words per minute
3
NithinJangid
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The Puranas describe a universe shaped like an egg, vertically divided into the celestial worlds, earth, and netherworlds. The earth is a flat disc, consisting of seven land masses (varshas) arranged in concentric circles, alternating with seas of salt water, molasses, wine, butter, curd, milk, and fresh water. Situated in the centre of the earth is Jambudvipa, in whose southernmost part lies Bharatavarsha, the golden Meru mountain rising from its midst. One of several explanations of the name Bharatavarsha connects it with the Bharata people, descendants of the legendary king Bharata, son of Dushyanta and Shakuntala. Cosmography blends with geography in the Puranas. Bharatavarsha is said to consists of nine divisions (khandas), separated from one another by seas. But the mention of its mountains, rivers, and places - some of which can be identified- suggests that the composers of such texts were familiar with various areas of the Indian subcontinent, and perceived them as part of a larger cultural whole.