Jambudvipa

Chapter 16

In Canto Five, Chapter 1, Sukadeva Goswami explained how Priyavrata’s chariot had followed the suns and created seven impressions that became the seven oceans, and subsequently divided Bhu-mandala into seven islands. On Maharaja Pariksit’s request he elaborated on this complex subject matter.

In the centre of Bhu-mandala is the circular ‘island’ of Jambudvipa, with its nine varsas. Sukadeva Goswami offered a detailed description of Ilavrta-varsa and its various lakes, gardens, trees and rivers. In the centre of Jambudvipa stands the cone-shaped Sumeru Mountain, which represents the world axis and is surmounted by the city of Brahma, the universal creator.