Shakdvipa
Shakdvipa, also called Shwetadvipa, is a land mass west of the Ural Mountains according to ancient Hindu scholars. Shakdvipa is surrounded by the sea of whey (Sanskrit: शाक्द्वीप; śākdvīpa) with an extent of thirty-two lakh Yojans.
According to (surviving) Hindu traditions, Shakdvipa is a region in the Universe (Cosmos), that lies to the south of the 'Sea of Salt', which in turn, lies South of the Earth-plane. The island has a huge tree of Shaka, hence its name. The tree is said to have a sweet fragrance, the whole island emits a pleasant scent. The mythical ruler of this island, Medhatithi, was a son of Priyvrata. Priyvrata is a mythical king, he was a devoted Hindu who was famous because he was married and religious. Medhatihi, the king of Shakdvipa, had seven sons- Purojav, Manojav, Pawamana, Dhumranik, Chitraref, Bahurup and Vishwdhar. They were made the rulers of the seven divisions of the island. People of the island use Pranayama to weaken their Rajoguna and Tamoguna. These people are said to worship Hari (Vishnu) in Vayu (Wind) through meditation.[1]
Vishnu Purana: "Shakdvipa located inside Chira sea and Shakdwipis are friends"[2]
Mahabharata 6.604 : "In Shakdvipa, caste system is same as Jambudvipa. There was four caste in Shakdvipa 1. Maga 2. Mushus 3. Manus 4. Mandak" [3]
See also
Notes
- Bhagavad Gita (5.20.3-42)
- The Puranas: Vishnu Purana Archived 6 August 2008 at the Wayback Machine
- Sacred-Texts: Hinduism