Having described the vast expanse of the earth, the sage turned to its height, which measures seventy thousand. He began to recount the dimensions of the nether regions, each spanning ten thousand: Atala, Vitala, Nitala, Sutala, Talātala, Rasātala, and finally Pātāla as the seventh. The soils of these realms are varied—black, white, red, yellow, gravelly, rocky, and golden. Within these nether worlds lie lands adorned with magnificent palaces, inhabited by countless races of Dānavas and Daiteyas. The kin of the mighty serpents also dwell here. According to Nārada, these nether worlds are even more delightful than heaven itself. He once spoke among the heavenly dwellers, saying that those who journey from the nether worlds to heaven find radiant and wondrous jewels there. The ornaments of the serpents embellish Pātāla, making it a realm beyond compare, further beautified by the daughters of Daityas and Dānavas. In Pātāla, even the liberated soul would find joy. The rays of the sun and moon illuminate but do not scorch, nor does the moon bring cold at night—only gentle light. Here, intoxicated serpents revel in abundant food and drink. Time passes unnoticed by the Dānavas and others, and the land is graced with enchanting forests, rivers, lakes, and lotus ponds. The melodious calls of male cuckoos and other birds, the finest ornaments and garments, exquisite fragrances, and soothing ointments fill the air. The sounds of vīṇā, flute, and mṛdaṅga resound constantly, and many other pleasures are enjoyed by the fortunate among the Dānavas. Daityas and serpents, dwelling in the various regions of the netherworlds, partake in these delights. Beneath these worlds resides the dark form of Viṣṇu. The Daityas and Dānavas cannot fully describe the qualities of Śeṣa, known as Ananta, who is revered by Siddhas, gods, and divine sages. He appears with a thousand heads, each adorned with auspicious svastikas and lotuses, and thousands of jewels on his hoods, illuminating all directions. For the welfare of the world, he renders the Asuras powerless; his eyes, rolling from intoxication, are striking, and he always wears a single earring. He shines, crowned and garlanded, radiant as a white mountain ablaze with fire. Clad in blue, swollen with pride, and adorned with a splendid white hood, he resembles the supreme Kailāsa mountain, with waterfalls and clouds. In his hand, he holds a plough and bears an excellent mace. His own radiance and the form of Varuṇī worship him. At the end of the age, blazing flames of poison burst from his mouths. Rudra, in the form of Saṃkarṣaṇa, emerges from him and devours the three worlds. He bears the entire earth, holding it aloft like a mountain peak. Śeṣa dwells at the root of the netherworld, worshipped by all the gods. His power, might, true nature, and very form cannot be fully described or known, even by the gods. The whole earth, reddened by the crest-jewels on his hoods, is but a part of him. He rests as if garlanded with flowers—who can speak of his might? When Ananta stretches out, his eyes rolling with intoxication, the earth, with its mountains, waters, and forests, trembles. Gandharvas, Apsarases, Siddhas, Kinnaras, serpents, and elephants cannot fathom the end of his qualities; thus he is called Ananta, the imperishable. The sandal paste applied by the hands of serpent maidens is repeatedly dried by the wind of his breath, spreading its fragrance in all directions. By worshipping him, the ancient sage Garga truly understood the stars and could discern all the results described by omens. This greatest of serpents upholds the earth upon his head, supporting all the worlds with gods, asuras, and humans. Beyond the netherworlds, O Brāhmaṇas, lie the hells, beginning with Raurava, into which the sinful are cast. Listen to these, O best of twice-born: Raurava, Shukara, Rodha, Tana, Vishasana, Mahajvala, Taptakudya, Mahalobha, and Vimohana; Rudhira-andha, Vasataptah, Krimisha, Krimibhojana, Asipattravana, Krishna, Lalabhaksha, and Daruna; Puyavaha, Papa, Vahnijvala, Adhahshira, Sadamsha, Krishnasutra, Tamas, and Avichi; Shvabhojana, Apratishtha, Avichi, and many others—these are the exceedingly terrible hells. In the realm of Yama, dreadful and filled with weapons, fire, and venom, those who delight in evil deeds fall. He who gives false testimony, speaks with partiality, or utters falsehood goes to Raurava. One who kills a fetus, destroys a city, kills a cow, or obstructs another’s breath also finds himself in the terrible Raurava. A drinker of liquor, a Brahmin-killer, a thief, one who steals gold, or associates with such sinners goes to the hell named Shukara. He who kills a Kshatriya or Vaishya, violates his teacher’s bed, has intercourse with his sister, or kills a royal servant falls into the heated cauldron. One who sells honey, guards the condemned, sells lion’s hair, or abandons food falls into molten metal. He who approaches his daughter or daughter-in-law is cast into Mahajvala; one who insults teachers or abuses others meets the same fate. He who corrupts the Veda, sells the Veda, or goes to forbidden women, O twice-born, goes to Shabala. Thus, the realms below the earth, their wonders and terrors, are revealed.