77 - The Meru Mountain

Rudra said:

1. The middle of Meru, which is considered as the pericarp of the world-lotus, has (a circumference) of one thousand yojanas.

2. Its bottom is (in circumference) forty-eight thousand (yojanas).

3. In it there are thousands of mounts and those at the extremity of the eight quarters are the mounts that indicate the limit.

4. Among these, two named Jathara and Devaküta are on the eastern side.

5. O great Brahmins, listen to my account of this Meru, the golden mountain, in respect of its parts in different directions

6. There are four prominent parts in the four directions and fourteen parts at the top, because of which the earth, with its seven islands, moves. 

7. Its extent is ten thousand yojanas and its vertical and horizontal parts are covered with yellow orpiment.

8. It has caves full of red arsenic and is strewn with golden gems. It has numerous fine mansions and playgrounds.

9. On its eastern part is the mountain Mandara, on its south Gandhamädana, on the west Vipula and on the north Supäršhva,

10. On their peaks are four great trees which are resorted to by gods, demons and Apsarases.

11. At the peak of the Mandara mountain is the big tree called Kadamba with hanging branches.

12. Its flowers have the size of big pots and they blossom throughout the year and have high fragrance.

13. The entire area where its smell spreads is very sacred. 

14. This is the tree of trees and is famous, beautiful and auspicious.

15. Lord Vishnu, meditated upon through efficacious mantras, remains in it.

16. This is also called ‘Bhadräšhva’, because this great god remains in it surveying the whole world.

17. On the peak of the southern mountain is the Jambü tree in a cluster with big branches full of flowers and fruits.

18. From that fall down at the top of the mountain fruits by name Atisa, sweet and fragrant and like ambrosia.

19. From this great mountain arise many rivers which make the places fertile.

20. There we get gold named Jämbünada glowing like fire and used by the gods for their decoration.

21-22. Devas, Gandharvas, Yakshas and Räkshasas drink the juice of the jambu fruit which is like ambrosia and delight themselves in the southern region which is known as Jambüloka. People call it Jambüdvipa.

23. In the mountain Vipula on the south, there is the very big tree called Ašhvattha with a big trunk spreading all around. It is the abode of all noble qualities.

24. It bears beautiful fruits big like pots throughout the year.

25. Because of the flags fluttering in this region, resorted to by Devas and Gandharvas, it is known as Ketumäla (literally one having a row of flags). O Brahmins, listen to this name.

26. At the time of churning the milky ocean, a garland and a banner appeared here and hence it is known as Ketumäla.

27. At the top of the peak of Supärshva we get the big tree Vata.

28. It has got a big trunk; it spreads over three yojanas, grows also downwards and is highly clustered by hanging branches.

29. It bears golden fruits big like pots.

30. Adding lustre to the tree are the mind-born sons of Brahma, the younger brothers of Sanatkumära.

31. They are seven in number and are known as Kurus. They are calm in mind and free from passion.

32-33. They are eternal and they remain in this region which goes by their name. These Kurus are the lords of the region.