Section XI - Dimensions and Extent of Jamvukhanda and Sakadvipa - Description of Islands and Mountains
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XI including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
The story begins with Dhritarashtra asking Sanjaya to describe the dimensions and extent of various islands, including Jamvukhanda, Sakadvipa, Kusadvipa, Salmalidvipa, and Kraunchadvipa, as well as the oceans surrounding them. Sanjaya describes Sakadvipa in detail, mentioning seven mountains adorned with jewels and rivers with sacred water. The people of Sakadvipa are described as righteous, long-lived, and virtuous, living harmoniously in different provinces dedicated to different occupations. The island is said to be free from theft and filled with sacred rivers like Ganga, where even the gods come to worship.
Sanjaya goes on to describe the seven mountains of Sakadvipa, including Meru, Malaya, Jaladhara, Raivataka, Syama, Durgasaila, and Kesari, each with unique characteristics and qualities. The Varshas in Sakadvipa are named after these mountains, with each Varsha having its own distinct features and inhabitants. The people in Sakadvipa are described as fair, dark, and a mix of both races, living peacefully and following their respective occupations without any instances of theft. Rivers like Sukumari, Kumari, Seta, and many others flow in abundance, with sacred water that even Indra draws for showering as rain.
In the midst of Sakadvipa lies a large tree called Saka, which is revered by the inhabitants and visited by Siddhas, Charanas, and celestials. Four sacred provinces exist in the island - the Mrigas, Masakas, Manasas, and Mandagas - each inhabited by people of different orders devoted to their duties and living in harmony. The provinces have no kings or punishment, as the people rely on their adherence to duty and protection of one another for maintaining order. Sakadvipa is depicted as a land of abundance, virtue, and peace, where divinity and earthly life coexist harmoniously.
Full English translation:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section XI - Dimensions and Extent of Jamvukhanda and Sakadvipa - Description of Islands and Mountains, have a look at the following articles:
Section XI, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
Read this and other chapters online.
Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
Buy the latest edition:
FAQ of Mahabharata, Section XI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the extent of the Jamvu mountain and the salt ocean? How many islands are described in the story and what are their characteristics? What are the names of the seven mountains in Sakadvipa and their significance?
Daily life: Dimensions and Extent of Jamvukhanda and Sakadvipa - Description of Islands and Mountains:
The story shared from the ancient texts highlights a world vivid with diversity, rich in geography, and inhabited by people devoted to righteousness, each according to their own nature and duty. This narrative can inspire us to embrace the variety and richness in our own lives, recognizing that every individual contributes uniquely to the fabric of society. We can learn to appreciate the diversity in landscapes, cultures, and people, understanding that each element brings its own value and beauty. Just as the islands and their inhabitants flourish by honoring their duties and embracing virtues such as forgiveness and energy, we too can strive to fulfill our responsibilities with integrity and enthusiasm.
In our daily lives, this translates to acknowledging and respecting differences, whether they pertain to opinions, lifestyles, or beliefs. By doing so, we foster a culture of mutual respect and understanding. It's essential to remember the importance of community and cooperation, as seen in the harmonious coexistence of the islands' inhabitants. In adopting these principles, we not only enhance our personal growth but also contribute to a better society. This story serves as a reminder that a world marked by compassion, respect, and duty towards one another leads to prosperity and fulfillment, mirroring the utopian lands described.