Aśmanagara (aśman means stone, crystal) is the capital of Varuṇa, deep in pātāla. The Vishṇu Dharmottara Purāṇa describes it as a city built wholly of vaidūrya crystal. Ordinary beings cannot see it. It can be seen only by the grace of Mahādeva and the divine power that grace gives.

The city is full of nāgas, daityas, dānavas, and the great rivers in living form. Paraśurāma went there, at the command of Bhagavān Śiva, to slay the daitya Āyaśśaṅku. He won the fight and learned dharmas from Varuṇa.

Where it lies and what it is

Aśmanagara lies in the depths of pātāla. One reaches it by crossing the western ocean and going down into its lower regions. The city is built entirely of crystal stone (aśman), and this is how it got its name. It shines at all times like a gem.

It is hidden from ordinary beings. They can see it only through the grace of Mahādeva and the divine power which that grace gives. Paraśurāma reached it after he crossed the ocean. Jamadagni had told him to travel west along the western ocean route to Varuṇa-loka.

Great elephants wait on the city, nāgas crowd it, and it is full of daitya and dānava kings. Fierce asuras live there. Yet it is also a seat of dharmic rule under Varuṇa.

(Vishṇu Dharmottara Purāṇa, Pūrvārdha, Chapter 68.)

Varuṇa’s court

In Aśmanagara stands Varuṇa’s court, a hall of jewelled pillars and pavilions set with gems. Varuṇa sits on a throne of gems. He wears blazing ear-ornaments. His body glows with the smooth light of vaidūrya stone. He is dressed in white silk, with strings of gems hanging from his shoulders, and he is crowned and majestic. The nāgas surround him. He is the lord of all waters and of all living beings in them. He is an aṃśa-mūrti of Vishṇu, with wide lotus eyes.

The great rivers of the world all appear in divine forms in his court, holding cāmara fans. They are Gaṅgā, Sarasvatī, Vitastā, Irāvatī, Candrabhāgā, Śarmatā, Mahānadī, Payoshṭī, Brāhmaṇī, Gauryā, Vipāśā, Devikā, Śatadru, Kampanā and Sindhu. Lakes, wells, tanks, oceans and all other waters also appear in living form and wait on the lord of the west.

The foremost nāgas serve in the assembly: Vāsuki, Śaṅkha, Kuru, Padma, Mahāpadma, Karkoṭaka, Dhanañjaya, Airāvata and Takshaka. Fierce daityas and dānavas fill the outer courts. Among them are Sunda, Upasunda, Śambara, Hayagrīva, Mahāgrīva, Daśagrīva, Devāntaka, Bhīma, Bhīmāksha, Naraka and many others.

(Vishṇu Dharmottara Purāṇa, Pūrvārdha, Chapter 69.)

Paraśurāma’s visit

Paraśurāma came to Aśmanagara with the Vaishṇava bow, at the command of Bhagavān Śiva. Varuṇa received him with full honours: pādya, arghya, ācamanīya and all the other upacāras (offerings of welcome). Paraśurāma told his purpose. He had come to destroy the daityas who were causing harm in Varuṇa’s realm. Varuṇa agreed. He had heralds announce through the city that Paraśurāma had come seeking battle.

Paraśurāma slew the daitya chief Āyaśśaṅku, and the enemy army fled back into the city. Varuṇa then came out with his sons and grandsons to welcome Paraśurāma in person. The roads were sprinkled with sandalwood water and decked with garlands of flowers. Incense was carried through all the quarters. Varuṇa seated Paraśurāma on his own chariot and led him into the city. Divine music played, apsarās showered flowers, and gandharvas sang. Sūtas and māgadhas sang his praise.

Paraśurāma rested in Varuṇa’s palace and learned dharmas from Varuṇa. During this stay Paraśurāma composed his Varuṇa Stotra. Varuṇa told him of his three cosmic homes: the ocean; a city on Meru built by the devas; and a third home on the peak of Mānasoṭṭara. Through his prākāmya siddhi, Varuṇa lives in all three at the same time.

(Vishṇu Dharmottara Purāṇa, Pūrvārdha, Chapters 69–71.)

Sources

Vishṇu Dharmottara Purāṇa, Pūrvārdha, Chapters 68–71