Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 550

Sec. 11]
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
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It is further stated that there is in the Cwla Himavanta a large lotus lake from the four outlets of which flow the four great rivers, viz. Gangā, Rohita (Brahmaputra), Sindhu and Harikāntā (not definitely identified).'
A similar account of the conception of the world, Jambūdvīpa and Bhāratavarsa as given in the Bhs and the Jambuddīvapannatti is also found in the Brāhmanical and Buddhist works with some differences.
According to the Brāhmaṇical works the world is conceived of as containing seven concentric island-continents (Saptadvīpā Vasumatī),* (Saptadvīpāvati Mahī), demarcated by the encircling seas which increased double as compared with each preceding one (dviguņair věddhyā sarvataḥ pariveșțitāḥ)."
In some texts the number is increased to nine "Sasāgarā navadvīpā dattā bhavati Medinī” or to thirteen (trayodaśā samudrasya dvīpānaśuan purūravā”) or decreased to four.?
According to the earlier and later texts and commentaries the world consists of four islands, viz. Jambūdvīpa, Pūrvavideha, Aparagodāna, and Uttarakuru.8
Jambūdvīpa appears with Sineru (Sumeru) in the centre of all Pîrvavideha (eastern continent) is situated to the east of
Sineru, Aparagodāna (the western continent) to the west, Uttarakuru or northern continent to the north and the Jambūdvipa (southern continent) to the south.
1 Jambuddiva-Pannatti, IV 34. 35; Vide, Dr. B, C. Law's
India as described in the early texts of Buddhism & Jainism. Patanjali Mahābhāsya, Kielhorn's Ed. Vol. 1, p. 9; Vide,
Studies in Indian Antiquites, 6th Ch. P. 65. 8 Brahmānda Purāna.-37. 13; Vide, Studies in Indian Anti
quties, Ch. VI; P. 65. Märk. P. Ch. 54.7. 4 Vide, Studies in Indian Antiquities, Dr. H.C. Ray Chaudhuri, 6th Ch., P. 65.
5 Padmapurana. Sarga, VI, I, 26. 8 Mahābharata, 1, 74, 19 with Nilakantha Sastri's commentary. 7 Mahabharuia, VI, 6, 13., Vide, Studies in Ihdian Antiquities,
6th Ch., P. 65. 8 Vide, India as described in the early texts of Buddhism &
Jainism. 9 Dr, B. C. Law: Geography of Early Buddhism p. xvi.