Nandishen Diwakar Chitrakatha 048

Author(s): Nityanandsuri, Chidanandmuni, Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai

Page 35

(MAHAVIDEH AREA )
At the centre of Jambu Dveep, there is Sumeru Mountain (also known as Mandar Parvat) which is hundred thousand yojan in height. It is one thousand yojan deep from the level ground and ninety thousand yojan high. In its north is Neelvant Mountain and in the south is Nishadh Mountain. Between these two mountains is the land inhabited by human beings, bed-like in shape. This area is known as Mahavideh. In its east and west is Lawan Samudra.
Due to location of Meru Mountain, this area is divided in four parts. The area in the east is eastern Mahavideh. The area in the west is Apar Mahavideh. In the south of Meru Mountains is DevKuru and in the north is Uttar-Kuru area. In the east of Meru Mountain is River Sita and in the west is River Sitoda. They flow mid-way in Mahavideh area. Therefore, Poorva Mahavideh is divided in two parts and the Apar Mahavideh is also divided in two parts. Thus, the entire Mahavideh is divided in four parts. Each of these four parts have eight continents called Vijay. Thus, the four Mahavideh area have thirty-two Vijays.
In view of existence of Vaitadhya Parvat in between, each Vijay is divided in tow parts—the Northern area and the Southern area.
Uttar-Kuru—In the north of Meru Mountain there are two great mountains tusklike in shape. They are called Gaj-danta mountains. They are surrounded by land that is called Uttar-Kuru. There Yugaliya human beings reside. A great Jambu tree is located here. So this dveep is famous as Jambu Dveep.
Dev-Kuru—In the south of Meru mountains also, there are two Gaj-danta mountains. They are surrounded by land that is called Dev-Kuru. A great tree known as Koot-Shalmali tree exists in this area just as Jambu tree is in Uttar-Kuru.
For detailed description see Jambu Dveep Prajnapti Vakshaskar 4
(Ganitanuyog-Description of Tiryak Lok)