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Welcome to the Illustrated Encyclopedia of Purāṇic Geography!
Purāṇas, the ancient scriptures of India, describe the geography of our planet and other parts of the universe in great detail. Many locations mentioned there can be identified as physical locations on our Earth in these modern times, while others apparently describe inaccessible higher dimensions. This Wiki is dedicated to documenting the various geographical terms mentioned in the 18 main Purāṇas, with references (where applicable) to other scriptures, such as the 4 Vedas and Itihāsas, namely Rāmāyana and Mahābhārata.

Why Study the Geography of the Universe?
"When the mind is fixed upon the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His external feature made of the material modes of nature — the gross universal form — it is brought to the platform of pure goodness. In that transcendental position, one can understand the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vāsudeva, who in His subtler form is self-effulgent and beyond the modes of nature. O my lord, please describe vividly how that form, which covers the entire universe, is perceived."

"There is no limit to the expansion of the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s material energy. This material world is a transformation of the material qualities, yet no one could possibly explain it perfectly, even in a lifetime as long as that of Brahmā. No one in the material world is perfect, and an imperfect person could not describe this material universe accurately, even after continued speculation. O King, I shall nevertheless try to explain to you the principal regions, such as Bhūloka, with their names, forms, measurements and various symptoms."

Main Pages
Bhū-maṇḍala

Jambūdvīpa

Bhārata-varṣa

Gaṅgā River

The Qualifications and Mood Required for the Understanding of Purāṇic Geography
In the study of Purāṇic Geography there are many things which are beyond our perception and ordinary understanding. The knowledge and understanding of such things can only be gained through submissive hearing from authorities, the great sages and devotees, in a mood of service. In Vāyu Purāṇa 34.6-8, Sūta, the narrator, upon being requested to describe the Earth's geography in detail, states:

"Man tries to know them through logic, but logic should not be applied to know a thing which is beyond our grasp. That which is eternal and superior to prakṛti cannot be subjected to logic. Here, logic does not work."

For visitors of this wiki
This Encyclopedia has been started recently and its contents will be developed gradually over time. Don't be discouraged if you don't find something you are looking for.

Would you like to contribute?
If you are a serious student of the Purāṇas with some special interest in their geography, you are welcome to become a contributor to this Wiki.