The Universal System of Astronomy

Located between the Malyavan mountains is the region of Ilavrta covered and surrounded?, a place crowded with the playgrounds of the immortals original: amarakehlikulāyasāmakulaṃ; referring to the gardens where the gods sport situated upon a beautiful golden surface of the earth. 66

Here indeed is Mount Meru the sacred five-peaked mountain of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist cosmology that is considered to be the center of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes standing in the very center, composed of gold and jewels, the abode of the gods. Here, the experts in the Puranas scholars of ancient Indian chronicles and lore beautifully describe its origins and nature. 67

Mandara, Gandhamadana, Vipula, and Suparshva—these are the supporting mountains of Meru, located in the directions starting from the East. 68

In sequence, there are the great trees known as the Kadamba, Jambu, Pippala, and Vata the Rose-apple, Fig, and Banyan trees that mark the four quarters which are situated on the northern landmass of the island; this is the true greatness of that land. 69

From the crushing of the mountain-sized Rose-apple fruits Jambu-phala flows the Jambu River, full of sweet juice. The mud of its banks turns into Jambunada gold a legendary variety of gold said to be produced by the river’s sediment; the hosts of gods and perfected beings Siddhas constantly drink from it, turning away even from the desire for celestial nectar. 70

The celestial forests of Chaitraratha, Nandana, and then Savita-bhadra and Vaibhraja are found there; these are the most beautiful groves found in succession in these regions. 71

There is the lake known as Arunoda, and then the Great Lake Mahabhadra, and the lake of white waters Shitoda. At these lakes, the wives of the gods and the celestial beauties, Apsaras, who are weary from play, take delight in their desire for water-sports. 72

Upon the summit of Meru is the City of Indra Shakrapuri in the East, known as Amaravati. In the direction of the Fire-god Southeast is Tejovati, the city of Agni. Then there is the city of Yama the Lord of Death, 73

which is called Samyamini. In the Southwest direction belonging to the guardian Nirriti is the city of Krishnangana. In the West is the city of Varuna the Lord of Waters called Shraddhavati. 74

In the Northwest is the city named Gandhavati belonging to Vayu the Wind-god. In the North is Mahodaya, the city belonging to Kubera the God of Wealth. In the Northeast direction belonging to Ishana Shiva is the city called Yashovati. 75

In the middle of this Golden Mountain dwell other gods and perfected beings. There, the sun perpetual = remains fixed at the first point of Aries Meshadi; the vernal equinox on the ecliptic the sun's annual path, which makes the day [constant] for the gods. 76

The mountain has three beautiful golden peaks. Thus Mount Meru is described with its moving slopes. On one of its high summits, there is a golden region that touches the very sky...