In the sacred land of Bhārata, there flow many rivers—some swelling with the rains, others coursing steadfastly throughout the year. Among them are the Matsyā, Mukuṭakulyā, Kuntalā, and Kāśikośalā, each nourishing the earth and its people. Across this vast expanse dwell countless communities: the Andhras, Kaliṅgas, Śamakas, Vṛkas, and the peoples of the central region, all renowned in their own right. To the north of the Sahya mountains, where the Godāvarī river winds its way, lies a region celebrated across the world for its delightfulness. There stands Govardhana city, enchanting and belonging to the illustrious Bhārgava lineage. Nearby are the Vāhīkarāṭadhānas, Sutīrās, and Kālatoyadās, each with their own traditions. The land embraces the Aparāntas, Śūdras, Vāhlikas, Keralas, Gāndhāras, Yavanas, Sindhus, Sauvīras, and Madrakas. The Śatadruhas, Kaliṅgas, Pāradas, Hārabhūṣikas, Māṭharas, Kanakas, Kaikeyas, and Dambhamālikas also find their home here. The regions reflect the diversity of the Kshatriyas, as well as the families of Vaishyas and Shudras. The Kambojas, the Barbaras, and the common folk all contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Bhārata. There are the Viras, the Tusharas, those descended from the Pahlavas, the Atreyas, Bharadvājas, Pushkalas, and Dasherakas. The Lampakas, Shunashokas, Kulikas, Jangalas, Ushadhyas, Calacandras, and the Kirata tribes dwell in harmony with the land. The Tomaras, Hamsamargas, Kashmiris, Karunas, Shulikas, Kuhakas, and the Magadhas add to this diversity. These are the northern regions. Turning to the east, one finds the Andhas, Vamankuras, Vallakas, and Makhantakas. The Angas, Vangas, Maladas, Malavartikas, Bhadratungas, Pratijayas, Bharyangas, and Apamardakas all reside here. The Pragjyotishas, Madras, Videhas, Tamraliptakas, Mallas, Magadhas, Nandas, and other eastern peoples flourish in their own ways. In the south dwell the Purnas, Kevalas, and Golangulas. The Rshikas, Mushikas, Kumaras, Ramathas, Shakas, Maharashtras, Mahishakas, and the Kalingas in their entirety inhabit these lands. The Abhiras and Vaishikyas live alongside the forest-dwellers, Pulindas, Mauleyas, Vaidarbhas, and Dandakas. The Paulikas, Maulikas, Ashmakas, Bhojavardhanas, Kaulikas, Kuntalas, Dambhakas, and Nilakalakas also make their homes here. These are the southern regions. In the west are the Shurparakas, Kalidhanas, Lolas, and Talakatais. The Vindhya region is home to the Malajas, Karkashas, Melakas, and Colakas. The Uttamarnas, Dasharnas, Bhojas, Kishkindhakas, Toshalas, Kosalas, Traipuras, and Vaidishas reside there as well. Among them are the Tumburas, Charas, Yavanas, Pavanas, Abhayas, Rundikeras, Carcaras, and Hotradhartayas. All these peoples are found in the Vindhya region. Now, consider those who dwell in the mountains: the Niharas, Tushamargas, Kuravas, Tunganas, Khasas, Karnapravaranas, Urnas, Darghas, and Sakuntakas. The Citra-margas, Malavas, Kiratas, and Tomaras live here too, where the ancient ordinances for the four ages—Krita, Treta, and beyond—are established. Thus, the land of Bhārata is divided into nine great regions, embraced on the south, east, and west by the vast ocean. To the north stands the majestic Himalaya, curved like a bow, guarding the land that is the very seed of all creation. O best of sages, this Bhārata is the source of everything: Brahmahood, sovereignty among immortals, divinity, the birth of the Maruts, hunters, Yakshas, Apsaras, and even serpents and reptiles—all emerge from here. All stationary beings, O wise ones, depart from this land according to their deeds, journeying to auspicious or inauspicious realms. No other world is like this. Even the gods themselves, O sages, cherish a secret wish: "May we be born as humans in Bhārata, if we must descend from divinity to earth." Indeed, no action that a human performs can be matched by gods or demons, for they are bound by karma and seek only to exhaust their past deeds. There is no land on earth equal to Bhārata, O twice-born, where the classes led by sages attain their highest goals. Blessed are those noble souls born in Bhārata, for here they may attain the great fruits of righteousness, wealth, pleasure, and liberation. Here, the rare fruits of austerity, of gifts, and of sacrifices are realized. Here, too, are gained the fruits of pilgrimage, service to the teacher, worship of deities, and study of the sacred texts. The gods are ever pleased with those born here, desiring auspicious births themselves. Here, the fruits of vows, of scriptural study, of nonviolence and all virtues, of celibacy, and of household life are attained. The fruits of forest-dwelling, of renunciation, of worship and charity, and all other auspicious deeds—these are realized in Bhārata, nowhere else. Who can recount all the virtues of this land, O sages? I have spoken of Bhārata, the supreme land that removes all sin, is holy and blessed, and increases wisdom. Whoever hears or recites this account daily, with controlled senses, is freed from all sins and attains the realm of Viṣṇu.