Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism

Jambu-dvïpa contains nine var•as

(countries), the foremost of which is

Bhärata (India). Bhärata, again, is

subdivided into nine dvïpas, or sec-

tions, of which Indra-dvïpa is the

foremost.

Dyaus (‘sky’, ‘heaven’)

In the Vedas a male deity, called Dyaus-

pitø, ‘heavenly father’, the earth

(PØTHIVÏ) being regarded as mother.

Father of UÆAS, the dawn. Dyava-

pøthivï are the universal parents.

63 Dyaus

SALT OCEAN

Uttara Kuru

Ÿøögavän

Hiraæmaya

Ÿveta

Ramayaka

Nïla

MERU

Naisadha

Harivar•a

Hemaküfla

Kimpuru•a

Himälaya

Bhäratavar•a

SALT OCEAN

SALT

OCEAN

SALT

OCEAN

Ketu-

mäla

Bhadra-

Iläv rata var•a

Gandhamandana

Malyavata

A Puranic model of Jambu-dvïpa. In its centre rises Mount Meru.

Nai•adha

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