CHAPTER TWENTY

Studying the Structure of the Universe

In this chapter there is a description of various islands, beginning with
Plaksadvipa, and the oceans that surround them. There is also a descrip-
tion of the location and dimensions of the mountain known as Lokaloka.
The island of Plaksadvipa, which is twice as broad as Jambadvipa, is sur-
rounded by an ocean of salt water. The master of this island is Idhma-
jihva, one of the sons of Maharaja Priyavrata. The island is divided into
seven regions, each with a mountain and a large river.

The second island is called Salmalidvipa. It is surrounded by an ocean
of liquor and is 3,200,000 miles wide, twice as wide as Plaksadvipa. The
master of this island is Yajfiabahu, one of the sons of Maharaja
Priyavrata. Like Plaksadvipa, this island is also divided into seven
regions, each with a mountain and a very large river. The inhabitants of
this island worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the form of
Candratma.

The third island, which is surrounded by an ocean of clarified butter
and is also divided into seven regions, is called Kusadvipa. Its master is
Hiranyareta, another son of Maharaja Priyavrata, and its inhabitants
worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the form of Agni, the
fire-god. The width of this island is 6,400,000 miles, or, in other words.
twice the width of Salmalidvipa.

The fourth island, Krauficadvipa, which is surrounded by an ocean of
milk, is 12,800,000 miles wide and is also divided, like the others, into
seven regions, each with a large mountain and a large river. The master
of this island is Ghrtaprstha, another son of Maharaja Priyavrata. The in-
habitants of this island worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead in
the form of water. —

The fifth island, Sakadvipa, which is 25,600,000 miles wide, is sur-
rounded by an ocean of yogurt. Its master is Medhatithi, another son of
Maharaja Priyavrata. It is also divided into seven regions, each with a
large mountain and a large river. Its inhabitants worship the Supreme
Personality of Godhead in the form of Vayu, air.

271
