Shakadvipa (), is an island featured in Hindu mythology. The island is named after a great teak tree that is stated to venerated in its midst. Its terrain and inhabitants are described in the Puranas.
Literature
Brahma Purana
According to the
Brahma Purana, the ocean known as
Kshira Sagara is surrounded by Shakadvipa, which is described to be twice the size of Kraunchadvipa, another island. The sovereign of the island is called Bhavya, and he is mentioned as having seven sons, offering each a region of the land: Jalada, Sukumara, Kaumara, Maṇīcaka, Kusumottara, Modaka, and Mahadruma. The seven mountains that exist on this island are Udaya, Jaladhara, Raivataka, Shyama, Ambikeya, Astikeya, and Kesari. A great shaka (teak) tree is described to grow there, frequented by
Gandharva and
Siddha. The members of the four varnas who live here do so without contracting any disease. The Magas are the
Brahmin, the Magadhas are the
Kshatriya, the Manasas are the
Vaishya, and the Mandagas are the
Shudra. The seven sacred rivers that flow through this island are stated to be Sukumari, Kumari, Nalini, Renuka, Ikshu, Dhenuka, and Gabhasti. No excesses of any emotion are stated to be experienced by the islanders.
Vishnu is stated to be worshipped here, in his form of
Surya.
Vishnu Purana
The account of Shakadvipa in the
Vishnu Purana is much the same as the Brahma Purana. The inhabitants of this island are described to be extremely virtuous, feeling no jealousy and transgressing no boundaries.
See also
