Geography of Ancient India
The study of geography in the Hindu tradition, particularly as described in the Purāṇas, encompasses a vast and intricate cosmological framework that situates the earthly realm within a series of concentric islands and oceans surrounded by celestial and infernal spheres. This system, known as the structure of the Brahmāṇḍa or the cosmic egg, describes the physical and metaphysical dimensions of the universe. The total extent of the earth is defined as being fifty crore yojanas in width.
The Concentric Islands and Oceans
The terrestrial geography is defined by the Sapta-dvīpa or seven islands, each separated by a Sapta-sāgara or seven distinct oceans. These islands and oceans are arranged in concentric circles, with each successive island and ocean doubling in width compared to the one before it.
Jambūdvīpa and the Salt Ocean
Jambūdvīpa is the innermost island and the center of the world system, possessing a width of 100,000 yojanas. It is surrounded by the Lavaṇoda-sāgara, an ocean of salt water that also spans 100,000 yojanas. This island serves as the primary location for the human experience and contains the pivotal Mount Meru.
Plakṣadvīpa and the Sugarcane Ocean
Surrounding the Salt Ocean is Plakṣadvīpa, which has a width of 200,000 yojanas. This island is named after a massive Plakṣa tree and is itself surrounded by the Ikṣuroda-sāgara, an ocean consisting of sugarcane juice.
Śālmaladvīpa and the Wine Ocean
The third island is Śālmaladvїpa, which is 400,000 yojanas wide. It contains a large Śālmali tree and is encircled by the Suroda-sāgara, a vast ocean of wine or liquor.
Kuśadvīpa and the Ghee Ocean
Kuśadvīpa is the fourth island, measuring 800,000 yojanas in width. It is characterized by the presence of the Kuśa grass and is surrounded by the Ghṛtoda-sāgara, an ocean of clarified butter.
Krauñcadvīpa and the Curd Ocean
The fifth island, Krauñcadvīpa, reaches 1,600,000 yojanas in width. It is surrounded by the Dadhyoda-sāgara, an ocean comprised of curd or yogurt.
Śākadvīpa and the Milk Ocean
Śākadvīpa is the sixth island, spanning 3,200,000 yojanas. It contains a great Śāka tree and is encircled by the Kṣīroda-sāgara, the famous ocean of milk.
Puṣkaradvīpa and the Fresh Water Ocean
The final and outermost island is Puṣkaradvīpa, which has a width of 6,400,000 yojanas. It is surrounded by the Svādūda-sāgara, an ocean of sweet or fresh water that has a width equal to that of the island itself.
External Boundaries
Beyond the Fresh Water Ocean lies a series of boundaries that separate the habitable world from the edge of the universe.
The Golden Land
A vast region known as the Kāñcanī-bhūmi or Golden Land exists beyond the final ocean. This land is described as having a surface smooth as a mirror, where any object dropped is lost from view. No living beings reside in this area.
The Lokāloka Mountain
The Golden Land is bounded by the Lokāloka-parvata, a massive mountain range that is 10,000 yojanas high and wide. This mountain acts as a barrier that prevents the light of the Sun, Moon, and stars from reaching the outer regions of the universe. On one side of this mountain, there is light (Loka), and on the other, there is perpetual darkness (Aloka). Traditionally, these are the boundary of the observable universe.
Vertical Realms of the Universe
Hindu geography also accounts for a vertical structure consisting of several distinct layers or planes of existence.
The Upper Worlds (Ūrdhva-loka)
Above the earth (Bhūrloka), there are six primary upper worlds: Bhuvarloka (the atmosphere), Svarloka (heaven), Maharloka, Janaloka, Tapoloka, and Satyaloka (the realm of Brahmā). These realms are inhabited by various classes of celestial beings, sages, and deities.
The Lower Worlds (Adho-loka)
Beneath the surface of the earth are the seven lower regions known as the Pātālas: Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Talātala, Mahātala, Rasātala, and Pātāla. These are often described as Bila-svarga or subterranean heavens, filled with great riches and inhabited by Daityas, Dānavas, and Nāgas. Below these realms lies the serpent Ananta or Śeṣa, who supports the entire earth on his thousand heads.
Celestial Bodies
The Sun (Sūrya), Moon (Candra), and planets are situated at specific distances above the earth within the Bhuvarloka and Svarloka. The Sun is positioned 100,000 yojanas above the earth, with the Moon another 100,000 yojanas above the Sun. All these celestial bodies, including the Nakṣatras or constellations, are anchored to the Dhruva or Pole Star by invisible bonds of wind. These bodies move in circular paths around the central axis defined by Mount Meru and Dhruva.