Hiraṇmaya Varsha is a holy varsha (region) of Jambū Dvīpa. It lies between the Nīla and Nishadha mountains, and the river Hiraṇyavatī flows through it. It is the home of Garuḍa, the king of birds. The Bhīshma Parva of the Mahābhārata says its people are wealthy, noble and strong, and that they live for twelve thousand five hundred years.

Location

Hiraṇmaya Varsha lies between the Nīla mountain to the north and the Nishadha mountain, in the northern run of the varshas of Jambū Dvīpa. The river Hiraṇyavatī (the golden river) flows through it.

The home of Garuḍa

The chief mark of Hiraṇmaya Varsha is that Garuḍa (Garutmān) lives here for all time. He is the king of birds and the vāhana (carrier) of Bhagavān Vishṇu. The Bhīshma Parva says clearly that the great pākshirāja (king of birds) Garuḍa lives in Hiraṇmaya Varsha:

pakshulalō uttamuḍaina garutmantaḍu nivasistunaḍu.

This means: Garutmān, the best of the birds, lives here.

The people of Hiraṇmaya

Sañjaya describes the people of Hiraṇmaya Varsha.

They offer pūjā to the yakshas (dhana-devatās, the devas of wealth).
They are wealthy and well-off (dhanavantulu).
They are pleasant to look at (priya-darśanulū).
They are very strong (mahā bala vantulu).
They are always happy and calm of mind (prasanna cittulū).

They live for twelve thousand five hundred years.

Sources

Mahābhārata, Bhīshma Parva, Chapter 8