Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c13.2

v1.c13.2

This chapter describes the earth with all its dimensions, area, circumference, the length and breadth, etc. together with the relative dimensions of the four oceans, the Bhūtas etc. and the Mahat. Then follow the descriptions of the seven continents—the Dvīpas, Jambū, Sāka, Kuśa, Krauñca, Śālmalī, Gomeda and Puṣkara with their mountains, peoples and countries. The Jambūdvīpa (where India forms one of the countries) has been described in full detail. After this, on the four quarters of the earth, the existence of the four lokācalas is described. Thus a complete picture of the plan of the earth having been described, the chapter closes with the description of the movement of the heavenly bodies with their number and relative distances, especially of the solar circle.