Varaha Purana 75.20 — Adhyaya 75, Shloka 20
Description of Jambūdvīpa: its regions, mountains, measurements, and cosmic structure
मध्ये त्विलावृतं नाम महामेरोः स सम्भवः । नवैव तु सहस्राणि विस्तीर्णः सर्वतश्च सः ॥ ७५.२० ॥
madhye tv ilāvṛtaṃ nāma mahāmeroḥ sa sambhavaḥ | navaiva tu sahasrāṇi vistīrṇaḥ sarvataś ca saḥ || 75.20 ||
ตรงกลางมีแคว้นชื่อ ‘อิลาวฤต’ อันเป็นแดนศูนย์กลางที่สัมพันธ์กับมหาเมรุ; แคว้นนั้นกล่าวว่ากว้างออกไปเก้าพัน (โยชน์) ในทุกทิศทาง
Varāha
Varaha Avatara Context: {"is_varaha_focus":false,"aspect_highlighted":"None","boar_form_detail":"None","earth_interaction":"None"}
Bhu Devi Dialogue: {"is_dialogue":false,"speaker_role":"instructor","bhu_devi_state":"None","key_question":"None"}
Mathura Mandala: {"is_mathura_related":false,"specific_site":"None","parikrama_context":"None","krishna_connection":"None"}
Dharma Shastra: {"has_dharma_rule":false,"topic":"None","instruction_summary":"None","karmic_consequence":"None"}
Vrata Mahatmya: {"has_vrata":false,"vrata_name":"None","tithi_month":"None","promised_fruit":"None"}
Cosmic Boar Symbolism: {"has_symbolism":true,"symbolic_interpretation":"Ilāvṛta as the centered domain around Mahāmeru expresses the Purāṇic principle of a stable cosmic middle (madhya) from which directions and measures radiate—an image of dhāraṇā (centering) projected onto the universe.","yajna_varaha_imagery":"The ‘middle’ and equal extension in all directions resembles a ritual maṇḍala with a central bindu; the quantified symmetry mirrors yajña-space symmetry and consecrated layout.","vedantic_connection":"Centering suggests the inner axis (antar-meru): the disciplined mind establishes a ‘middle’ from which experience is ordered; external cosmography mirrors internal contemplative structure."}
Philosophical Teaching: {"has_teaching":true,"teaching_type":"cosmic order as a model for inner order","core_concept":"Stability arises from a well-defined center; symmetry and measure signify dharma-like regularity in the cosmos.","practical_application":"Adopt ‘centering’ practices—steady attention, balanced conduct—using the image of Ilāvṛta around Meru as a contemplative template for equanimity."}
Subject Matter: ["Cosmology","Geography"]
Primary Rasa: śānta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Type: central cosmic region/varṣa in Jambūdvīpa cosmography
Related Themes: Varāha Purāṇa 75.75.19 (mountain kings and measures)
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A cosmic map centered on Mahāmeru with Ilāvṛta as a broad, evenly spread central region extending nine thousand yojanas in all directions.","item_prompts":["towering central Meru","circular/quad-symmetric Ilāvṛta plain around it","direction markers (N/E/S/W)","measurement rings labeled ‘9000’","radiating symmetry lines"],"kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural: central Meru as stylized pillar-mountain; Ilāvṛta as a symmetrical lotus-like field around it; directional petals; measurement ring motifs.","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore: Meru embossed in gold at center; concentric gold rings for extent; rich jewel tones for surrounding regions; ornate directional emblems.","mysore_prompt":"Mysore: precise geometric mandala-map with soft coloration; Meru finely detailed; subtle inscriptions for Ilāvṛta and distances.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari: elegant central peak with a calm, wide plain; minimalistic concentric layout; gentle pastel washes emphasizing serenity and balance."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"calm, centering","suggested_raga":"Hamsadhwani (clear, uplifting symmetry)","pace":"slow-medium with emphasis on ‘madhye’ and measures","voice_tone":"steady, contemplative"}
FAQs
It preserves a Purāṇic cosmographical model centered on Mahāmeru, illustrating how Sanskrit encyclopedic texts mapped the world through symbolic geography and standardized distance measures (e.g., ‘thousands’ understood in yojanas in many commentarial traditions).
Ilāvṛta is identified as the central region surrounding/associated with Mahāmeru in Purāṇic cosmology; it is generally treated as a mytho-cosmographical location rather than a directly mappable modern place.
The verse is primarily descriptive rather than prescriptive; its philosophical function is to situate human understanding within an ordered cosmological geography, supporting a worldview of structured space and sacred topography.
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