O best of sages, listen as I recount the wondrous geography and blessed life of the great cosmic islands, as revealed in the sacred tradition. First, let us behold the island of Krauncha, encircled by its own splendid mountain ranges—Krauncha itself, Vamana, and the third, Andhakaraka. Rising beside them are Devavrata and Dhama, and another called Pundarikavan, as well as Dundubhi and Mahashaila. Each of these mountains is twice the size of the last, forming a grand and awe-inspiring landscape. Within each island, and among their beautiful regions and excellent mountains, the inhabitants dwell in happiness, free from distress. They live in harmony with hosts of gods, in lands abundant, flourishing, and renowned for their blessings. The people are divided into the four classes—Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras—each fulfilling their roles, and they drink always from the pure rivers that flow through their lands. Seven principal rivers grace these regions, accompanied by hundreds of lesser streams. Among the foremost are Gauri, Kumudvati, Sandhya, Ratri, and Manojava, as well as Khyati and Pundarika. Through these sacred waters, the Blessed Lord Janardana is worshipped in various forms, beginning with Pushkara, each according to the division of the land. In meditation and yoga, Rudra is honored during sacrifices, and the entire island of Krauncha is surrounded by an ocean of curdled milk, equal in size to the island itself. This ocean, in turn, is encircled by the island of Shaka. The island of Shaka is twice as large as Krauncha, and its lord is Bhavya, a noble and great soul. He had seven sons, to whom he gave seven regions: Jalada, Kumara, Sukumara, Maniraka, Kusamoda, Modaki, and Mahadruma—each region bearing the name of one son. Seven great mountains divide these regions: Udayagiri, Jaladhara, Raivataka, Shyama, Ambhogiri, Astikeya, Ramya, and Kesari—the best among mountains. In Shaka, the great tree Shaka stands, attended by Siddhas and Gandharvas. When the wind passes through its leaves, supreme delight fills the air. Here, people of all four classes dwell—great souls, free from danger and disease. The most sacred rivers flow here, removing all sin and fear: Sukumari, Kumari, Nalini, Renuka, Ikshu, Dhenuka, Gabhasti, and Saptami, with tens of thousands of smaller rivers besides. Hundreds and thousands of mountains rise here, and the inhabitants of each region, such as Jaladhi, drink joyfully from their waters. In these lands, the people are endowed with a fourth part of virtue, and the sacred rivers descend from heaven to earth. Righteousness never declines among them, nor is there excessive joy or sorrow, nor do they transgress their boundaries. The peoples are called Magas, Magadhas, Manasas, and Mandagas—the Magas are mostly Brahmins, the Magadhas are Kshatriyas, the Manasas are Vaishyas, and the Mandagas are Shudras. On Shaka island, Vishnu is present as Hari in the form of the Sun, and is worshipped with proper rites by the disciplined. Beyond Shaka lies the ocean of milk, encircling the island on all sides, equal in measure to Shaka itself. This ocean is surrounded by the great island of Pushkara, which is twice the size of Shaka in every direction, and became the realm of Savana's son. Dhātaki, too, had two regions named after him, and another great region called Dhātakīkhanda. In the midst of Pushkara stands the renowned Mānasottara mountain, shaped like a ring, rising fifty thousand yojanas high and equally wide, dividing Pushkara into two regions. Between these regions, humans dwell for ten thousand years, free from disease and sorrow, devoid of passion and hatred. Among them, none are lowest or highest, none are killers or victims. There is no envy, jealousy, fear, anger, fault, or greed. The outer region is great, and Dhātakīkhanda lies within. The Mānasottara mountain is served by gods, demons, and others, yet in Pushkara, truth and falsehood do not exist. There are no rivers or mountains there; the humans are of equal appearance, just like the gods, all sharing one form. There is no caste or stage of life, no practice of dharma, no three Vedas, no agriculture, punishment, or service. These two regions are the highest earthly heavens, granting happiness to all; time there is untouched by old age or disease. In Pushkara, Dhātakīkhanda, and Mahāvīta, the sacred banyan tree stands in Puṣkaradvīpa, the supreme abode of Brahmā. There, Brahmā himself resides, worshipped by gods and demons alike. Pushkara is encircled by an ocean of sweet water, equal in extent and circumference to the island itself. Thus, the seven islands are each surrounded by their own oceans, forming the great cosmic order.