Brāhmmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras. They worship Vishnu, in the form of the sun, having controlled their minds with diverse pious observances. Sāka-dwipa, O Maitreya, is girt by the sea of milk on all sides, as by a bracelet, which is of the same dimension as the continent.The sea of milk, O Brahman, is again encircled on all sides by the insular continent of Pushkara, which is twice the extent of Sāka-dwipa. The king Savala of Pushkara had two sons; one was named Mahavira and the other Dhataki; and the two varsas were named after them. O great sage, there is only one mighty range of mountains, named Mānosattara, which runs in a circular direction like an armlet. It is fifty thousandyojanasin height and the same in breadth, circular on all sides, and divides the island in the middle, as if like a bracelet into two divisions. And being divided into two portions by that mountain they are also of a circular form. There the people live for ten thousand years, freed from disease, sorrow, anger and jealousy. There is neither virtue nor vice, killer nor slain: there is no jealousy, envy fear, hatred, malice, nor any moral delinquency. The varsa situate on the outside of Mānosattara is called Mahavira and the one situate inside is called Dhataki: they are both frequented by the celestials and Dānavas. And in that island of Pushkara there is neither truth nor falsehood. And in that insular continent divided into two portions there is no other mountain nor river. All men and celestials here have the same form and dress. There is no distinction of caste or order; they do not perform rites and the three Vedas, Puranaa, ethics, polity and the laws of service are unknown there. These two portions, O Maitreya, might be denominated as paradise on earth. In these two varsas of Dhataki and Mahavira, where time affords delight to the inhabitants who are freed from sickness and decay. There is a Nyagrodha-tree (Fisucus-indica) on this insular continent which is a favourite resort of Brahmā and where he lives worshipped by the celestials and Asuras. Pushkara is encircled by Syaduka ocean (sea of fresh water) which is of equal extent with the island.In this way the seven insular continents are encircled by seven seas and each ocean and island is twice the dimension of that which precedes it. The water, in all these oceans, remains the same at all seasons and never increases or diminishes. Like the water in a cauldron, which expands in consequence of heat, the waters of the oceans swell with the increase of the moon, O foremost of Munis. Except in the light and dark fortnights the waters neither increase nor decrease. O great Muni, the rise and fall of the waters is five hundred and ten inches. In this island of Pushkara, O Brahman, foods are produced spontaneously and people there enjoy viands of various flavours.Beyond the sea of fresh water, there is the land of gold which is twice its extent where no living beings dwell. Beyond that is the mountain Lokaloka which is a ten thousandyojanasin height and as many in breadth. The other side of the mountain is enshrouded with perpetual darkness which again is encircled by the shell of egg.Such, O Maitreya, is the earth with all its continents, mountains and oceans and exterior shell. The extent of the earth is five hundred millions. It is the mother and nurse of beings, the foremost of all elements and the stay of all the worlds.
Parāçara said:—As Jambu-dwipa is encircled all around by the ocean of salt water like a bracelet, so that ocean is also girt by the insular continent Plaksha. The extent of Jambu-dwipa is a hundred thousandyojanasand it is said, O Brahman, that the extent of Plaksha-dwipa is twice as much.
Medhatiti, the king of Plaksha-dwipa, had seven sons, Santabhaya, Sisira, Sukhodhaya, Ananda, Siva, Kshemaka and Dhruva. And all these seven became kings of Plaksha-dwipa. The seven divisions were named after them—Santābhaya-varsa, Sisira-varsa, Sukhada-varsa, Ananda-varsa, Siva-varsa, Kshemaka-varsa, and Dhruva-varsa. These seven varsas had seven mountain-ranges as their boundaries. Do thou hear, from me, the names of these mountains, O foremost of Munis,—Gomeda, Chandra, Nārada, Dundhubi, Somaka, Sumanas, and Vaibhraja. In all these picturesque mountains the sinless inhabitants dwell perpetually along with the celestials and Gandharvas. There are holy villages where people live for a long time, freed from care and pain and enjoying uninterrupted happiness. And in those divisions there are seven rivers all flowing into the ocean—I shall relate their names, bearing which all sins shall be removed. They are the Anutapā, Sikhi, Vipasā, Tridivā, Kramu, Amritā and Sukritā. These are the principal rivers and mountains of Plakshsa-dwipa, which I have described to you; but there are thousands of others of inferior size. Those who partake of the waters of these rivers, always live happy and contented; there is neither the increase nor decrease of the population; the revolution of the four ages is not known there; O thou of great mind, the time there is uniformly of the character of Treta Yuga. In all these Dwipas, O Brahman, people live peacefully for five thousand years, and religious rites are severally performed by diverse castes and divisions of the people. There are four castes which I shall relate to you. They are Aryaka, Kuru, Vivasa and Bhavi corresponding respectively with Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras, O foremost of Munis. As there is a huge Jambu-tree in the Jambu-dwipa so there is a large fig-tree in this insular continent and this Dwipa is called Plaksha after the name of that tree, O foremost of twice-born ones. Hari, the all, the lord of all, the creator of the universe, is worshipped in the form of the moon by the Aryakas and other caste people. Plaksha-dwipa is girt, as if by a disc, by the sea of molasses which is equal to the island in extent. I have thus given to you, O Maitreya, in a brief compass, a description of the island called Plaksha; I shall now describe the island Salmala; do thou hear it.
The heroic Vapusmat is the sovereign of the Salmala-dwipa; do thou hear the names of his seven sons who gave names to the seven divisions of this insular continent. They were Sweta, Harita, Jimuta, Rohita, Vaidyuta, Manasa, and Suprabha. The sea of molasses is girt by this insular continent on all sides, which is twice in extent. There are seven mountain ranges containing precious jems and dividing the Dwipa and there are seven rivers. They are Kumuda, Unnata, Valahaka, Drona, abounding in medicinal herbs, Kanka, Mahisha and Kakkudwat. The principal rivers are Yauni, Toya, Vitrishna, Chandra, Sukla, Vimochani and Nivritti; the waters of all these remove sins. All the varsas namely Sweta, Harita, Vaidyuta, Manasa, Jimuta and Suprava are very charming. All these varsas are peopled by men of four castes. The four castes, O great Muni, who reside in Salmala-dwipa, are severally known as Kapilas, Arunas, Pitas and Rohitas (or tawny, purple, yellow and red) corresponding to Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras, who all perform sacrifices and worship the Great undecaying Vishnu, the soul of all things, in the form of Vayu (wind) with pious rites. The people there enjoy frequent association with the celestials. There is a huge Salmali (silk-cotton) tree in this insular continent, which gives its name and affords delight to gods.
This Dwipa is encircled on all sides by the Ocean named Suroda, which is equal to the island in extent. This ocean Suroda is again girt on all sides by the Kusa-dwipa which is twice the Salmali island in extent. The king Jyotishmat in Kusa-dwipa had seven sons; do thou hear their names. They are Udvida, Venuman, Swairatha, Lavana, Dhriti, Prabhakara and Kapita after whom the seven varshas were severally named. There live men along with the Daityas, Dānavas, gods, Gandharvas, Yakshas, and Kimparushas. The four castes devoted to the performance of their respective duties are called Damis, Sushinis, Snehas, and Mandehas corresponding, in order to Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras. They worship Janārddana in the form of Brahmā, in the Kusa-dwipa according to the rites laid down in the Sastras for the protection of their kingdom and setting aside actions which lead to temporal rewards. There are seven mountain ranges (in this island) namely: Bidruma, Hemasaila, Dyutimat, Pushpavan, Kusheshaya, Havi Mandarachala, O great Muni. There are seven rivers—the names of which I shall relate in order, do thou hear them. They are Dhutapapa, Siva, Pavitra, Sanmati, Bidyudambha and Mahi. They all remove sins. Besides there are thousands of small rivers and mountains. There is a huge clump of Kusa-grass and the island is named after that. It is girt by the Ghrita sea (the ocean of butter) of the same dimension as this insular continent.
The sea of Ghrita is encircled by Krauncha-dwipa which is twice as large as Kusa-dwipa. Dyutiman was the sovereign of this island. The high-souled king named the seven varshas after his seven sons. They were Kusala, Mallaga, Ushna, Pivara, Andhakaraka, Muni and Dundhuvi, O Muni. There are seven boundary mountains highly picturesque and resorted to by the celestials and Gandharvas, O thou of great understanding; do thou hear their names from me. They are Krauncha, Vamana, Andhakaraka, Devavrita, Pundjirikavan, Dundhuvi, and Mahasaila—each of which is double the preceding one in height as each dwipa is twice as extensive as the one before it. In these charming mountains, people reside, freed from fear, along with the celestials. In this island, O great Muni, the Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras are respectively called Pushkara, Pushkala, Dhanya and Tishpa. Do thou, O Maitreya, hear the names of the rivers, the waters whereof are drunk by those men. There are seven principal rivers and hundreds of small rivers. The seven principal rivers are Gauri, Kumudvati, Sandhyā, Ratri, Mānojavā, Kshānti and Pundarikā.
In this island the four caste people worship the great Janārddana in the form of Rudra with various sacrifices. Krauncha is girt by the sea of curds of a similar dimension and that again is encircled by Sāka-dwipa, which is twice as much in extent, O great Muni.
The high-souled Bhavya, the king of Sāka-dwipa had seven sons upon whom he severally conferred the seven portions. They are Jalada, Kumāra, Sukumāra, Manecchaka, Kusumoda, Mandāki and Mahādruma. The seven varsas were named in order after the seven princes. There are seven boundary mountains. Of these one situate on the east is Udayagiri and others are named Jatādhāra, Raivatak, Shyama, Astagiri, Anchikeya and Kesari. They are all charming and excellent mountains. There is a large Sāka (Teak) tree, frequented by the Siddhas and Gandharvas; and the wind produced by its fluttering leaves, spreads joy. The holy lands of this insular continent were inhabited by people of four castes. There are seven sacred rivers which remove all sins—they are Sukumari, Kamari, Nalini, Dhenuka, Ikshu, Benuka and Gavasti. Besides these seven rivers there are numerous rivulets. There are hundreds and thousands of mountains. People residing in Jalada varsa partake of the waters of these rivers. They seem to have come down from heaven to earth. In those divisions there is no decrease of virtue; there is no quarrel and there is no deviation from honesty. The four castes, Nriga, Magadha, Manasa and Mandaga correspond respectively to Brāhmmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaiçyas and Sudras. They worship Vishnu, in the form of the sun, having controlled their minds with diverse pious observances. Sāka-dwipa, O Maitreya, is girt by the sea of milk on all sides, as by a bracelet, which is of the same dimension as the continent.
The sea of milk, O Brahman, is again encircled on all sides by the insular continent of Pushkara, which is twice the extent of Sāka-dwipa. The king Savala of Pushkara had two sons; one was named Mahavira and the other Dhataki; and the two varsas were named after them. O great sage, there is only one mighty range of mountains, named Mānosattara, which runs in a circular direction like an armlet. It is fifty thousandyojanasin height and the same in breadth, circular on all sides, and divides the island in the middle, as if like a bracelet into two divisions. And being divided into two portions by that mountain they are also of a circular form. There the people live for ten thousand years, freed from disease, sorrow, anger and jealousy. There is neither virtue nor vice, killer nor slain: there is no jealousy, envy fear, hatred, malice, nor any moral delinquency. The varsa situate on the outside of Mānosattara is called Mahavira and the one situate inside is called Dhataki: they are both frequented by the celestials and Dānavas. And in that island of Pushkara there is neither truth nor falsehood. And in that insular continent divided into two portions there is no other mountain nor river. All men and celestials here have the same form and dress. There is no distinction of caste or order; they do not perform rites and the three Vedas, Puranaa, ethics, polity and the laws of service are unknown there. These two portions, O Maitreya, might be denominated as paradise on earth. In these two varsas of Dhataki and Mahavira, where time affords delight to the inhabitants who are freed from sickness and decay. There is a Nyagrodha-tree (Fisucus-indica) on this insular continent which is a favourite resort of Brahmā and where he lives worshipped by the celestials and Asuras. Pushkara is encircled by Syaduka ocean (sea of fresh water) which is of equal extent with the island.
In this way the seven insular continents are encircled by seven seas and each ocean and island is twice the dimension of that which precedes it. The water, in all these oceans, remains the same at all seasons and never increases or diminishes. Like the water in a cauldron, which expands in consequence of heat, the waters of the oceans swell with the increase of the moon, O foremost of Munis. Except in the light and dark fortnights the waters neither increase nor decrease. O great Muni, the rise and fall of the waters is five hundred and ten inches. In this island of Pushkara, O Brahman, foods are produced spontaneously and people there enjoy viands of various flavours.
Beyond the sea of fresh water, there is the land of gold which is twice its extent where no living beings dwell. Beyond that is the mountain Lokaloka which is a ten thousandyojanasin height and as many in breadth. The other side of the mountain is enshrouded with perpetual darkness which again is encircled by the shell of egg.
Such, O Maitreya, is the earth with all its continents, mountains and oceans and exterior shell. The extent of the earth is five hundred millions. It is the mother and nurse of beings, the foremost of all elements and the stay of all the worlds.