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CHAPTER XXIII.

ON   MOUNT   MERU  ACCORDING   TO   THE  BELIEF   OF   THE
AUTHORS   OF  THE   PUPvANAS   AND   OF   OTHERS.

We begin with the description of this mountain, since Brahma-
it is the centre of the Dvipas and seas, and, at the same the earth
time, the centre of Jambiidvipa. Brahmagupta says: kem.
" Manifold are the opinions of people relating to the
description of the earth and to Mount Meru, particu¬
larly among those who study the Puranas and the reli¬
gious literature. Some describe this mountain as rising
above the surface of the earth to an excessive height.
It is situated under the pole, and the stars revolve
round its foot, so that rising and setting depends upon
Meru. It is called Meru because of its having the
faculty of doing this, and because it depends alone
upon the influence of its head that sun and moon
become visible. The day of the angels who inhabit
Meru lasts six months, and their night also six
months."

Brahmagupta quotes the following passage from the  .
book of Jina, i.e. Buddha:   "Mount Meru is  quad¬
rangular, not round."

The commentator Balabhadra says:  " Some people Balabhadra
say that the earth is flat, and that Mount Meru is an subject.
illuminating, light-giving body.    However, if such were
the case, the   planets   would not   revolve   round  the
horizon  of the inhabitants of Meru,  and  if it were
shining it would be visible because of its height, as the