Bhū-maṇḍala as a Lotus: Jambūdvīpa, Ilāvṛta, and the Meru System
Mountains, Rivers, Lakes, and Brahmapurī
येष्वमर परिवृढा: सह सुरललनाललामयूथपतय उपदेवगणैरुपगीयमानमहिमान: किल विहरन्ति ॥ १५ ॥
yeṣv amara-parivṛḍhāḥ saha sura-lalanā-lalāma-yūtha-pataya upadeva-gaṇair upagīyamāna-mahimānaḥ kila viharanti.
Dans ces jardins célestes, les plus grands des devas se divertissent avec leurs épouses, véritables ornements de la beauté du ciel, tandis que les Gandharvas et d’autres êtres inférieurs chantent leurs gloires.
This verse describes exalted demigods, accompanied by celestial maidens, freely sporting in particular regions, while lesser demigods praise their fame—showing the opulence of higher worlds within Bhagavata cosmology.
In Canto 5, Śukadeva explains the structure of Jambūdvīpa and its realms to contextualize the universe as the Lord’s arrangement—helping Parīkṣit understand worldly and heavenly enjoyments as still within material creation, distinct from pure devotion.
Heavenly pleasures and fame are temporary and belong to the created cosmos; a devotee should appreciate the Lord’s grandeur yet aim for bhakti—seeking lasting shelter in Bhagavān rather than aspiring for celestial luxury.