Tattvartha Sutra

SR No.: 006796
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sukhlal Sanghavi, K K Dixit
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 596
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Tattvartha Sutra, & Tattvarth
File Size: 10 MB

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TATTVĀRTHA SUTRA
earth. As for its remaining height measuring 99,000 yojanas it lies above the surface of the earth. The 1000 yojanas thick volume lying below the surface of the earth has everywhere a length and a breadth of 10,000 yojanas. But the volume lying above the surface of the earth has in the uppermost portion, where a Cūlikā or pinnacle juts forth, a length and a breadth of 1000 yojanas. Meru has got three sub-divisions. It stands occupying all the three Loka-portions and is surrounded by four groves. The first subdivision is 1000 yojanas thick and lies below the surface of the earth, the second is 63,000 yojanas thick, the third 36,000 yojanas thick. In the first sub-division there is a predominance of pure earth, gravel etc., in the second that of silver, rock-crystal etc., in the third that of gold. The four groves are respectively named Bhadraśāla, Nandana, Saumanasa and Pānduka. After the height of 1 lac yojanas is past there is situated in the uppermost portion a Cūlikā or pinnacle which is 40 yojanas high and has a length and a breadth of 12 yojanas at the bottom, 8 yojanas in the middle and 4 yojanas at the top.
Jambūdvīpa has got seven chief regions which are designated Vamsa, Varsa or Vāsya. Of these, the first is Bharata which lies in the extreme south, north of Bharata is Haimavata, north of Haimavata Hari, north of Hari Videha, north of Videha Ramyaka, north of Ramyaka Hairanyavata, north of Hairanyvata Airāvata. As per the practical rule for determining direction the mountain Meru is situated in a northerly direction in relation to all these seven regions.
Situated in the midst of the seven regions and dividing them from one another are six mountains which are designated
1. The practical rule for determining direction depends on the sun-rise and sun-set. Thus when one stands facing the direction of sunrise one finds that Meru lies to the left hand side and in the North. Now what is the direction of sunset in Bharata that precisely is the direction of sunrise in Airāvata. Hence in the latter region too one who stands facing the direction of sunrise will find that the mountain Meru lies in the North. Similarly is to be understood how Meru lies in a northerly direction in relation to all the remaining regions.