100 Brahma Purdna CHAPTER SIXTEEN Seven Continents? The sages said: 1-9. A wonderfully great narrative has been related by you. The stories of Bharata kings, of Devas, Danavas, Gandharvas, Nagas, Rakgsasas, Daityas, Siddhas, and Guhyakas have been narrated; their wonderful exploits, activities and holy rites have been recounted. Different divine stories and excellent nativities have been mentioned. O highly intelligent one, the creation of Brahma, Prajapatis, Guhyakas and celestial nymphs has also been narrated by you. How the mobile and immobile beings were born, how the manifold universe originated has been told by you, O highly blessed one. This beautiful narration has been heard by us. The ancient tradition that yields meritorious benefits has been mentioned in sweet and smooth flowing words. It delights our mind as well as our ear. It is on a par with nectar. Now we wish to hear about the entire zone of the earth. O omniscient one, it behoves you speak it out. We are very eager to hear. How many are the oceans, continents sub-continents, mountains, forests, sacred rivers and holy spots of Devas etc, O highly intel- ligent one, what is the magnitude of each, what is their support? Of what nature are they? It behoves you to narrate the stance of this universe precisely. 1, Seven Continents : (1) Jambi (2) Saka, (3) Kuga, (4) Plaksa, (5) Pugkara, (6) Salmali (7) Kraufica. A short description of these continents is. as follows: (1) Jambi—It is the central one of the seven continents surrounding the mountain Meru, so called either from the Jambi trees abounding in it or from an enormous Jambi tree on Mount Meru visible like a standard to the whole continent. Sec S. M. Ali, Op. cit., chapters V-VII on Fambildoipa, (2) Saka can be identified with Malaya, Siam, Indo-China and Southern China or the South-Eastern corner of the land mass of which Jambidvipa occupied the centre. (3) Kuda included Iran, Iraq, the south-western corner of the land mass round Meru. (4) Plaksa identified with the basin of Mediterranian since Plakta or Pakhara tree is the characteristic of warm temperate or Mediterranian lands. identifiable with Greece and adjoining lands. (5) Puskera covered the whole of Japan, Manchuria and the south-eastern Siberia,16.10-24 101 Lomaharsana said: 10. O sages, please hear as I succinctly relate it to you. A full detailed description of it is impossible even in the course of a hundred years. 11-12. O brahmins, there are seven continents viz—Jambi, Plaksa, Salmala, Kuga, Kraufica, Saka and Pugkara. These are encircled by seven oceans, the briny ocean, sea of the sugar- cane juice, wine, ghee, curds, milk and sweet water. 13, The Jambidvipa is situated in the middle. In its centre, ‘O leading brahmins, is the Meru the mountain of gold. 14-15, Its over-all height is eightyfour thousand Yojanas. ‘Sixteen thousand Yojanas of it constitute the portion beneath the ground. The peak portion extends to thirtytwo thousand Yojanas. At its root the extent all-round is sixteen thousand Yojanas. This mountain stands as the pericarp of the lotus of the earth. 16. The Himavan, Hemakiita and Nisadha are the Varga mountains to itsSouth. The Nila, Sveta and Spagin are the Varsa mountains in the north. 17. The two in the middle extend to a hundred thousand (Yojanas) and others are ten (thousand Yojanas) less. They are two thousand Yojanas in height and girth. 18-24. Bharata is the first sub continent, then is the Kim- purusa Varga O brahmins, these and another varsa viz. Hari- (6) Salmala—the tropical part of Africa bordering the Indian Ocean on ‘the West. It included Madagasgar—the Zenj of the Arab and Persian geo- graphers, the Harina of the Purdgas and the Sarhkhadvipa of some other writers, (7) Kraufica is represented by the basin of the Black Sea. (8) Upadotpas (sub-continents): (1) Bharata (2) Kimpurusa (3) Hari- varta (4) Ramyaka (5) Hiranmaya (6) Uttarakuru (7) Iveta (8) Bhadr&sva and (9) Ketumala. According to P.E. (p. $42) there are eight long mountain ranges which divide the island Jambu into 9 countries which look like nine petals of the lotus flower.The two countries of the north and south extremities (Bhadra and Ketumila) are bow-shaped. Four of the remaining seven are donger than the rest. The central country is known as Ilavrta.102 Brahma Purdga varga are to the South of Meru. Ramyaka is a northern sub- continent. Next to it, is Hiranmaya. The northern Kurus are like Bharata. O excellent brahmins, each of these extends to nine thousand Yojanas, There is the Ilavrta Varga. In its centre stands the lofty golden Meru. O highly blessed ones, the [lavrta Varga extends to nine thousand Yojanas in all directions from Meru. There are four mountains here which stand as the exten- sive supporting pillars of Meru. They extend to ten thousand Yojanas. The mountain Mandara lies in the east, Gandhama- dana is to the south. Vipula is to the west and the Suparva is to the north. There stand the following trees—Kadamba, Jambi Pippala and Vata as the flag staff of mountains. They extend to eleven hundred Yojanas. O excellent brahmins, the Jambi tree gives the name Jambiidvipa to this continent. 25. Each of the fruits of this Jambi tree is of the size of a huge elephant. These fruits fall all over the top of the mountain and get shattered and scattered. 26. By the juice of these, the famous Jambi river flows and it is being drunk by the people staying there. 27. The people there are hale and hearty and sound in mind because they drink it. They never even perspire. No bad. odour comes out of their bodies. They do not experience old age or debility of sense-organs. 28. The clay on the banks gets soaked in the juice. When it gets dry by the gentle wind that blows there it becomes gold. It is called Jambiinada. The ornaments for Siddhas are made thereof. 29. The Bhadrasva subcontinent is to the east of Meru, Ketumila is to the west. O excellent sages, between these two Varsas lies the Ilavyta Varga. 30. The park of Caitraratha is in the east; the Gandha- madana_ is in the south; the Vaibhraja is in the west and the Nandana is in the north. 31. There are four lakes frequented and enjoyed by Devas— the Arunoda, Mahabhadra, Asitoda and Manasa. 32. The Kesara mountains to the cast of Meru are— Santavin, Cakrakumbha, Kurarf, Malyavan, Vaikanka and others.16,33-51 103 33. Trikita, Sigira, Patanga, Rucaka, Nigadha and others are the Kesara mountains to the south of Meru. 34. Sikhivasa, Vaidirya, Kapila, Gandhamadana, Janudhi etc. are the Kesara mountains to the west. 35-39. They are very proximate to the Meru and are station- ed in its belly. Sankhakiita, Rgabha, Harnsa, Naga, Kalafjara etc. are the Kesara mountains to the north. O leading brahmins, at a height of fourteen thousand Yojanas on the Meru is the great city of Brahma. All round it in the eight quarters are the excellent and famous cities of Indra and other guardians of the quarters. Originating from the foot of Visnu and flooding the disc of the moon Ganga falls down from Heaven to the city of Brahma and flows all round. Having fallen there it flows into four streams in the four directions. 40-46. They are Sita, Alakananda, Cakgu and Bhadra in order. The Sita flows along the firmament to the East from mountain tomountain. Then through Bhadrasva, the Varga in the east, it flows into the ocean, Similarly, O excellent brahmins the Alakananda flows to the south, approaches Bharata and splitting itself into seven streams it flows into the ocean. The Caksu crosses the western mountains and reaches Ketu- mala the westera Varga and then flows into the sea. O excellent brahmins, the Bhadra crosses the northern moun- tains and the northern Kurus and then flows into the northern ocean. The mountains Malyavan and Gandhamadana extend upto Nila and Nisadha mountains. The Meru is in the centre of these two. It is stationed in the form of pericarp. The Bharatas, Ketumalas, Bhadrafvas and Kurus are the petals of Loka mountain outside the mountains of boundary. The Jathara and Devakita are the two mountains of boundary. They extend from south to north between Nila and Nigadha mountains. 47-51. The Gandhamédana and the Kaildsa extend from west to east, to eighty thousand Yojanas. They are stationed in the ocean. Nisadha and Pariyatra—the two mountains of boun-104 Brahma Purdga dary—extend from south to north between Nila and Nisadha. They are stationed to the east and west of Meru. The Trigpiga and the Jarudhi are the northern Varga moun- tains. They extend from east to west and are stationed within the ocean; they extend from one ocean to another. Thus, O brahmins, the boundary mountains have been men- tioned by me. They are stationed in pairs within the belly of Meru in all the four quarters. 52-53. Around the Meru the Kesara mountains are situated. They have already been mentioned alongwith Sitanta and others. O brahmins, the water troughs amongst those mountains are very charming. They are frequented by Siddhas and Caranas. The forests and the cities in them are very beautiful. 54, There are excellent shrines of Laksmi, Visnu, Agni, Surya and Indra in them, O excellent sages. They are frequented by men and Kinnaras. 55. Gandharvas, Yaksas, Raksasas, Daityas and Danavas sport about in those charming water troughs day and night. 56. O brahmins, these places are heavens on earth. They are abodes of the righteous. Those who commit sins never go there even after hundreds of births. 57. O brahmins, in the Bhadragva sub-continent lord Visnu stays as Hayasiras with the head of a horse; in the Ketumala he stays in the form of a boar and in the Bharata he assumes the form of a tortoise. 58. Eternal Govinda stays in the Kurus in the form of a fish. Hari, the lord of all, stays everywhere in his Viévariipa (Universal form). 59-62. O brahmins, he is the support of all and identical with all. O excellent brahmins, in the eight Varsas, Kimpuruga etc. there is neither misery, nor fatigue, neither strain nor fear of hunger. The subjects are healthy and sound, free from agony and devoid of distress. They live upto ten or twelve thousand years. No earthly worries such as hunger or thirst assail them, O brah- mins. In these sports there is no such division of time: Krta, Treta, Dvapara and Kali.471-8 105 In each of these Vargas there are seven mountains called Kulacalas.) O excellent sages, hundreds of rivers flow there. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN Jambidvipa Lomaharsana said: 1. To the north of ocean and to the South of Himalayas is the sub-continent Bharata. The subjects are called Bharatis. 2. O leading sages, its extent is nine thousand Yojanas. “This is the land of holy rites to those who opt for heavenly plea- ‘sure and absolution. 3. The seven Kulaparvatas are Mahendra, Malaya, Sahya, Saktiman, Rksa, Vindhya and Périyatra 4, Itis from here, O brahmins, that the heaven is attained; one attains absolution too from here, men attain the state of diffe- rent species of animals or fall in hell from here alone. 5. It is from here alone that men go to heaven or realize absolution at the end of their series of birth. Nowhere else on the -earth are holy rites prescribed for men. 6-8. Listen to the nine divisions of this sub-continent." The are Indradvipa, Kaserumin, Tamraparna, Gabhastiman, Nagadvipa, Saumya, Gandharva and Varuna. 1, KXulaparvatas—Kulaparvata isa chief mountain range. Kulaparvatas are seven in number. Any one of these is supposed to exist in each Varga or -division of a continent. The principal seven ranges of Bharata Vara include (1) Mahendra (2) Malaya (3) Sahya (4) Suktimat (5) Rkga (6) Vindhya -and (7) Pariydtra. (See 17.3) 2, Bhfrata itself is a group of nine islands each separated from the other by oceans and not made easily accessible between each other. They are (1) Indradvipa (2) Kaéeruman (3) Tamraparga (+) Gabbasti (5) Saumya (6) Gandharva (7) Varuna (8) Naga (9) Bharata. In some of the Purdgas, Saumya is replaced by Sishala; in others Simhela is substituted for Gandharva. S. M. Ali identifies the nine islands as follows: (1) Aindra—the Trans-Brahmaputra region. (2) Kaserumat—the coastal plain between the deltas of Godavari and -Mah4nadi. 4106 Brahma Purdne Bharata, the ninth among them, is an island encircled by the ocean. This island extends from South to North a thousand. Yojanas. Kiratas stay in the East, Yavanas stay in the West. 9. Brahmins, Ksatriyas and Vaisyas stay in the centre. Siidras stay everywhere. These people have their means of sub- sistence in sacrifice, battle, trade and service. 10. O sage, the Satadri, Candrabhaga and other rivers have their source at the foot of the Himavan. The Vedasmrti and other rivers originate from the Pariyatra. 11-14, The Narmada, Surasa and other rivers flow from the Vindhya. The Tapi, Payosni, Nirvindhya, Kaveri and other rivers flow from the foot of the Rksa mountain and as it is well known they dispel sin. The Godavari, Bhimarathi, Krsnaveni and other rivers origi- nate from the foot of Sahya. As it is said they dispel the fear of sins. The Krtamala, Tamraparni and other rivers start from Malaya. The Trisandhya, Rsikulya and other rivers have their source in Mahendra. The Rsikulya, Kumara and other rivers flow from the foot of Siktiman. 15-19. There are thousands of tributaries and branches of these rivers. The people of this land bathe in and drink their waters. They are the Kurus, Paficalas, the people of middle land, eastern lands, residents of Kamariipa; people of southern terri- tories such as Paundras, Kalingas and others. The Parantyas westerners) Saurdstras, Siidras, Abhiras, Arbudas, Murukas, Malavas, residents of Pariyatra, Sauviras, Saindhavapannas, Salvas, residents of Sakala territory, Madraramas, Ambasthas, Parasikas and others. They drink waters of these rivers and stay on their banks. They are highly blessed, hale and hearty. (3) Témravarga or Tamraparna (associated with the river Tamraparni)— the sector of the Indian peninsula south of Kaveri river. (4) Gabhastiman—the hilly belt between Narmada and Godavari rivers. (5) Nége—colonies and kingdoms extended all over the mountainous. belt between Narmada ranges upto Chhota Nagpur. (6) Kajaha—Kathiawad region. (7) Sithhala—Ceylon, not mentioned in this Purine. (8) Varuna—the western coast of India. The Arabian Sea has long been. known as the abode of Varuga. (9) Bharata is the ninth division. According to Cunningham Greater India was divided into nine Khaydas.17.20-29 107 20. O great sage, the four Yugas, viz. Krta, Treta, Dvapara and Kali are reckoned only in Bharata and nowhere else. 21. The ascetics perform penance here; the Yajvins perform sacrifices; people give charitable gifts with devotion to obtain heaven. : 22. Here, in the Jambidvipa the Supreme Being is wor- shipped through sacrifices. Itis Vignu who is identified with sacrifice that is worshipped. In other Dvipas he is worshipped otherwise. 23. O great sage, in the Jambiidvipa, it is the subcontinent Bharata which is most excellent since it is the land of holy rites and activities. Others are the regions of enjoyment. 24, Here, O excellent one, after thousands and thousands of birth alone does a creature attain human birth sometimes through the accumulation of merits. 25-29. It is said that Devas sing (its praise thus) :—‘‘Blessed are they who are born (again and again) as men in Bharata which is the source of heavenly pleasures as well as liberation. Holy rites should be performed in utter disregard of their benefits. They must be dedicated to Visnu identical with the Atman. Those who are pure attain birth in the land of holy rites (i.e. Bharata) and get merged into that infinite Being (after death)’. We do know that when the merit that had originally yielded heavenly pleasures subsides, those whoare blessed will be re-born in the land of Bharata and not those who are devoid of intelligence. O brahmins, this Jambidvipa, which consists of nine sub- continents and which extends to a hundred thousand Yojanas has been mentioned by me. O brahmins, the briny sea that extends to a hundred thousand Yojanas and that is like a bangle in shape encircles the Jambi- dvipa externally.108 Brahma Purana CHAPTER EIGHTEEN The Magnitude of Oceans and Continents Lomaharsana said: 1, Just as the Jambidvipa is encircled by the briny sea so also the briny sea is encircled by the Plaksa dvipa. 2. The extent of Jambiidvipa is one hundred thousand ¥ojanas. O brahmins, twice that is cited as the extent of Plaksa- -dvipa. 3-4. Medhatithi, the overlord of the Plaksadvipa, had seven sons. The eldest was Santabhaya by name. Sigira was the next one. Others were Sukhodaya, Ananda, Siva, Kgyemaka and Dhruva. All of them were kings in Plaksa Dvipa. 5. The sub-continents are Santabhaya, Sifira, Sukhada, Ananda, Siva, Ksemaka and Dhruva. 6. There are Varsaparvatas, the mountains demarcating the boundary. They are only seven, O excellent sages. Listen to their names. 7. They are Gomeda, Candra, Narada, Dundubhi, Somaka, Sumanas and Vaibhraja. 8. O sinless ones, accompanied by Devas and Gandharvas the subjects live in the charming Varga mountains and lands. 9. The countries and territories therein are holy. People are born after long periods (of gestation). Neither mental agony nor -ailments afflict them. They feel happy throughout the year. 10. There are seven rivers in these Vargas which flow into the oceans. I shall name them. Their mention dispels sins alto- gether. 11. They are Anutapta, Sikhi, Vipaéa, Tridiva, Kramu, Amrta and Suksta. These are seven rivers there. 12. O brahmins, the mountains and rivers mentioned here -are the main ones. Small rivers and mountains are in thousands there. 13, The people of the region drink waters thereof and feel delighted. Every river, O brahmins, flows downwards and no river flows up. 14. O excellent brahmins, the different Yugas are not xeckoned in these seven climes. The time is perpetually like that of the Treta-yuga.18.15-32 109 15. O Brahmins, in all these continents beginning with. Plaksa and ending with Saka the people live for five thousand years without any ailment. 16-17, Dharma is of four types among them in accordance with the divisions of Varnas (castes) and Aéramas (stages of life). The Varnas are four. O learned men, I shall mention them to you, O excellent sages, they are Aryakas, Kurus, Vivasvats and Bhavins. They are brahmins, Kgatriyas, Vaigyas and Siidras. 18. In the centre, there is a big tree of the size of Jamba tree. It is the Plaksa tree from which O excellent brahmins, the continent derives its name. 19. Hari identical with all, lord of all, creator of the universe is worshipped in the form of Soma (Moon) by those Varnas, Aryakas and others. i 20. The Plakga is encircled by the ocean of Sugarcane juice. It is of the same size as the continent Plaksa and it emulates a halo around it. 21. Thus, O excellent sages, the Plaksa continent has been recounted to you briefly. Now Ishall tell you the history of Salmaladvipa. 22-23. O brahmins, the overlord of Salmaladvipa is the heroic Vapusman. O excellent brahmins, his sons are Sveta, Harita, Jimita, Rohita (Harita?) Vaidyuta, Manasa and Suprabha. There are seven Vargas named after them. 24. The ocean of Sugarcane juice is encircled by Salmala- dvipa twice its size in extent. 25. Itshould be known that there are seven mountains there, the source of jewels. They signify the different Vargas. There are seven main rivers too. 26-27. The mountains are: Kumuda, Unnata, Balahaka, Drona that abounds in great medicinal herbs, Kafka the fifth mountain, Mahiga the sixth and Kakudman the seventh. Now, O brahmins I shall mention names of the rivers. 28. They are Sroni, Toya, VitrspA, Cakra, Sukra, Vimo- cani and Nivytti. Merely on being remembered they quell sins immediately. _ 29-32. The seven Vargas are Sveta, Lohita, Jimiita, Harita,.0 Brahma Puréga Vaidyuta, Manasa and Suprabha. These Vargas contain the four Varnas. O excellent brahmins, in the Vargas of Salmala Dvipa the Varnas stay. They are Kapilas (tawny), Arunas (pink), Pitas (yellow) and Krsnas (black). They are brahmins, Ksatriyas, Vaisyas and Sidras. They worship lord Vignu, the lord of all, the unchanging Atman, in the form of wind. They worship by performing sacrifices. They worship the lord stationed in Yojanas. 33. In this charming place there live Devas. Salmali is the tree which gives the continent its name. 34. This is encircled by the ocean of wine which in extent is equal to Salmaladvipa itself. 35. The ocean of wine is encircled by Kugsadvipa twice the size of Salmala in extent. 36-38. Jyotisman is the overlord of Kufadvipa and has seven sons. They are Udbhida, Venuman, Svairatha, Randhana, Dhrti, Prabhakara and Kapila. The Varsa mountains are named after them. Human beings stay there along with the Daityas and ‘Danavas. So also stay Devas, Gandharvas, Yaksas, Kimpurusas and others. There also live four Varnas interested in carrying out their duties. 39. O excellent brahmins, they are Damins, Susmins, Snehas and Mandehas. They are to be cited in order as brahmins, Ksatriyas, Vaigyas and Sidras here. 40-42. Since their authority declines by the performance of holy rites the people in Kufadvipa worship Janardana as Brahman and dispel Ugra, the fierce deity, the bestower of the benefit of Adbikara. O excellent brahmins, the following are the seven Varsa mountains in that Dvipa:—Vidruma, Hemafaila, Dyutiman, Pustiman, Kuéeéaya, Hari and Mandara mountain. 43-44. The rivers are seven. Listen to their names in order. ‘They are Dhatapapa, Siva, Pavitra, Sammati, Vidyudambhas, Mahi and unnamed river. All these dispel sins of the worship- per. There are thousands of other small rivers and mountains. 45. There is a stump of Kufa grass in the Kuda Dvipa and this gives the continent its name. This Dvipa is encircled by an ecean of ghee of an equal size.18.46-64 MW 46. ‘The ocean of ghee is encircled by Kraufica Dvipa. O excellent sages, Krauficadvipa is another great continent. May the account of the same be heard attentively. 47. It extends to twice the size of Kusadvipa In Kraufica- vipa, Dyutiman is the over-lord and the noble Dyutiman had seven sons. 48-54. The king named Vargas after the names of his sons. ‘They were—Kuéaga, Mandaga, Ugna, Pivara, Andhakaraka, Muni and Dundubhi. O brahmins, these were his seven sons. O excellent sages, there are Vargas, mountains very charm- ing and frequented by Devas and Gandharvas. Now, I shall mention their names, They are Kraufica, Vamana, Andhaka- raka, Devavrata, Dama, Pundarikavana and the great mountain Dundubhi. The latter ones are twice in size of the previous ones. Just as one Dvipa is twice another Dvipa in size, the mountains also are twice in size. In these charming Vargas and on these excellent Varga mountains the subjects live without agony along with the groups of Devas. O excellent brahmins, they are known as Pugkalas and Pugkaras. They are brahmins, Kgatriyas, Vaisyas and Siidras cited in due order. O excellent sages, listen to the names of rivers which they drink from. 55-61. There are hundreds of local rivers but the following Seven are chief:—Kumudvati, Sandhy&, Ratri, Manojava, Khyati and Pundarika. These seven are Varga rivers. The lord Janardana, in the form of Yogirudra is also wor- shipped there by the Varnas, Puskara and others at the holding of a sacrifice. The Kraufica Dvipa is encircled all round by the ocean of the skin of curds of equal magnitude. O excellent sages, the ocean of the skim of curds is encircled by Sakadvipa, whose magni- tude is twice as that of Kraufica dvipa. Bhavya the noble lord of SAkadvipa had seven sons and he gave them seven Varsas. The sons were—Jalada, Kumara, Sukumfra, Maniraka, Kusumoda, Moaaki and Mahadruma. The seven Vargas, are named after their names in due order. 62-64. There are seven mountains in that continent which demarcate the boundary of Vargas. The mountains are Udaya-12 Brahma Purdna giri, Jaladhara, Raivataka, Syama, Ambhogiri, Astikeya and Kesari the most excellent of all mountains. Saka is the great tree here. It is frequented by Siddhas and Gandharvas. On coming into contact with the wind blowing from its leaves, great delight is experienced. 65. Many realms arc there consisting of four castes. Noble: souls devoid of agony and calamity stay there. 66-67. There are highly meritorious rivers here, They dispel sins and fears thereof. They are :—Sukumari, Kumari, Nalini, Renuka, Iksu, Dhenuka and Gabhasti. O excellent brahmins,. there are ten thousands of other small rivers there. 68-70. There are hundreds and thousands of mountains also. Those who are stationed in clouds etc drink joyously the water of those rivers. The realms in the Vargas are equipped with the fourth aim of life (i.e. liberation). The rivers too are holy and they descend to Earth from heaven. There is no loss of Dharma, no struggle, no sorrow. Nor is there any action repugnant to the limits of decency in those seven regions. 71-74. The four Varnas are Magas, MAgadhas, Manasas, and Mandagas. The Magas are brahmias; Magadhas are Ksatriyas; Manasas are Vaigyas and Mandagas are Siidras. Visnu, who has assumed the form of the sun is worshipped by the residents of Sakadvipa by performing appropriate holy rites in the manner they are laid down. The residents have perfect control of their souls and minds. O brahmins, Sakadvipa is encircled by the ocean of milk of the size of Sakadvipa. It is as though encircled by a girdle. O brahmins, the ocean of milk is encircled by Pugkaradvipa. 75-76. Pugkaradvipa is twice asmuchas the Sakadvipa in size. In Puskaradvipa the over-lord is Savana and his sons are Mahavita and Dhataki. The two Vargas are named after them —Mahdvita and Dhatakikhanda. 77. O highly blessed ones, there is only one Varsa moun- tain named MAnasottara. It is well renowned. It has the shape of a girdle. It is in the centre of Dvipa. 78. Itis fifty thousand Yojanas high and extends to many Yojanas. It is cylindrical in shape. 79. This mountain is so stationed that it appears'to divide18.80-94 1g the circular Dvipa in the middle. Hence, the two Vargas aré separated, 80. Each of the two halves is circular in shape and the great mountain is between them. Men there live upto ten thousand years, 81-84. They are devoid of ailments and sorrow. They are free from passion and hatred. O brahmins, there is no distin- ction of the base and excellent, of the killer and the killed among them. They do not have malice, jealousy, fear, fury, defect or greed and similar base qualities, The Mahavita Varsa adorned by the Dhataki-khanda is frequented by Devas, Daityas and others on the Manasottara mountain, In that Dvipa called Puskara there is neither truth nor falsehood. There are neither rivers nor mountains, Men have similar dresses and features. They are similar in form to Devas. 85. The continent is devoid of Varnas, Agramas and the conduct of life as such. It is devoid of holy rites. There is neither the Vedic lore, nor the Science of polity, neither busi- ness manual nar the code of service. 86. Consisting of two Vargas, O brahmins, it is called the terrestrial heaven. The time passes happily with everyone devoid of old age and sickness. 87. Such is the situation O brahmins, in the Puskara, Dhatakikhanda and Mahavita. In the Puskaradvipa the holy fig tree is the excellent abode of Brahma. 88-89. Brahma stays there, worshipped by Devas and Asuras. Puskara is encircled by the ocean of meat, water equal in size and extent to it. Thus the seven Dvipas are surrounded by the seven oceans, 90. The Dvipaand the ocean that surrounds it are equal. The latter one is twice in size as the earlier one. The water in each of these oceans remains always the same in volume. 91-94. They do not become less or more in the manner that water in a pot becomes less when heated by fire. When the moon waxes, the water in the ocean does not114 Brahma Purfga increase, Waters move up or down in the same volume, neither more not less. O excellent sages, during the moonrise and moonset in the two halves of the lunar month the waters of the ocean are seen moving up or down one thousand five hundred Angulas. The diet of the people in the Puskara Dvipa comes to them by itself. 95-99. O brahmins, there the subjects enjoy foodstuffs of all the six tastes always. All round the ocean of sweet water a world is seen station- ed. It is twice the sizeof the ocean. The ground is golden but devoid of all creatures. Beyond that is the mountain Lokaloka extending to ten thousand Yojanas, That mountain is as many thousand Yojanas in height also. Beyond that is darkness. It has encircled the mountain all round. That darkness is enveloped by the cauldron of the Egg (Andakataha). This universe extends to fifty crores of Yojanas along with the Andakataha, Dvipas, oceans and mountains. O excellent brahmins, this earth is the support of all worlds, It is superior to all other creations, it is noble and ex- cellent. CHAPTER NINETEEN The Magnitude of Netherworlds Lomaharsana said : 1, O excellent sages, the extent of the Earth has been related. Its height (above the lowermost of the nether worlds) is said to be seventy-thousand Yojanas. 2-8. O excellent sages, each one of the nether worlds is a thousand Yojanas above the lower one. The seven netherworlds are—Atala, Vitala, Nitala, Sutala, Talatala, Rasatala and Patala.19.9-20 15 The grounds of these nether worlds are black, white, pink, yellow, gravelled, rocky and golden. O leading brahmins, excellent palaces adorn them. In them the communities of Danavas, Daityas and kins, men of Nagas of huge bodies live, O excellent brahmins: Narada who entered the heavenly assembly coming straight to heaven from the nether regions said that the nether worlds ‘were more charming than the heavenly world. There are pure jewels of brilliant lustre which delight the onlookers. The ornaments of the Nagas, the residents of the nether regions shine splendidly in heaven; there is nothing that is equal to it. Who is not attracted and delighted by the right of nether regions which are rendered splendid by the lasses of Daityas and Danavas ? Even a liberated soul is drawn to it. During daytime, rays of the sun spread diffused light but not the glaring sunlight. 9-20. During the night the light of the moon is not utilised for its coolness but only for illumination. Since that passes away is not taken notice of by the Nagas who enjoy with gaiety the foodstuffs and the edibles they con- sume and the great beverages they drink. Nor are Danujas and others aware of it. O brahmins, the forests, rivers, lakes, and lotus ponds, the cooing of the cuckoo and other sweet birds, the pleasing skies, the unguents and the continuous notes and sounds of musical instruments such as the lute, flute and Mrdanga drums, O brahmins—all these and other beautiful things are enjoyed by virtue of their good luck by Danavas, Daityas and Nagas residing in Patala. The Tamasi form of Visnu, named Sesa_ is beneath the lower regions. Daityas and Danavas are not capable of recountig his good qualities. He is honoured by Devas and celestial sages. He is spoken of as Ananta. He has a thousand hoods and he is clearly bedecked in Svastika ornaments devoid of impurities. He illu- minates all quarters by thousand jewels on his hoods. For the welfare of the universe he deprives the Asuras of their prowess, His eyes whirl and rove due to intoxication. He has only one tarring at all times.116 Brahma Purtgas Wearing a crown and garlands he shines like a white moun-. tain aflame with fire. He is clad in bluegarments. He is intoxicated with pride. He is resplendent with white garlands. He is lofty like the mountain of Kailasa where the celestial Ganga falls. He has placed his hand on the plough-share; he holds an excellent iron club. He is attended upon by the embodied splendour of Varuna. At the end of the Kalpa, Rudra in the form of Sankarsana comes out of his mouth, blazing like the flame of poisonous fire and devours the three worlds. He holds the entire sphere of the world rising above like a peak, 21-27. Worshipped by the entire hordes of Devas Sega is stationed at the root of Patala. His prowess, power, form and_ features cannot be described or known even by the gods. The whole of the Earth is turned into pink by the flames of jewels on his hoods. It acts as a floral garland for Sega. Who will be able to recount his prowess? When Sega with his eyes rolling and roving due to intoxication, yawns and stretches himself, the whole of the Earth along with its rivers, forests and mountains, quakes and moves. The Gandharvas, Apsaras, Siddhas, Kinnaras, Nagas and Rakgasas never reach the end of his good qualities. Hence, he is Ananta.He is unchanging. The Naga lasses apply red sandal paste on him as unguent, Wafted by the wind of res- piration it acts as the perfumed powder for the quarters. It was - by propitiating him that the ancient sage Garga understood the luminaries factually and the predictive astrology based on omens. The Earth is thus held on his head by the noble Naga. He: holds universe including Devas, Asuras and human beings.20—1-17 17 CHAPTER TWENTY Hells in nether regions Lomaharsana said : 1, Thereafter, O brahmins, the hells are situated beneath the waters, The sinners are hurled down into them. Now, hear about them attentively, O excellent brahmins. 2-6. They are Raurava, Saukara, Rodha, Tana, Visasana, -Mahajv4la, Taptakumbha, Mahalobha, Vimohana, Rudhir- -andha, Vaitarani, Kymiga, Krmibhojana, Asipatravana, Kysna, Lalabhaksa, Piyavaha, Papa, Vahnijvala, Adhabéiras, Sad- arhéa, Krsnasiitra, Tamas, Avici, Svabhojana, Apratistha and a second Avici. There are other similar hells extremely terrible which fall under the jurisdiction of Yama. They terrify by means of weapons and fires. The persons who are engaged in sinful activities fall into them. 7. He who commits perjury, he who speaks with partiality -and he who utters falsehood falls into Raurava hell. 8, Ovexcellent sages, he who destroys a foetus, he who murders his preceptor, he who slays cows and he who suffocates -others—all these fall into terrible Raurava hell. 9. He who drinks wine, he who slays a brahmin, he who ‘steals gold and he who comes into contact with these—all these fall into Siikara hell. 10. He who murders a king, a Vaifya and a royal soldier, he who defiles the bed of his preceptor and he who indulges in ‘sexual intercourse with his sister—all these fall into Taptakumbha hell. 11. He who sells his chaste wife, he who keeps wine for sale, -he who sells saffron and he who discards a devoted friend or ‘servant—all these fall into Taptaloha hell. 12-13. He who indulges in sexual intercourse with his ‘daughter or daughter-in-law is hurled into Mahajvala hell. He who insults preceptors and elders, he who reviles at them, he who slanders the Vedas, he who sells the Vedas and he who ohabits with the forbidden women falls into Sabala hell, O brahmins. 14-17, A-hief falls into Vimoha hell, so also the person who defiles the liné‘of demarcation of boundary.18 Brahma Purdga He who hates Devas, brahmins and Pitrs, he who spoils jewels—falls into Kymibhakga hell. He who performs an ill-conducted sacrifice falls into Krmiga hell. The base man who takes food prior to Pitrs, Devas and guests falls into Lalabhakga hell. The maker of arrows falls into Vedhaka. hell. Those who make arrows with knots, those who make swords. and other destructive weapons fall into the terrible hell Visasana. He who receives gifts from indecent men falls into Adho- mukha hell. 18. Hewho performs a sacrifice on behalf of a person not entitled to that privilege, he who foretells by studying stars and he who partakes of sweet cooked food all by himself falls into. Kpmipiya hell. 19. O brahmins, the brahmin who sells lac, gravy, gingelly seeds and salt falls into the same hell. 20. O excellent brahmins he who rears or eats poultry, goats, pigs and birds falls into the same hell. 21-22. He who subsists on the stage or the trade of fish, hewho partakes of food from the hand of the bastard, he who administers poison, he who adopts the profession of a spy or a secret informer, he who rears buffaloes, or being a brahmin indulges in sexual intercourse on Parvan days, he who com- mits arson, he who hates friends, he who behaves as a deceptive and he who performs a sacrifice on behalf of all and sundry in the village and he who sells Soma juice falls into hell Rudhir- andha. 23-24. He who destroys honey, he who commits multi- murder of villagers falls into hell Vaitarani. Those who drink semen, those who break boundary lines or flout limits of decency, those who do not observe pollution (i.e. after birth of an infant or death of kinsman) and those who maintain themselves on deception fall into Kycchra hell. He who. cuts off a forest in vain falls into hell Asipatravana. 25. Those who hunt wild goats, sheep, or deer fall into hell Vahnijvala. O brahmins, they too who burn things that should not be burnt, fall into hell. 26. He who commits omissions in the observance of holy20.27-38 119 rites and he who errs while performing duties of his stage (4$rama) fall into Sandarhéa hell and endure its tortures. 27. Those men and religious students who have vowed to celibacy but who discharge semen by day or during dreams, at night and those who are taught by their sons fall into Svabho- jana hell. 28. These are the main hells, there are hundreds, and thousands of similar hells where the perpetrators of heinous crimes are cooked by day and night and tortured. 29, These sins and thousands ofsimilar sins are atoned for by men who are brought to suffering to one or other of these hells. 30. Those who act contrary to the tenets of disciplined life of Varnas and Agramas mentally, physically or verbally, fall into these hells. 31. The gods in heaven are seen by the people of hells with their heads directed above. The gods see the residents of hells far below, their heads directed below. 32-33. The following beings attain absolution in that order:—the immobile beings, worms, aquatic animals, birds, animals, men, righteous persons and Devas. The latter ones of these constitute a thousandth part of the former ones among them. All these, O highly blessed ones, progress till they achieve salvation. 34, There are as many dwellers in hell as there are crea- tures in heaven. He who commits sins but is averse to expiate for them, falls into hell. 35. Holy rites of expiation have been mentioned by great sages in proportion to sins. They have mentioned them being fully aware which particular expiation is capable of quelling the particular sin. 36. O leading brahmins, Manu and other sages have men- tioned rites of atonement—elaborate ones if the sin is elaborate and minor ones if the sin is minor. 37. The acts of expiations are in the nature of austerities or holy rites. Of all of them the remembrance of Sri Krsna is the most effective. 38. After committing asin if a person repents for it, he should remengber Visnu—which is the sole rite of expiation for him. This is the greatest of all holy rites.920 Brahma Purana 89. Remembering Vignu at dawn, night, dusk or midday the man attains Vignu because his sins are immediately quelled. 40. By remembering Vignu his pains and strains perish immediately and they attain absolution. Attainment of heaven is an obstacle into him. 41, O leading brahmins, the benefits such as attaining the statusof Indra as a result of Japa, Homa, worship etc are obstacles to a man whose mind is set on Vasudeva. 42, Where is the attainment of heaven characterised by a return once again to the Earth? Where is the Japa of Vasudeva which is the most excellent cause of absolution (where there is no return to this earth) ? 43. Hence, no brahmin, no man, who remembers Visnu day and night, falls into hell. If he has incurred sins they perish immediately. 44, That which delights the mind is heaven. That which is contrary in effect is hell. O excellent brahmins, good and evil are given the appellations of heaven and hell. 45. The one and the same object is conducive to misery as well as happiness. It produces malice and wrath. Hence there can never be an object solely of the nature of sorrow? 46. The same object generates pleasure at the outset, but later on, it yields misery. The same object causes pain, wrath but later on gives pleasure. 47. Hence, there is nothing which is solely of the nature of sorrow or solely of the nature of pleasure. It is the changed phase of mind that is characterised by happiness or sorrow. 48, Knowledge alone is the greatest Brahman; knowledge alone is effective for removing bondage. The universe is of the nature of knowledge. There is nothing greater than knowledge. 49-50. O brahmins let this be understood that knowledge alone is learning and ignorance. Thus the sphere of Earth has been recounted to you by me. Similarly, O brahmins,I have recounted the nether regions, hells, oceans, mountains, continents subcontinents and rivers succinctly. Everything has been mentioned to you. What else do ‘you desire to know ?211-13 121 CHAPTER TWENTYONE Upper Regions ‘The sages said : 1-2, Everything has been mentioned to us by you. We wish to know further about the upper worlds Bhir, Bhuvar, Svar etc. “We also wish to know how the planets are stationed and what their magnitude is. O highly blessed Lomaharsana, mention these precisely. Lomaharsana said : 3, That area which is illuminated by the rays of the sun and the moon is known as earth. It consists of oceans, rivers and mountains also. 4, The extent and magnitude of the sky is the same as those of the earth, 5. O brahmins, the disc of the sun is stationed a hundred thousand Yojanas away from the earth. The disc of the moon is stationed a hundred thousand Yojanas away from the sun. 6. Full hundred thousand Yojanas above the moon, the -entire sphere of the stars shines. 7. O brahmins, mercury (Budha) is two hundred thousand ‘Yojanas above the sphere of stars. Venus Ufanas is stationed so many Yojanas above Mercury. 8. Mars (Angaraka) is stationed so many Yojanas above Venus. The preceptor of Devas, Jupiter, is stationed two hundred thousand Yojanas above Mars. 9. Saturn (Sauri) is stationed two hundred thousand Yojanas above Jupiter. The sphere of seven sages (the Great Bear), O -excellent brahmins, is stationed a hundred thousand Yojanas beyond it. 10. Polestar Dhruva that is the pivot of entire luminaries is stationed a hundred thousand Yojanas above seven sages. 11. O excellent sages, the three worlds have been succinctly mentioned. This is the ground for the benefit of sacrifice. The sacrifice is established here. 12. The Maharloka is a crore of Yojanas above Dhruva. It is hero thatthe Kalpavasins reside. 13, The -Janaloka is two crores of Yojanasabove Mahar-122 Brahma Purdge loka. It is here that Sanandana and other sons of Brahma live. O brahmins, they are pure-minded. 14, Four times that distance above Janaloka (i.e. eight crores of Yojanas) is the Tapas region. It is there that the gods called Vairajas are stationed. They are devoid of physical forms. 15. Six times that distance above the Tapas region (i.e. 48 crores of Yojanas) shines the Satyaloka. This region releases. one from the bondage of death (that which does not kill again) and is known as the world of Brahma. 16. Wherever there is earthly ground or object thatcan be traversed by foot, it is called Bhurloka. Its extent has been mentioned by me. 17. O excellent sages, the space between the earth and the sun, frequented by the sages, Siddhas and others, is called Bhuvarloka. It is the second of upper worlds. 18, The space between Dhruva and the sun which extends to one million four hundred thousand Yojanas is said to be Svarloka by those who are conversant with the geography of the worlds. 19. This set of three worlds is called Krtaka (artificial) by the brahmins. The three worlds Jana, Tapas and Satya are called Akrtaka (Natural). 20. In between the two, Maharloka is known as Krtaka- krtaka. At the end of a Kalpa it becomes empty but is not annihilated entirely. 21. O brahmins, these seven upper worlds have been men- tioned by me to you as also the seven nether worlds. This is the detailed description of the cosmic Egg. 22. This is enveloped by the cauldron of the Egg (Andaka- aha) all round, at the sides above and below like the seeds of an apple fruit. 23. The Egg is enveloped by water ten times its size. The encircling volume of water is enveloped by fire. 24. O brahmins, the fire is enveloped by wind; and the wind is enveloped by Ether. O excellent sages, the Ether is enveloped by Mahat. . 25, These seven are such that the outer one is ten times the size of the inner one. ‘The Pradhana stands enveloping the Mahat. ;21.2640 123 26. It is infinite and endless. It hasno reckoning since it cannot be measured by any unit, nor calculated by any figure. 27. Obrahmins, it is the cause of entire creation. It is the great Prakrti. There are thousands and thousands of such cosmic Eggs. 28-30. There are eggs like these, crores and hundred crores in number. Just as there is fire in the wood, oroilin the gingelly seed so also the Puruga is stationed in the Pradhana which it pro- vides. He is known as the conscious Atman. O excellent brahmins, the Pradhana and the Puruga are sustained by the Energy of Visnu that is the soul of all living beings. They mix together in their activity. Thus the energy of Vigsnu alone is the cause of separation and integration of Purusa and Pradhana. 31-36. O excellent sages, at the creation of the universe it is the cause of agitation. Just as wind contains chillness ofeach and every drop of water so also the Energy of Visnu contains both Pradhana and Purusa together. A tree with its roots, stem and branches grows out of the first seed. Many seeds come out of that thereafter. From those seeds grow other trees. These have the same characteristics, causes and parts. In the same manner the Mahat etc are evolved, at the out- set from the unevolved Pradhana. From the Mahat to Visega this is the process of creation. Therefrom the gods and others are born. Their sons are born, their sons and grandsons. It goes on. Just as there is no deficiency or decline in the tree due to the growth of another tree from its seeds so also the elements do not dwindle by the creation of other elements. 37. Just as the Ether, time, etc. are as the cause of the tree by their mere presence, nearly so also Vignu is the cause of universe without undergoing transformation. 38-40. In the seed of a grain all these are present in latent form—viz—the root, stalk, sprout, leaf, stem, ovary, flower, milk (soup), rice-grain, husks and the bits of grain. O excellent sages, when all the cemplements of causes for the growth are present, these parts, already present within manifest themselves.124 Brakma Purana In the same manner, the physical forms of gods and human eings are already present in the diverse activities. They grow up, by coming into contact with the energy of Vigsnu. 41-44, That Visnu is the great Brahman from whom this universe evolves, in whom it subsists and in whom it is dissolved. That Brahman is the greatest abode; and the great region beyond Sat and Asat. The universe consisting of mobile and immobile beings is identical with him. He alone is the Primordial Nature. He alone is the universe when his form becomes manifest. In him alone everything is -¢volved and dissolved. He is the agent ofrites; he is worshipped; he alone is the sacrifice and the benefit thereof; he alone is the means of ‘sacrifice. There is nothing which is separate and different from him. CHAPTER TWENTYTWO Pole Star Lomaharsana said : 1, Pole Star is situated at the tail end of the form of lord Visnu in heaven which consists of constellations and which has the shape of Sigumara! (the Gangetic porpoise). 2. He himself revolves and he makes the moon, sun and other planets too revolve. The constellations follow him ina ‘circular orbit. 3. Along with the planets, the sun, moon, stars and cons- tellations are tied to Dhruva by gaseous rows and lines. 4-5. Vignu is the greatest abode. He is the support of that luminous form in heaven with the shape of Gangetic porpoise mentioned above. 1 (the Gangetic porpoise) is a constellation, so called because it isin of a crocodile, It is said to be the starry form of Viggu. At the sided of it is Dhruva which automatically rotates and also makes planets ‘itt the sun and the moon to rotate. Stars follow the self-rotating Dhruva and rotate like a wheel.22.6-17 125 (Meditating on the lord) in his heart, the son of Uttanapada, Dhruva propitiated the Patriarch Brahma and stationed himself at the tail end of the stellar Gangetic porpoise. 6. The support of Sigumara is Visnu the presiding deity of all humanities. The Sigumara is the support of Dhruva and the sun is supported by Dhruva. 7. This entire universe including Devas, Asuras and human beings is supported by the sun. O brahmins, now listen, by what method he supports the universe. 8. For eight months the sun absorbs water in the form of juice. Then he showers water in the form of rain. That gives rise to foodgrains. This entire universe rests on food. 9-10. After absorbing water from the universe by his hot rays, the sun nourishes the moon. By the water-essence passing through the gaseous nerves the moon is held aloft over the clouds having their forms evolved out of smoke, fire and wind. The clouds are called Abhras because they hold waters and do not let them fall off. 11, When nudged by the wind the waters in the clouds fall off. O brahmins, they attain the impressions of previous actions activised by the opportune time, and become pure. 12. O brahmins, the sun-god absorbs four types of waters, viz. those of rivers, oceans, earth and those present in the living beings. 13-14, The multi-rayed sun absorbs water from the celestial Ganga and immediately discharges it on to the earth without allowing it to get entangled with the clouds. O excellent brahmins, the man who has washed the dirt of all sinsdue to his contact with it never falls into hell. Indeed, it is said to be adivine bath. 15. Onseeing the sun, that water falls from heaven without the clouds acting as intermediary. That water from the celestial Ganga 1s absorbed and cast off by the rays of the sun. 16. The water that falls from heaven on seeing the sun during Kyttika and other stars should be known as the water of Ganga poured out by the elephants of quarters. 17. The water that fallsdown during the even numbered (ie. Rohini, Ardra etc) from heaven after being absorbed by the sun is immediately scattered by the rays of the sun.126 Brahma Purdna 18. O brahmins, both of them are extremely meritorious to human beings. They dispel sins. O excellent brahmins, one can have divine absolution with the waters of celestial Ganga. 19. O brahmins, the water that is showered by the clouds nourishes living beings and makes the medicinal herbs grow well. It is the nectar that enlivens all. 20. All kinds of medicinal plants increase thereby. Until they are mature and ripe they continue to be the means to the people. 21. Day by day men with the sacred scriptures as their guides perform sacrifices inthe manner they have been laid down and thereby nourish the gods. 22-23. The entire universe consisting of mobile and immobile beings is supported by rain. Thus the sacrifices, Vedas, castes beginning with the brahmins, Devas, animals and the rest of living beings—everyone is supported by rain. O excellent sages that rain is generated by the sun. 24, Oexcellent sages the support of the sun is the Polar Star and that of the Polar Star is Sigumara and that support of Sigumara is Visnu. 25-26. Visnu is stationed in the heart of Sifumara. He maintains all living beings. He is the primordial cause and eternal. Thus, O excellent sages, the cosmic egg has been cited by me along with the divisions of the earth, oceans etc. What else do you desire to know ? CHAPTER TWENTYTHREE Holy Centres : Their Greatness The sages said : ‘4, O Sita conversent with piety, it behoves you to narrate the tale of holy shrines and centres over the earth. We are in- clined to hear the same.23.2-13 127 Lomaharsana said: 2. He whose hands and feet are clean, whose mind is fully restrained and who has learning, penance and fame, enjoys the benefit of visiting holy shrines. 3. The pure mind is the holy centre unto men. So also the ‘control over speech and the restraint on the sense-organs. There are holy centres present in the physical body itself. They make the man understand the path of heaven. 4. The wicked mind situated within does not become purified by ablutions in the sacred water in the holy centres, like the unclean mudpot of stale liquor which cannot become pure even when washed with water a hundred times. 5. Neither holy centres, not charitable gifts nor holy rites, nor penance groves can purify the man whose mind is wicked, who takes delight in arrogance or who has not conquered his Sense-organs, 6. Wherever a man stays after keeping his sense-organs fully under his control—the holy centres of Kurukgetra, Prayaga and Puskara are present there. 7. Hence listen. I shall mention holy centres and sacred shrines—whatever there are on the earth, O excellent sages. 8-9 They cannot be explained in detail even in the course of hundreds of years. O excellent brahminsI shall mention holy centres of Puskara, Naimiéa forest, Prayaga and Dharmaranya as the foremost among holy spots. There are Dhenuka, Campaka and Saindhava forests. 10. The meritorious Sagararanya forest, Dandaka forest, Gaya, Prabhasa, Sritirtha, and the divine Kanakhala.! 11. Bhpgutunga, Hiranyakga, Bhimakanya, Kufgasthali Lokargala, Kedara and Mandira forest. 12. Mahalaya, Kofitirtha, that dispels sins, Ripatirtha, Sikara and Cakratirtha of great benedfit. 13, Vyasatirtha, Somatirtha, Sakhofakatirtha, Koka- mukha tirtha and the holy Badari mountain. 1, Kanakhala—A holy place of pilgrimage on the bank of Gaigs. Kali- dasa refers to thie place in his Meghadata. This is the place where Daksa Prajapati performed the sacrifice.128 Brahma Purige 14, Somatirtha, Tungakita, Skandaéramatirtha, Sirya- prabha, Dhenusaras and the seventh ayugmika. ? 15. Kotitirtha at Dharmodbhava, the Sarva-kamika-tirtha,. Siryaprabha, Mahakunda and Somabhisecanatirtha. 16. Mahaéstotra, Koraka, Paficadharas Tridhara, Sapta- dhara, Ekadhara and Amarakantakatirtha. 17. Salagrama, Cakratirtha, the excellent Kadalihrada,. Vidyutprabha, Devahradatirtha, and Visnuprabha. 18, Sankhaprabha, Devakunda, Vajrayudhatirtha, Vas- trapada, Barhapada and Lokarohana. 19. Svayamvata, Bhadrabala, Kaugamba, Divakara, Saras- vata Dvipa, Vijayadvipa, and Kamaja Dvipa. 20. (?) Sollayangopacdra, Cavarambana, Pirnavat (?) Snanakunda, Prayaga and Guha Vignupada. 21. Kanyakunda, Vayukunda, Jambimarga the excellent holy centre, Gabhastitirtha and the clean Yayati Pattana. 22. Bhadravata Kofitirtha, Mahakalavana, the great. Narmadatirtha, Tirthabija and Arbuda. 23. The Paficatirtha including Vasisthatirtha, Priyasarh- jfiaka, Varsika and the splendid Pafijiraka. 24. Sutirtha, Brahmarudra, Kanyakumarika, Sakratirtha, Paficanada and Renukatirtha. 25. The pure Paitamahatirtha, the. excellent Raudra- pada, Manimanta, Kamakhya, Krsnatirtha and Kulingaka. 26. Srifakrayajana, Brahmavaluka, the holy Vyasatirtha,. Pundarika and the excellent Manimantha. 27. Dirghamantha, Harhsapadatirtha, Sayana, Dasaéva- medha, Kedara and Tamasodbheda. 28. Rudrakipa, Sarhyamanitirtha. Sarhtravanasika, Sya- mantapaficaka, and Brahmatirtha very pleasing to look. 29. Prthivitirtha, Pariplava, Prthidaka, Dasasvamedhika, Sakgida and Vijaya. 30. The Kofitfrtha at Paficanada, Varaha, Yaksinthrada, Pundarika, Somatirtha, and the excellent Mufijavataratha. 31, The Babiravanatirtha situated in the forest Badari- vana, Svarlokadvaraka and Kapilatirtha, $2. Siryatirtha, Varusthana, Bhavabhavana, Yaksaraksa~ satirtha, and Brahmatirtha the excellent holy centre.23.33-49 129 33. Kamesvara, Matrtirtha, Satavana, the abode of the earthly Harhsa (swan) and the Sarasatirtha. 34. Dagasvamedha, Kedara, excellent Brahmajfia Saptar- sikunda and the well-delimited tirtha of the goddess. 35. Ihaspada (the support here, on earth) Kofikrta, Kirnvana, Kirmjaya, Karandava, Vifvatirtha and another Trivistapatirtha. 36. Panikhatatirtha, MiSrakatirtha, Madhukantatirtha, Manomayatirtha, the divine Kausikitirtha and the excellent Kanyatirtha. 37. The Brahmatirtha, Manastirtha, the sacred holy centre, Saugandhika the holy forest, Manitirtha and Sarasvatitirtha. 38. The most excellent holy centre If4natirtha, the holy Paficayajfiaka, Trigiladhara, Mahendra, and the divine abode Mahalaya, 39. The divine holy centre Sakambharitirtha, Suvarna- khya, Kapimada, Ksirefvara, Viripaksa, Bhygutirtha and KuSodbhava. 40. Brahmavarta, Brahmayoni, the mountain Nilaparvata, the eddy Bhadrakarna and the eddy Sakrakarna. 41. Saptasarasvata, the holy centre of Auéanasatirtha, Kapdlamocana, Avakirna and Paficakatirtha. 42. Catussamudrika, SatkAficanasahasrika, Renuka, Pafi- cakataka and Ainasa-Vimocanatirtha, 43. Sthanuthirtha, Tirtha of Kuru, Svargadvara, Kuéa- dhvaja, Visvesvara, Vamakara and the hermitage of Narayana. 44. Gatgahrada, the holy Vata and Badari, Indramar- ganaksetra and Jirikavasa. 45. O brahmins, Somatirtha, the meritorious Kofitirtha, the holy spot of Kofitirthasthali, an eddy by Bhadrakali. 46. The holy forest of Arundhativana, the excellent Brahmavarta, Agvadevi, Kubjavana and Yamundprabhava. 47. Vira-Pramoksa, Siddhartha, Mayavidyodbhava, Mahahrada, Vetasikaripa and Sundarikasrama, 48. Brahmanitirtha, whichis verygreat, Gaigodbhavasara- svati, Bahukatirtha and Vimalasokatirtha. 49. Gautamitirtha, Airavatitirtha, Satasahasrikatirtha, Kofitirtha ir? the abode Bhartysthina and the excellent Kapili- tirtha,‘130 Brahma Purina 50. The Paficanadatirtha of the intelligent Markandeya, Somatirtha, Sivoda and Matsyodaritirtha. 51. Siryatirtha having the lustre of the sun, the holy forest Somakavana, Arunaspada, Vamanaka and the Siryatirtha abounding in sands. 52, The Tirtha called Avimukta, the Nilakanthahrada, Pigacamocana, and Subhadrahrada. 53. Vimalakunda, Tirtha of Candisvara, Sresthasthana- hrada and Samudrakipa. 54. The forest of Jaigisavya, the forest of Hrsikesa, Ajamu- kharasa, and the whirlpool of Ghantakarna. 55. Pundarikahrada, the tank of Kasthaka, Smasana- stambha, Kumbhatirtha and the Vinay 7 56. The well born of the Siddhas, the holy lake Brahma- saras Bhadravasa, Nagatirtha and Somatirtha. 57. Bhaktahrada, the lake of milk, Pretadhara, Kumara- katirtha, Brahmavarta KuSavarta and the holy centre Dadhi- karnodaya. 58. The great holy centre of Srngatirtha, the excellent holy centre of Mahanadi, the divine lake Brahmasaras, and the holy Aksayavata at Gayafsirga. 59. Gomayatirtha in the South, HayaSantika in the north, Kapilahrada, Grdhrakita and Savitrihrada. 60. The forest Gitavana that destroys sins, Yonidvara, Dhainuka, Dhanvaka, Lohika and Matangahrada. 61. Pitrkipa, Rudrakipa, Matitirtha, Sumalin, Brahma- sthana, Saptakunda, and Maniratnahrada. 62. The hermitage of Mudgala, the whirlpool of Mudgala, the holy centre Janakakiipa, and the holy Tirtha Vinagana. 63. The holy centre Soka, Bharatatirtha, Jyesthalika, Visvesvara of hundredfold merits, and Kanydsarnvedha. 64, Nidhitirtha, Ramabhavatirtha, the hermitage of Vasistha, Devakiita, Devakiipa and the hermitage of Kausika. 65. Kulakargahrada, Kausikidruma, Dharmatirtha, Kafi- canatirtha and the holy centre Uddalaka. 66. Dandatma, Méilinitirtha, Vanacandikatirtha, San- dhya&tirtha, Kalatirtha, Kapilatirtha and Lohitarnava. 67.’ Sonodbhava, Varhfagulma, the centre of Rama Bhan-‘23.68-79 131 gika, Punyavartahrada, Srimattirtha and the hermitage Badari- kaframa. 68. Ramatirtha, Vitasta, Merujatiya, the Rohini and the lake of Indradyumna. 69. Avasarga, Mahendra, Sritirtha and the holy centre Igutirtha, Vargika, and the abode of Kubera. 70. Kanyatirtha, Gokarna, the abode, of Gopati Sarivarta, ‘Vigvasa and the group of seven deep pools named Sapta- godavarihrada. 71. Another Badarihrada, Brahmasthanavivardhana, Jatihrada, Devahrada, and Kufaprathana. 72. Sarvadevavrata, Kanyasramahrada, Maharajahrada, the holy Sakratirtha and Kundaka. 73. Angaratirtha, the forest Rudraranyaka, Medhavin, Devahrada and the holy centre Amaravartana. 74, The holy Mandakinihrada, Kgama, MaheSvara, Gangatirtha, Tripurusa, and Bhimatapdavamukha. 75. Prthukiita, Salvakita, Sopa, Rohitaka, Kapilahrada, Malya and Kapilahrada belonging to Vasistha. 76-79. The eddies, the holy waterspots of Valakhilyas, the seven sages, other great sages and the Akhandita-hrada. The man who is endowed with faith who takes his bath duly in these sacred water spots and holy centres should ob- serve fast and control his sense-organs. He should perform Tarpana rites for Devas, sages and Pits. After worshipping the deities he should stay there for three nights. O brahmins, benefits are derived severally from each of these holy centres. Undoubtedly, the man obtains the benefit of a horse-sacrifice by making journeys to these places. He who listens to this narrative daily, or who narrates this greatness of holy centres is liberated from sins.132 Brahma Purdga CHAPTER TWENTYFOUR A Dialogue between Brahma and Sages The sages said : 1, © Sita the most excellent among the eloquent ones, tell’ us about the most excellent place on earth, that bestows virtue, love, wealth and salvation and that is the most excellent of all holy centres. Lomaharsana said : 2. O excellent brahmins formerly, the great sages asked’ my preceptor this very question that you ask me just now. I shall mention it. 3-8. My preceptor Vydsa, the holy sage was seated in his hermitage in Kurukgetra, The hermitage was rendered splen- did by different varieties of flowers. It abounded in different kinds of trees, creepers and herds of different animals. There were the following trees—Punnaga, Karnikara, Sarala, Deva- daru, Sala, Tala, Tamala Panasa, Khadira, Patala, Agoka, Bakula, Karavira, Campaka and other trees, all in full bloom. My preceptor was an expert in sacred scriptures. He had com- posed the great Mahabharata. He was the foremost among: intellectuals. He was omniscient and engaged in activities con- ducive to the welfare of all living beings. He was engrossed in spiritual quests. He had mastered the Vedas and Vedangas. He had expounded the Puranas and Agamas. He was the son of Paraéara. He was handsome with eyes as wide as the petals of the lotus. The sages of holy rites came there to see the calm sage. 9-14, The following were the sages who came viz.—Kaé- yapa, Jamadagni, Bharadvaja, Gautama, Vasistha, Jaimini, Dhaumya, Markandeya, Valmiki, Visvamitra, Satananda, Vatsya,. Garga, Asuri, Sumantu, Bhargava, Kanva, Medhatithi, Guru Mandavya, Cyavana, Dhimra, Asita, Devala, Maudgalya, ‘Tepabahu, Pippalada,Akrtavraya, Sarhvarta, Kausika, Raibhya, ‘Maitreya, Harita, Sandilya, Agastya, Durvasas, Lomaga, Narada, Parvata, Vaisampayana, Galava, Bhaskari, Parani, Sita, Pulastya, Ulika, Pulaha, Vayu, Devasthina, Tumburu, Sanat- kumira, Paila, Krsna and Krgnanubhautika.24,1526 133 15. The intelligent sage, son of Satyavati surrounded by ‘these and other excellent sages shone like the moon surrounded ‘by the stars, 16. The sage, the knower of the Vedas honoured those ‘sages who came there. They too honoured him in return. “Thereafter, they engaged themselves in conversation. 17. At the end of their preliminary talk the excellent sages, ‘the residents of the penance-groves asked Ktsna (Dvaipayana), ‘the son of Satyavati to clarify their doubts. The sages said : 18. O sage, you know the entire range of sacred lore, viz. the Vedas, Puranas, Agamas and Bharata. You know the past, present and future. 19-21. O excellent sage, tell us. We ask you the highly ‘Pleased soul, the following things on seeing the universe sub- amerging in the ocean of worldly existence without any support and (miserably) unconscious (of the same). This ocean of worldly existence is painful and utterly full of misery. It has no eal substance. It is terrible with passions acting like crocodiles, the objects of sense-organs acting like flood waters, the sense+ organs like a blended mass of whirlpool, the visible objects like ‘hundreds of confused masses of waves, delusion making it turbid like mud. It is impassable, grave and difficult to be crossed due to covetousness. 22. What is it that is conducive to welfare in this terrible ‘world that causes hairs to stand on end, It behoves you to uplift the worlds by offering advice. 23. It behoves you to recount that rare and extremely great holy centre which bestows liberation, We wish to hear about the land of holy rites on this earth. 24-25. It is only by perfectly performing the holy rites on ‘this earth in the manner they have been laid down that a man attains the greatest perfection. By repugnant activities he falls into hell. The intelligent man attains absolution in the holy centre of salvation. Hence, O highly intelligent one, recount -what you have been asked by the excellent brahmins. 26. On hearing the words of those sages of purified souls the intelligent-Vyasa, conversant with the past and future said:134 Brahma Purdea. Vyasa said : 27-30. Listen O sages. I shall mention as you ask, the con- versation that formerly took place between the: sages and Brahma on the summit of Meru that is spacious and bedecked with variety of jewels. It abounds in many trees and creepers rendered splendid by diverse kinds of flowers. There the atmos- phere is full of chirping sounds of various birds. It is literally scattered with animals with a confusing mass of their offsprings. Many wonderful and mysterious things are present there. Rocks and pebbles of different colour lie scattered embellished with minerals and metals of all kinds. It contains several hermitages thronged with sages. 31-33. The four-faced lord of the universe was seated there. He is the source of origin of the universe. Being the lord and. support of worlds, he is worthy of being saluted by all. He was then surrounded by Devas, Danavas, Gandharvas, Yaksas, Vidyadharas, serpents, sages, Siddhas, Apsaras and other heaven-dwellers. Some of them were eulogising him. Some were playing on musical instruments and singing songs in his praise. Others were dancing. 34-35, Thus, when the time was joyous and the living beings had gathered together, when the gentle southern breeze served them wafting the sweet odour from different kinds of flowers, Bhrgu and other sages bowed to lord Brahma.O brahmins, those excellent sages asked the father this very same topic. The sages said ; 36-37. “O lord, we wish to hear sbout the land of holy rites on the surface of the earth, O lord of Devas, it behoves. you to recount the most inaccessible centre of absolution” Vyasa said : On hearing their words, Brahma, the lord of Devas, said to them in reply to the questions they asked, O excellent sages.25.1-13 135, CHAPTER TWENTYFIVE Bharata Subcontinent Brahma said : 1. O sages, you listen to what I am going to say now. It is a splendid ancient traditional account connected with the Vedas. It grants worldly pleasures and salvation. 2. The Bharata sub-continent is the land of holy rites in the whole of the earth. Heaven and hell are the lands for reap- ing the fruit of those holy rites. 3. Obrahmins, by committing sins or performing holy rites in that subcontinent a man necessarily attains the fruit thereof whether auspicious or inauspicious. 4. There is no doubt that by performing their ordained duties in that sub-continent, the brahmins and others of per- fect self-control attain the highest success. 5. Oeexcellent brahmins, in that Varga, a person of self- control attains everything viz. virtue, wealth, love and libera- tion. . . 6. O excellent brahmins, Indra and other Devas have attained the status of a deity after performing splendid holy rites in that sub-continent. 7. Other men too had attained salvation in that Varga. They had control over their organs. They were devoid of passion and indecent rivalry. 8. Those persons who are devoid of ailments and who stay in heaven with aerial chariots had previously performed splen- did holy rites in that land of Bharata and had attained heaven thereby. 9. Devas do always wish for a residence in Bharata that yields the benefit of heavenly pleasures and liberation. They often spoke “‘O when shall we visit Bharata’, 10-13. --O most-excellent one among Devas, it has just been stated by you that except in Bhirata, rites holy or unholy are not conducive to meritorious or sinful results. But it seems likely that holy rites are not enjoined on men elsewhere. Hence, O Brahm, recount Bharata tous in detail, if you are kind to us. O lord, mention everything, how this sub-continent is situated. What are the-continent mountainshere ? What are its divisions.136 Brahma Purdqa Brahma said: 14, Listen, O brahmins, the Bharata sub-continent has nine sub-divisions which are separated by oceans. They are equal to one another. 15-16. They are Indradvipa, Kaseru, Tamravarna (? Tamraparna), Gabhastiman, Nagadvipa, Saumya, Gandharva and Varuna. Bharata surrounded by the ocean is the ninth among them. The island extends from south to north and is one thousand Yojanas long. 17. In the east of it, the Kiratas stay. The Yavanas stay in the west. O brahmins, the Brahmins, Ksatriyas, Vaisyas and Stdras stay in the middle. 18-20. They are sanctified by holy rites and worldly pur- suits as sacrifice, warfare, trading. Their general behaviour is intelligible through their activities, which cause heavenly pleasures and liberation. They incur merit and sin thereby. There are seven Kula mountains viz., Mahendra, Malaya, Sahya, Siktiman, Rksa, Vindhya and P&riyatra. There are thousauds of other mountains nearby. 21-24. They are vast, lofty and beautiful. They are immense. Their ridges are of wonderful and variegated nature. They are Kolahala, Vaibhraja, Mandara, Dardala, Vatadhvaga, Daivata, Mainaka, Surasa, Tumgaprastha, Naga, Godhana, Pandura, Puspa, Vaijayanta, Raivata, Arbuda, Rsyamika, Gomantha, Kptagaila, Sri Cakora and hundreds of other mountains. The populated realms are interspersed with these mountains. The Mlecchas live in parts of this territory. 25-27. Excellent waters of these rivers are drunk by those people. O excellent brahmins, know these rivers. The following rivers rise from the foot of the Himavan :— Ganga, Sarasvati, Sindhu, Candrabhaga, Yamuna, Satadra, Vipaga, Vitast4, Airavati, Kuhi, Gomati, Dhiitapapa, Bahuda, Drsadvati, Devikaé, Cakgu, Nisthiva, Gandaki.and Kaufiki. 28-29. The following rivers originate from the Pariyatra mountain :—Devasmrti, Devavati, Vataghni, (Kali) Sindhu, enya, Candana, Sadanira, Mahi, Carmapvati, Vysi, Vidiéa, Vetravati, Sipra and Dravanti. 30-32. The following rivers originate from the foot of Rkga thountain :—25.33-50 137 Sopa, Mahanadi, Narmada, Suratha, Kriya, Manda- kini, Dasarna, Citrakiita, Citrotpala, Vetravat!, Karamoda, Pisdcika, Atilaghusroni, Vipasa, Saivala, Sameruja, Suktimatt, ‘Sakunf, Tridiva and Kramu. 33-34. The following rivers have their source in the foot- hills of the Vindhya mountain :—Sipra, Payosnf, Nirvin- -dhya, T4pi, Vena, Vaitaran!, Sinivali, Kumudvati, Toya, Mahagauri, Durga and Antabgila. These rivers are splendid and their waters are holy. 35-40. The following excellent rivers originate from the foot of Sahya mountain :—Godavari, Bhimarathi, Krsna- vani, Tuigabhadra, Suprayoga, and PApanasini. The holy rivers of cool waters rising from the Malaya moun- tain are Krtamala, Tamraparni, Puspavatl and Utpalavatt. The following rivers originate from the Mahendra mountain: Pitrsoma, Rsikulya, Vafijula, Tridiva, Langalini and Varhsakara. The following rivers take their source from the mountain Suktiman :—The Suvikala, Kumari, Mandaga, Mandagamini, Ksaya and Payosni. These rivers are holy. They are on a par with Sarasvati and ‘Ganga. They fall into the sea. They are the mothers of the uni- verse. They may dispel sins. O excellent brahmins, there are thousands of other small rivers too. 41-42. Some of them flow during the rainy season (with plenty of water). Some of them are perennial rivers. The Middle lands consist of the following climes :— Matsyas, Kumudamilyas, Kratulas, Kasi, Koéalas, Andhras, Kalingas, Masakas and Vrkas. These are the main realms. 43. That spot of land to the north of Sahya where the river Godavari flows is the most charming in the entire earth. 44-50. The city of Govardhana, the residence of the noble Bhargava is, indeed, very beautiful. The following lands contain Ksatriyas, Vaisyas and Siidras:— Vahtkas,) Ratadh4nas, Sutiras, KAlatoyadas, Aparantas, Sidras, 1. Vahtke-Bahtka, ‘The term refers to the people of Punjab who were shut out by the Sagasvat!, Kurukgetra and other natural features from the central country which remained true to Brahmanism. The term is also applicable to