Salmali is one of the Dwipas of seven great islands as mentioned in the Vishnu Purana. The Dwipa is surrounded by the Sura Sea or the sea of wine.

In Salmali Dwipa there are seven mountain ranges, which separate the island into seven regions. The mountains provide shelter to various living beings and are rich in precious gems, rare plants, flowers and medicinal herbs.

There are seven holy rivers in the island; Yoni, Toya, Vitrna, Chandra, Mukta, Vimochani and Nirvrti. It is said that merely remembering the name of the rivers will wash away sins and offence. The people in this island worship Vishnu in the form of Vayu (wind God).

The island takes the name from a tree which grows here known as Salmali (silk cotton). It is said that the tree provides comfort to the mind.