Jambūdvīpa

The central island of Bhū-maṇḍala.

Shape and Size
Jambūdvīpa is said to be circular shape ('round like a lotus leaf) measuring 100,000 yojanas across.

The 9 Divisions (Varṣas) of Jambūdvīpa
There are 9 regional divisions (varṣas) in Jambūdvīpa:


 * 1) Ilāvṛta-varṣa
 * 2) Ketumāla-varṣa
 * 3) Bhadrāśva-varṣa
 * 4) Ramyaka-varṣa
 * 5) Hiraṇmaya-varṣa
 * 6) Kuru-varṣa
 * 7) Hari-varṣa
 * 8) Kimpuruṣa-varṣa
 * 9) Bhārata-varṣa

The 8 Great Mountain Ranges of Jambūdvīpa
The above mentioned varṣas are separated by 8 great mountain ranges (maryādā-parvatas):


 * 1) Nīla
 * 2) Śveta
 * 3) Śṛṅgavān
 * 4) Niṣadha
 * 5) Hemakūta
 * 6) Himālaya
 * 7) Mālyavān
 * 8) Gandhamādana

Mount Meru and Surrounding Mountains
Mount Meru is the greatest mountain of Jambūdvīpa and Bhū-maṇḍala, fixed in its center and holding the Earth in its place. There are many other mountains surrounding Mount Meru, including:


 * 1) 4 Pillar Mountains
 * 2) Filament Mountains
 * 3) 8 Prominent Mountains

The Four Branches of Gaṅgā
In Lord Brahmā's town on the top of Mount Meru Gaṅgā divides into 4 branches, which flow down to the Salt Water Ocean in 4 cardinal directions, through the various varṣas of Jambūdvīpa. Their names are:


 * 1) Sītā;
 * 2) Alakanandā;
 * 3) Cakṣu;
 * 4) Bhadrā.