Varāha Mahā Purana
86 - Shäkadvipa
Rudra said:
1. Now know about Shäkadvipa. It is double the extent of Jambüdvipa and the saline ocean surrounding it also is double the size. There live in it blessed people, long-lived and free from famine, decay and disease. There are seven major mountains here which have the saline ocean on one side and milky ocean on the other.
2. On the cast is the extensive mountain called Udaya. To the west of it is the mountain named Jaladhära, also called Chandra. Indra drinks its water and then pours it down (as rain). In it there is another mountain called Shvetaka. It has six parts. Here the people play a good deal. There is another mountain called Rajata. It is also known as Šhäka. Beyond it is Ämbikeya. It is also called Vibhräjasa.
3. The same is called Kesari. The wind arises from there. The regions are also known after the mountains, as Udaya, Sukumära, Jaladhara, and Mahädruma as principal names. The other names of the mountains are also applied. In the middle is the Šhäka tree. There are seven main rivers with two names each. These are Sukumäri, Kumäri, Nandä, Venikâ, Dhenuh, and Gabhasti.
Summary of chapter 86 of the Varāha Mahā Purana is as follows:
Maharshi Pulastya delineates the sacred geography of Kurukshetra, providing a detailed description of its nine holy forests, including Kamyaka, Aditi-vana, and Vyāsa-vana, along with its seven sacred rivers. Each forest and stream is protected by celestial guardians and holy sages, offering tranquil retreats for seekers undertaking tapasyā and scriptural study. Visiting these holy groves and bathing in their rivers purifies human consciousness, awakening pure devotion toward Sanātana Dharma.