Hearing the tale of the king Priyvrat lineage, Parikshit asked Sukhdev: “O great sage, what is the expanse of the landmass? I wish to hear a description of it along with its islands, because this world is a tangible idol of God along with his virtues. Hence, knowing it intangible, infinitesimal form of God can also be known.’
Sukhdev said: ‘O King, illusions created by God are so vast that nobody can find their end. Therefore, I will describe main features of the world with the help of name, appearance, extent and symptoms. King Priyavrata has divided the earth into seven islands. These islands are: (1)Jambudweep, (2)Pluksh dweep, (3)Shalmali Dweep (4)Khushdeep, (5)Kronch Dweep, (6)Shak dweep and (7)Pushkar Dweep. All these islands are surrounded by seven seas, which comprise of saline water, sugarcane juices, and wine, ghee, milk, whey and sweet water respectively. Extent of each island is double than that of its preceding one.
Table of Contents
Jambudweep
Jambudweep: – Sukhdev says, ‘Situated in the center of the world is Jambudweep. It has an extent of one lakh Yojana. It has a round shape like a lotus leaf. It has nine zones each with an extent of nine thousand Yojan. These zones are called Varsh. Eight mountain ranges mark the boundaries of these Varsh which are arranged in circular fashion. At the center of the Varsh, is the tenth Varsh named Illavrit. In the center of Illavrit is Meru. Names of other nine Varsh are – KimPurusha, Harivansh, Kamyak, Hiranmaya, Kuru, Bhadrashwa, Ketumal and Bharata. Such as the mount Meru is surrounded by Jambudweep, similarly Jambudweep is surrounded by a vast sea. Because of a majority of Jamun (black berry) trees, this island is named as Jambudweep.
Pluksha dweep
Pluksha dweep: – As there is a huge Jamun (black berry) tree that is eleven hundred Yojan high in Jambudweep, similarly there are innumerable Pluksha (Pakur-Ficus pinctoria) trees in Pluksha dweep hence its name. Agni (fire) is the venerable God in this island. Priyavrata son, King Idhmjihv was the ruler of this island. He divided it into seven parts and made his seven sons the ruler of these divisions. These seven divisions were named- Shiv, Yavas, Subhadra, Shant, Kshem, Amrit and Abhay. These divisions have seven mountains, and seven rivers. Pluksha dweep has an extent of two lakh Yojana. It is surrounded by an ocean of sugarcane juice.
Shalmali Dweep
Shalmali Dweep: – Just double in extent than Pluksha dweep, is Shalmali Dweep. It has a majority of Shalmali (silk cotton) trees, which comprise the abode of Garuda, the King of the birds. Priyavrata son Yagya Bahu was the ruler of this island. He too made seven divisions in the island as per his sons- Surocham, Devvarsh, Paribhadra, Ramanak, Sowmanasya, Apyayan and Avigyat. This island too has seven mountains and seven rivers. Four classes of people inhabit this island. They worship Vedmay Chandrama (the moon with vedas) This island is surrounded by a sea of wine.
Khushdeep
Khushdeep: – This island is surrounded by a sea of the Ghee. It has an extent of eight Yojans, and a majority of Kush shrubs. From the light of their tips, Kush shrubs illuminate this island. Priyavrata son Hiranya Rata was the ruler of this island. Dividing the island into seven divisions, he too appointed his seven sons as the ruler of each of these divisions. These divisions are- Vasu, Vasuddana, Drirhruchi, Nabi Gupta, Satyavrata, Vivikt and Vamaddev. People of Khushdeep worship the fire.
Krauncha Dweepa
Krauncha Dweepa: – With an extent of sixteen lakh Yojana, Kraunch Deep is surrounded by the sea of milk. There is a gigantic mountain named Kraunch on the dweep. After this mountain the island is known as Kraunch Dweep. Priyavrata son, King Ghrit Prishtha was the ruler of this island. He too divided the island into seven divisions and distributed them between his seven sons, one to each son. The names of these seven sons are- Am, Madhuruh, Meghprishth, Sudhama, Mrajishth, Lohitarn and Vanaspati. Inhabitants of the island worship Varun Dev (Neptune) the lord of water.
Shakadweep
Shakadweep: – Surrounded by the sea of whey is Shakadweep with an extent of thirty-two lakh Yojana. It has a huge tree of Shaka, hence its name. With a sweet fragrance of this tree, the whole island emits a pleasant scent. The ruler of this island, Medhatithi was also a son of Priyavrata. He too had seven sons- Purojav, Manojav, Pavamana, Dhumranik, Chitraref, Bahurup and Vishwdhar. They were made the rulers of the seven divisions of the island. People of the island use Pranayama to weaken their Rajo Guna and Tamo Guna, and worship Hari (Vishnu) in Vayu (form) through meditation.
Pushkar Dweep
Pushkar Dweep: – Pushkar Dweep has an extent of sixty-four Yojans. It is surrounded by a sea of sweet water. There is present a huge lotus flower with a million, golden petals. This lotus is regarded as a seat of Brahma. Priyavrata son Vitihotra was the ruler of this island. He divided the island into two divisions, and made his sons Ramanak and Dhataki the rulers of these divisions. Inhabitants of this island worship Brahma appearance of Sri Hari (Vishnu).