[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c4.2384 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.2384 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c4.2384 - **Language:** English ### [c4.2384](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2384) 3) In the beginning Mahāviṣṇu (Mahāvirāṭ Puruṣa) spread everywhere. In every pore of that Mahāvirāṭ who was lying on the surface of the water, there was a Brahmāṇḍa. In course of time that Virāṭ obtained mind. That mind stood connected with each of the pores equally. Later from it were formed the "Pañcamahābhūtas". From their combination was formed the Bhūta called "Mahā Pṛthvī". It was cut into many pieces and each of the pieces was deposited in each pore. It was these Pṛthvī pieces which became "Bhūmis" at the time of creation. At the time of the floods, these Bhūmis sank again into those pores as before. In each of these Brahmāṇḍas, there are the earth, mountains, forests, oceans, the seven islands, Himavān, Meru, Sun, Moon, Stars and other planets. Also, each of them has its own Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śiva and other Devas. Since all the different Bhūmis in all the Brahmāṇḍas had been formed artificially, they all perish in the floods. (Devī Bhāgavata, Navama Skandha). - [Previous: c4.2383](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2383) - [Next: c4.2385](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2385) - [Up: c4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4) ## Cites (1) - [Devībhāgavatapurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.upa.sakta.devibhagavata) — Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2384](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.2384) · Pramāṇa