The Geography of the Puranas c7.s5.44

c7.s5.44

(3) The sides of Meru are extremely precipitous. In other words the vast plateau is bounded on all sides by steep escarpments, so that ascent to the top of the plateau from any point on the base is not only difficult but very nearly impossible. The Purāṇas emphasise this steepness by saying very aptly and concisely that the shape of Meru resembles a cylinder. This will happen if the escarpment is just steep. In places where it overhangs it would give the impression of an inverted cone—with a smaller base and a wider top. If the escarpment has a convex profile, it at once brings to the observer's mind the shape of a drum.