Meru or Merus

Meru Or Merus (Gr. Μηρός), a word of doubtful etymology, is in Hindu mythology the name of a mythical mountain. It is said to be situated in the centre of the seven continents, and its height is supposed to be 84,000 yojanas. of which 16,000 are below the surface of the earth. (A yojana is usually reckoned at 16,000 yards, or about nine of our miles; but, according to some authorities, it is only five miles.) The sacred river Ganges, (Ganga), we are told, falls from heaven on its summit, and flows to the surrounding worlds in four streams, of which the southernmost is the Ganges of India. Brahma, attended by rishis (sages) and celestial minstrels is supposed-to visit them, and also Siva and his consort Parvati. Sq. Wilson, Sanscrit Dictionary, s.v.; Moor, Hindu Pantheon, s.v.; Coleman, Hindu Mythology, p. 253. ,