The Universal System of Astronomy

Siddhanta Sarvabhauma 8 5

In the middle of the residence known as Vaikuntha original: Vaikuṇṭha; the celestial abode of the Supreme God Vishnu, the Lord who holds the discus, the conch, and the mace traditional attributes of Vishnu—whose prowess is celebrated—is eternally cherished by the Goddess of Fortune. 78-79

From the lotus feet of Vishnu original: Viṣṇu-pada-kamala, the Ganges the holy river Ganga flows down onto the summit of the Golden Mountain Mount Meru. From there, she moves in four directions, filling the lakes situated there. 79

The stream of the Ganga, joining with the red-tinted flow, is named Sita; it passes through the forest of the "Beautiful Horses" original: bhadra-turaṅgamāraṇye; likely referring to the region of Bhadra-ashva and the great lake known as Chakra. Another branch, called Chaksus, flows through the pure land of Ketumala. 80

The branch known as Bhadra, with its continuous flow of water, reaches the northern region of Kuru. That same stream from the foot of Vishnu which flows toward the land of Bharata ancient India is known by the name Alakananda. 81

Even a person who has committed the most strictly forbidden acts, or one who is feared by the gods themselves, is purified by the mere sight of this river. In this world, the Ganga playfully honors both Vishnu and Shiva. 82

In this land of Bharata, between the gate of the Himalayas original: Himādri and the ocean, the dimensions are calculated through measurements of the eastern and western parts. By degrees likely astronomical coordinates involving parts of thirty-two, and seven and a quarter, or eight parts, the boundary is marked. 83

By adding thirteen parts original: atricandra; literally 'sages' (7) and 'moon' (1) interpreted as 13 or 17 depending on the system, but here likely numerical codes and eighty-nine parts toward the ocean, the sign should be fixed. In the interval between these two points, one should mark the boundaries. 85

Toward the east, by the sequence of the movement of the shadows a reference to calculating longitude/latitude using a gnomon, with six and a half units, the expert should draw two signs and create a line between them. 86

Now I shall describe the divisions of the Siddhanta-khanda the geographical sections of the astronomical treatise and their names in their proper order as they have been spoken. 87

According to the sequence of the directions, starting from the East: Aindrata, Tamraparna, Gabhastiman, and the Varuna division. From there, the division of Dharma and Bhagyaka. 88

Then there is the northern Meru-khanda the region of the central mountain. In all of these, various peoples reside. In the very center lies Kumarikakhanda, where the system of social classes is established. 89