Mount Meru in the Mahabharata: The Golden Mountain - The Sacred Centre of the Universe in Hindu Belief
Mount Meru is one of the most sacred mountains in Hindu
scriptures. In the Astika Parva, which is part of the Adi Parva of the
Mahabharata, it is described as a supreme mountain that blazes with energy. It
is not an ordinary mountain of stone and soil. For Hindus, Meru is the divine
axis of the universe and the home of the gods.
Description of Meru in the Astika Parva
The Mahabharata says that the peaks of Meru are golden and
glowing. When the rays of the sun fall on them, the rays are scattered in all
directions. The mountain is decorated with gold and is visited by devas and
gandharvas. Divine herbs light up its slopes, and fearful beasts of prey roam
its heights. It is also full of trees and rivers, and many birds fill it with
sweet sounds.
The text also says that Meru rises so high that it covers
the vault of heaven. It has stood for many eras. It cannot be reached even
through imagination, and people who have committed many sins cannot attain it.
This shows that Meru is not only a physical place but also a spiritual height,
which is open only to those with a pure mind and pure deeds.
Meru and the Search for Amrit
The most important event connected with Meru in this passage
is the consultation of the gods. On its bejewelled summit, the devas gathered
along with Brahma and Bhagavan Vishnu. These were the ones who had practiced
austerities and observed vows. They discussed how they could obtain amrit, the
nectar of immortality.
The decision taken on Meru led to the Samudra Manthan, the
churning of the ocean of milk. In this event, Mount Mandara was used as the
churning rod and the serpent Vasuki was used as the rope. Bhagavan Vishnu took
the form of Kurma, the great tortoise, to support the mountain on his back. The
devas and asuras worked together, and many divine things came out of the ocean,
including amrit. The plan for all this was made on Meru, so the mountain is
seen as the place where important divine decisions are taken.
Importance in Hindu Belief
In the Puranas, Meru is described as the centre of the
world. The sun, the moon and the stars are said to move around it. The cities
of the gods are placed on and around it, including the abode of Brahma and the
city of Indra. Because of this, Meru is seen as the meeting point of heaven and
earth. Its great height and its golden colour show the greatness of dharma and
the divine order of creation.
Symbolism and Meaning
Meru has deep symbolic meaning in Hindu tradition. In yoga,
the spinal column of the human body is called Merudanda, and it is compared to
Mount Meru. As Meru stands at the centre of the universe, the spine stands at
the centre of the body, and spiritual energy rises through it. This teaches
that the universe outside and the universe inside a person are connected.
The Sri Meru Chakra, used in Shakta worship, is another
example. Its raised form is like a mountain, showing the same idea of the
divine centre. Also, the large bead in a japa mala is called the Meru bead.
While chanting, the devotee does not cross it and turns back, so it reminds us
to keep our focus on the highest goal.
The fact that the gods took their decision on Meru also teaches something important. Great results come only after tapas, discipline and proper planning. Amrit was not obtained by chance. It was obtained after a serious consultation on a sacred mountain, followed by long and united effort.
Mount Meru in the Mahabharata is the golden centre of creation, the seat of the gods and a symbol of spiritual height. It reminds Hindus that the highest goals need purity, austerity and cooperation. Even today, the name of Meru is used in worship, in yoga and in scriptures, and it continues to guide the faith of millions of people.