The Geography of the Puranas c8.90

c8.90

North of the Hemakūṭa (Kailāsa) range there are numerous lakes so that the whole region is called the lake region of Tibet. But all the lakes in the north-east and east of this region receive the drainage of the surrounding area. There are, however, a few high lakes in the west (north of Hemakūṭa) from which rivers rise and flow towards the west. We should, therefore, look for the 'lake behind Hemaśṛṅga' in that area. In all probability the Lake Sayaṇā or Nāga of the Purāṇas is the Lake 'Nak Tso' which with Pangong Tso forms an extensive water-sheet. From this water-sheet rise a few small streams which join the Shyok at its south-eastern bend and their combined waters flow towards the 'Western Sea'.