File:Meru mountain and the World on a turtle.png

{{English Translation:

The image originates from a Western steel engraving from 1855 titled "Berg Meru" (Mount Meru). However, it's challenging to determine the specific book or publication where it first appeared. The engraving illustrates Hindu cosmology, featuring Mount Meru, the elephants supporting the Earth, the cosmic turtle, and the serpent beneath. This depiction is identified as an example of Hindu cosmological representation, possibly used for educational or scientific purposes.

Image Source: Western steel engraving, circa 1855.

Subject: Representation of Hindu cosmology based on the Puranas.

Elements: Mount Meru, its seven levels, the three elephants, the cosmic turtle supporting the Earth, and the serpent beneath.

Meaning: Symbolizes the cyclic nature of the cosmos.

Context: While the image is documented, it's not possible to ascertain in which specific book or publication it first appeared.

Hindu Cosmological Concepts Depicted:

Mount Meru (Sumeru):

In Hindu cosmology, Mount Meru is considered the center of the universe, surrounded by concentric continents and oceans. It's described as a mountain of immense height and significance, often depicted as the abode of gods and the axis of the cosmos.

The Cosmic Turtle (Kurma):

The cosmic turtle, known as Kurma, is a central figure in Hindu mythology. It is said to support the Earth on its back, symbolizing stability and endurance. This concept is prevalent in various Hindu texts and is associated with the cosmic order.

The Elephants Supporting the Earth:

In some Hindu cosmological depictions, the Earth is supported by elephants standing on the back of the cosmic turtle. These elephants represent strength and support, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all cosmic elements.

The Serpent Beneath:

The serpent beneath the Earth often symbolizes the underworld or the cosmic ocean. It represents the cyclical nature of existence and the foundation upon which the world rests.

Hindu Texts and Sources:

Puranas: Ancient Hindu texts that describe the history of the universe from creation to destruction. They contain detailed accounts of cosmology, mythology, and legends.

Vishnu Purana: A significant Purana that provides detailed descriptions of the universe's structure, including the concept of Mount Meru and its surroundings.

Bhagavata Purana: Another important text that elaborates on the cosmological aspects, including the stories of Kurma (the cosmic turtle) and the structure of the universe.

Translation into Sanskrit:

Translating the entire detailed explanation into Sanskrit is a complex task, especially considering the nuances of modern concepts. However, I can provide a brief translation of the key elements:

सर्वज्ञातं चित्रं १८५५ तमे वर्षे लोकेन निर्मितं "बर्ग मेरु" इति शीर्षकं धारयति। अस्मिन चित्रे हिन्दू ब्रह्माण्डविज्ञानस्य प्रतिमानं दर्शितं अस्ति, यत्र मेरु पर्वतं, पृथिव्याः धारिणः गजाः, विश्व कच्छपः च दर्शिताः

।it|1=Raffigurazione sintetica della cosmologia indù dei Purana, col Monte Meru in cima con i suoi sette livelli, e al di sotto la Terra sorretta da tre elefanti e una gigantesca tartaruga, avatar del dio Viṣṇu; questa a sua volta poggia su un serpente, simbolo della ciclicità del cosmo (incisione occidentale su acciaio, successivamente colorata)}}