The Geography of the Puranas c8.1

c8.1

CORRESPONDING to the pattern of the major mountain ranges of Jambū Dwīpa, the Purāṇas give an account of its drainage pattern which, too, is arranged symmetrically round the central pivot, the Meru (Pāmirs). This is bound to be so, since the drainage is naturally guided by the framework of bordering ranges. The Purāṇas, first of all, give an account of the origin of the main rivers which rise in Meru and flow towards the four cardinal points. Then they deal with the course of each of these rivers mentioning the various topographical features which occur in the river's basin from its source to its mouth. Besides these main rivers, the Purāṇas also deal with other rivers and lakes in the various regions of Jambū Dwīpa.