Plaksadvipa

Plakṣadvīpa (Sanskrit: प्लक्षद्वीप) is one of the seven dvipas ("island" or "continent") envisioned in Hindu cosmology. The word Plakṣadvīpa literally refers to "the land of fig trees" where Plakṣa is Sanskrit name of the fig tree, and dvīpa means "island" or "continent".

Description

In the Brahma Purana, Plakṣadvīpa is described as a paradise 100,000 yojanas wide, 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 their dharma. The primary religion is the worship of Krishna in the form of Soma.