Bhārata-varṣa

One of the nine land divisions (varṣas) of Jambūdvīpa, situated to the South of Mount Meru, marked by Himālaya mountain range in the North and Salt Water Ocean in the South.

Disambiguation
The part of Jambūdvīpa to the south of Niṣadha mountains, consisting of Bhārata-varṣa, Kimpuruṣa and Hari varṣas, is sometimes combinedly also called Bhārata-varṣa or, alternatively, the southern half of Jambūdvīpa. Thus, Bhārata (including, in this context, Bhārata, Kimpuruṣa and Hari varṣas), Kuru (including, in this context, Kuru, Hiraṇmaya and Ramyaka varṣas), Ketumāla and Bhadrāśva varṣas are described as 4 petals of Jambūdvīpa with Mount Meru as its pericarp.

Shape
Being the southernmost part of the circular Jambūdvīpa, bound by straight Himālaya mountain range on one side, Bhārata-varṣa is bow-shaped.

Size North to South
9,000 yojanas

Size East to West
From one side of the Jambūdvīpa island to another.

The Unique Position of Bhārata-varṣa
Of all the planets and regions of the universe, Bhārata-varṣa is the only place of fruitive activities. Other varṣas of Jambūdvīpa are eartlhly heavens (bhauma-svarga) where people returning from heavenly planets enjoy the remaining results of their pious activities.

Inhabitants Worship the Lord
In Bhārata-varṣa, the Lord has appeared at Badarikāśrama as Nara-Nārāyaṇa Ṛṣi. They are engaged in austerities and teach their devotees how to achieve self-realization. Nārada Muni, the author of Nārada Pañcarātra, has taught the principles described in his book to Sāvarṇi Manu, instructing those inhabitants of Bhārata-varṣa who follow varnāśrama-dharma on how to achieve devotional service. Nārada Muni and other inhabitants of Bhārata-varṣa engage always in the service of Nara-Nārāyaṇa Ṛṣi. Their prayers are described in detail in Śrīmad Bhāgavatam Canto 5, Chapter 19, verses 11-15