Plaksadvipa

Plakṣadvīpa(Sanskrit:प्लक्षद्वीप) is one of the sevendvipas( "island" or "continent" ) envisioned inHindu cosmology.The word Plakṣadvīpa literally refers to "the land of fig trees" wherePlakṣais Sanskrit name of thefigtree, anddvīpameans "island" or "continent".

Description

In theBrahma Purana,Plakṣadvīpa is described as a paradise 100,000yojanaswide, possessing seven main mountains and seven main rivers. The mere mention of the latter has the ability to "dispel sins altogether", and "the people of the region drink waters thereof and feel delighted". At the centre of the continent is a colossal fig tree, which gives the region its name. Its ruler, Medhātithi, had seven sons, Śāntabhaya, Śiśira, Sukhodaya, Ānanda, Śiva, Kṣemaka and Dhruva, who rule sub-kingdoms on the continents. Its inhabitants are described as living for 5,000 years, who live lives of perfect health and happiness as prescribed by theirdharma.The primary religion is the worship ofKrishnain the form ofSoma.