Jambudvīpa in the context of Kannada inscriptions


Jambudvīpa in the context of Kannada inscriptions

⭐ Core Definition: Jambudvīpa

Jambudvīpa (Pali; Jambudīpa) is a term for the Indian Subcontinent, often used in ancient Indian sources.

The term comes from ancient Indian cosmogony and is based on the concept of dvīpa, meaning "island" or "continent". The term Jambudvipa, was used by Ashoka to describe his realm in the 3rd century BC. The same term is also found in subsequent texts, for instance the Kannada inscriptions from the 10th century CE, to refer to the region, presumably ancient India.

↓ Menu
HINT:

In this Dossier

Jambudvīpa in the context of Dvipa

Dvipa (Sanskrit: द्वीप, lit.'island', IAST: Dvīpa) is a term in Hindu cosmography. The Puranas describe a dvipa to be one of the seven islands or continents that are present on earth, each of them surrounded by an ocean. The same terminology is also used to refer to the seven regions of the cosmos.

In the geocentric model of Hinduism, the seven dvipas are present around Mount Meru, which is present at the centre of Jambudvipa, the term employed for the Indian subcontinent. Dvipa is also sometimes used to refer to the abodes of deities, such as Manidvipa.

View the full Wikipedia page for Dvipa
↑ Return to Menu

Jambudvīpa in the context of Buddhist cosmology

Buddhist cosmology is the description of the shape and evolution of the Universe according to Buddhist scriptures and commentaries.

It consists of a temporal and a spatial cosmology. The temporal cosmology describes the timespan of the creation and dissolvement of alternate universes in different aeons. The spatial cosmology consists of a vertical cosmology, the various planes of beings, into which beings are reborn due to their merits and development; and a horizontal cosmology, the distribution of these world-systems into an infinite sheet of existential dimensions included in the cycle of samsara. The entire universe is said to be made up of five basic elements of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. Buddhist cosmology is also intwined with the belief of Karma. As a result, some ages are filled with prosperity and peace due to common goodness, whereas other eras are filled with suffering, dishonesty and short lifespans.

View the full Wikipedia page for Buddhist cosmology
↑ Return to Menu