The Map of Mahabharata: A Historic Vision of the World

Introduction

The first accurate world maps are often attributed to the renowned cartographer Gerardus Mercator, who created his famous 1569 world map. However, the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata provides an intriguing and symbolic map of the world, offering a unique perspective from thousands of years prior.

The Mahabharata's Vision of the Earth

According to the Mahabharata, written around 5000 years ago by Maharishi Ved Vyas, the earth was described in vivid detail, with landmarks and landmarks similar to modern geographical features. This ancient text provides one of the earliest records of understanding the division of the landmass into seven continents.

A Textual Description of the Earth

The description from Mahabharata Bhishma Parva Chapter 5, Jamvu-khanda Nirvana Parva Chapter 6, verses 15/16, describes the earth as a round and spherical object:

Just like a man sees the reflection of his face in the mirror, similarly the reflection of Sudarshan Earth is seen in the lunar mansion universe. In two parts of Sudarshan, there are peepal fig leaves and two parts have a giant rabbit. The land masses are covered with medicinal plants and herbs. Everything apart from these land masses are covered with water.

The Spiritual and Scientific Significance

The Mahabharata not only contains mystical elements but also portrays an ancient civilisation with advanced scientific knowledge. It mentions weapons as powerful as modern nuclear weapons and technologies such as cloning, surrogacy, and long-distance telecommunication, challenging the timeline of human technological evolution.

The Visual Interpretation

Several Indian sages and scholars have attempted to map the descriptions from the Mahabharata. For instance, Ramanujacharya, a Hindu theologian and philosopher from the 11th-12th centuries, sketched out a map based on the verses. Some scholars claim that Sriman Thiruvenkata Ramanuja Jeeyar, from the 19th century, also contributed to this map.

When the map is analyzed from the standpoint of the moon, as per the verses, it is claimed that continents such as Australia, South America, and North America are clearly visible, with Europe, Asia, and Sahara joined together. You can observe the tip of Africa and India, offering a fascinating perspective on the world's geography.

Modern Analysis of the Mahabharata Descriptions

Researchers have suggested that if the current world map is rotated 180 degrees, it looks remarkably similar to the description in the Mahabharata regarding the Earth's shape from space. This analysis is based on the detailed verses and symbolic interpretations.

Similarly, the Brahmanda Purana describes the origin of the cosmic egg and the reality of the universe, with Brahma being the creator or universe in Sanskrit. The Jambudweep, a central island, is surrounded by concentric islands, each surrounded by different oceans based on their colour, taste, and chemical properties.

Conclusion

The Mahabharata offers a symbolic and spiritual map of the world, providing insights into ancient Vedic India's understanding of geography, science, and spirituality. While it may not be a literal world map, its descriptions challenge our perceptions of the past and the development of human knowledge.

Salute to India, whose feet are washed by the sea adorned with the Himalayas, and whose inhabitants include many Brahmarishis and Rajarishis, safeguarding the knowledge and wisdom of an ancient civilization that continues to inspire.