The Geography of the Puranas c7.s4.69

c7.s4.69

(3) It contains mountains covered with herbs, trees and creepers (not snow-covered and bare), a mountain of yellow orpiment (unnata) and a volcanic mountain (Mahisa-Agni) rising out of the sea. Another mountain is ‘Kakudmāna’ also known as the Mandara. It is full of all kinds of minerals and precious stones, and is guarded by Indra himself. The word ‘manda’ means water and since it scatters water it is called Mandara, in the company of Brahmā for the good of the people. The description of the last mountain suggests a higher mountain with abundant rainfall as compared with others and from which water is carried by rivers to other parts of the dwīpa which are less rainy or comparatively dry. Its association with Indra also suggests a long dry season.