06.009
Library: Description of the northern and eastern sides of Mount Meru and the Malyavan mountain.
Dhritarashtra spoke:
Sanjaya, please tell me the names of the years and the mountains, and truthfully, who are the inhabitants of the mountains.
Sanjaya spoke:
To the south of the white and to the north of the blue, there is a region called Ramaṇaka where humans are born.
All humans born in that place are of noble birth, attractive in appearance, and primarily focused on enjoyment.
O great king, they live for ten thousand years, hundreds, ten and five, always with joyful minds.
To the south of the Śṛṅgin mountain and to the north of the Śveta mountain, there is a region called Hairaṇvata, where the river Hairaṇvatī flows.
O great king, those accompanied by Yakshas, who are wealthy, pleasant in appearance, and very strong, are always there with joyful hearts.
O ruler of people, their lifespan extends to eleven thousand years, living for a hundred and fifteen.
O king of men, indeed there are three horns belonging to the horned creature; one is made of jewels, and another is golden and marvelous.
The place, adorned with buildings and filled with all kinds of gems, is where the goddess Svayamprabha, known as Shandili, always resides.
To the north of the peak, at the ocean's end, lies the region called Airavata, beyond Śṛṅgavata, O ruler of people.
In that place, the sun does not shine, nor do humans age. The moon and stars seem to be enveloped in light.
In that place, humans are born who possess the luster and color of a lotus, eyes like lotus petals, and the fragrance of lotus petals.
O king, all are motionless, fragrant, without food, having conquered the senses, and have fallen from the world of gods, thus they are free from passion.
O ruler of people, O best of the Bharatas, the men live for a lifespan of thirteen thousand years.
Lord Hari resides in Vaikuntha, situated to the north of the ocean of milk, in a golden chariot.
The vehicle, indeed, has eight wheels and is endowed with mystical beings. It moves with the speed of the mind, is colored like fire, and is adorned with gold, showcasing great speed.
He is the supreme lord of all beings and is omnipresent, O best of the Bharatas. He encompasses both the essence and the entirety, being both the doer and the one who enables actions.
The elements earth, water, sky, air, and fire are considered earthly. The sacrifice is regarded as the mouth of all beings, with fire as its consuming force.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
Upon hearing these words from Sañjaya, the wise King Dhritarashtra began to meditate on his sons, contemplating their fate as the ruler of the people.
Reflecting deeply, the great king spoke again: "Undoubtedly, O son of a charioteer, time compresses the world and recreates everything; nothing here is eternal."
The man and Nārāyaṇa are indeed omniscient and the supporter of all beings. The gods refer to him as Vaikuṇṭha, and the Vedas call him Viṣṇu, the lord.
