In the Puranas, Meru is described as the golden mountain in the centre of Jambudwipa. Its height is about eighty-four thousand Yojanas (a yojana is nine miles) and its depth is sixteen thousand below the surface of the earth. Its diameter at the peak is thirty-two thousand Yojanas and at its base sixteen thousand. Thus this mountain is like the seed cup of the lotus of the earth.
The shape of Meru according to this description is that of an inverted cone, and by the comparison to the seed cup its form should be circular. The Padma compares its form to the bell-shaped flower of the Dhatura, the Vayu represents it has having four sides of different colours; or white on the east, yellow on the south, black on the west, and red on the north.
On the summit of Meru is the vast city of Brahma, extending fourteen thousand leagues and renowned m heaven. Around it in the cardinal points and the intermediate quarters are situated the majestic cities of Indra and the other regents f the spheres. It is believed that Mount Meru is in short the Olympus of India.
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