Shloka 14
Bhāratavarṣa–Navabheda-Vyavasthā
The Nine Divisions of Bhāratavarṣa and Its Sacred Geography
नानाजनपदास्तेषु मंडलेषु वसन्ति वै । आसां पिबंति पानीयं सरत्सु विविधेषु च
nānājanapadāsteṣu maṃḍaleṣu vasanti vai | āsāṃ pibaṃti pānīyaṃ saratsu vividheṣu ca
In those regions, people from many different countries indeed dwell; and from various lakes there, they drink water.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It highlights sacred geography: diverse peoples gather and live around holy regions sustained by pure waters, implying a tirtha-like setting where life is supported and purified in proximity to Shiva’s sacred domain.
By portraying a sanctified landscape where communities settle and draw water, the verse supports the Purana’s theme that Saguna Shiva’s presence sanctifies places—often expressed through temples and Lingas that make a region spiritually nourishing.
A practical takeaway is tirtha-sevana: approaching sacred waters with purity, offering water (jala) in Shiva worship, and maintaining inner and outer cleanliness while remembering Shiva (e.g., with the Panchakshara mantra).