The Geography of the Puranas c8.73

c8.73

To the north of Kailāsa, the Purāṇas say, lies a golden-peaked range, rich in red orpiment (harital) below which lies the famous Vindu-Sarovara from which three rivers flow to the east, three to the west and one to the south. They are named as Nalinī, Hrādinī (or Hlādinī) and Pavanī in the east; Sitā, Chakṣu and Sindhu in the west and Bhāgīrathi in the south. This sacred lake is associated with the name of King Bhagīratha who by penance released the Southern River from the wrath of Lord Siva. The relevant paragraphs from the Vāyu Purāṇa which deal with these features are quoted below: