Page:Works by the late Horace Hayman Wilson Vol 6.djvu/135

 CHAPTER XXII.

Dominion over different provinces of creation assigned to different beings. Universality of Vishnu. Four varieties of spiritual contemplation. Two conditions of spirit. The perceptible attributes of Vishnu types of his imperceptible properties. Vishnu everything. Merit of hearing the first book of the Vishnu Parana.

BOOK II.

CHAPTER I.

Descendants of Priyavrata, the eldest son of Swayambhuva Manu : his ten sons: three adopt a religious life; the others become kings of the seven Dwipas or isles of the earth. Agnidhra, king of Jambu-dwipa, divides it into nine portions, which he distributes amongst his sons. Nabhi, king of the south, succeeded by Rishabha, and he, by Bharata : India named, after him, Bharata: his descendants reign during the Swayambhuva Manwantara.

CHAPTER II.

Description of the earth. The seven Dwipas and seven seas. Jambu-dwipa. Mount Meru: its extent and boundaries. Extent of Ilavirta. Groves, lakes, and branches of Meru. Cities of the gods. Rivers. The forms of Vishnu worshipped in different Varshas.

CHAPTER III.

Description of Bharata-varsha: extent: chief mountains: nine divisions: principal rivers and mountains of Bharata proper: principal nations: superiority over other Varshas, especially as the seat of religious acts. (Topographical lists.)

CHAPTER IV.

Account of kings, divisions, mountains, rivers, and inhabitants of the other Dwipas, viz.,Plaksha, Salmala, Kusa, Krauncha, Saka,