A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.544

c5.544

DWĪPA. An insular continent. The Dwīpas stretch out from the mountain Meru as their common centre, like the leaves of a lotus, and are separated from each other by distinct circum-ambient oceans. They are generally given as seven in number:—1. Jambu, 2. Plaksha or Go-medaka, 3. Sālmala, 4. Kusa, 5. Krauncha, 6. Sāka, 7. Pushkara; and the seas which surround them are—1. Lavana, salt water; 2. Ikshu, sugar-cane juice; 3. Surā, wine; 4. Sarpis or Ghrita, clarified butter; 5. Dadhi, curds; 6. Dugdha or Kshīra, milk; 7. Jala, fresh water. In the Mahā-bhārata four Dwīpas are named:—1. Bhadrāswa, 2. Ketu-māla, 3. Jambu-dwīpa, 4. Uttara Kuru. Jambu-dwīpa has nine varshas or subdivisions:—1. Bhārata, 2. Kim-purusha, Kin-nara, 3. Hari-varsha, 4. Ilā-vrita, which contains Meru; 5. Ramyaka, 6. Hiran-maya, 7. Uttara Kuru, 8. Bhadrāswa, 9. Ketu-māla. According to the Vishnu Purāna, Bhārata-varsha or India is divided into nine Dwīpas or portions:—1. Indra-dwīpa, 2. Kaserumat, 3. Tāmra-varna, 4. Gabhastimat, 5. Nāga-dwīpa, 6. Saumya, 7. Gāndharva, 8. Vāruna; 9. is generally left without a name in the books, but Bhāskara Āchārya calls it Kumāraka.