Now, hear of the vast and wondrous lands of Bhārata, as they are revealed in the ancient tradition. First, the eastern regions unfold before us with their many peoples and kingdoms. Among these are the Andhas, the Vamankuras, the Vallakas, and the Makhantakas. Alongside them dwell the Angas and the Vangas, the Maladas and Malavartikas, the Bhadratungas, Pratijayas, Bharyangas, and the Apamardakas. Further east are the Pragjyotishas, the Madras, the Videhas, and the Tamraliptakas, as well as the Mallas, Magadhas, and Nandas—each a people of ancient renown, all belonging to the eastern expanse. Turning now to the southern regions, there live the Purnas, the Kevalas, and the Golangulas. The lands are further enriched by the Rshikas, Mushikas, Kumaras, Ramathas, Shakas, Maharashtras, Mahishakas, and the Kalingas in their entirety. The Abhiras and Vaishikyas, the forest-dwelling tribes, the Pulindas, Mauleyas, Vaidarbhas, and Dandakas also call this quarter home. The Paulikas, Maulikas, Ashmakas, Bhojavardhanas, Kaulikas, Kuntalas, Dambhakas, and Nilakalakas complete the tapestry of the south. Next, let us journey to the western lands, where the Shurparakas, Kalidhanas, Lolas, and Talakatais reside. These are the western peoples. But within the great Vindhya mountains, other tribes dwell: the Malajas, Karkashas, Melakas, and Colakas; the Uttamarnas, Dasharnas, Bhojas, and Kishkindhakas; the Toshalas, Kosalas, Traipuras, and Vaidishas. There too are the Tumburas, Charas, Yavanas, and Pavanas, the Abhayas, Rundikeras, Carcaras, and Hotradhartayas. All these peoples make their homes in the Vindhya region. Beyond, in the mountainous tracts, dwell the Niharas, Tushamargas, Kuravas, Tunganas, Khasas, Karnapravaranas, Urnas, Darghas, and Sakuntakas. The Citra-margas, Malavas, Kiratas, and Tomaras are also found here. This land is governed by the sacred ordinances for the four ages—Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali. Thus, the land of Bhārata is divided into nine great regions, encircled on the south, east, and west by the mighty ocean, and bounded to the north by the Himalayas, which stand like a great bow. This Bhārata land, O wise ones, is the very seed of all creation. Here, in Bhārata, arise Brahmahood, sovereignty among the immortals, divinity, the births of the Maruts, hunters, Yakshas, Apsaras, serpents, and reptiles. All stationary beings, too, depart from here—according to their deeds—to auspicious or inauspicious realms. Nowhere else in the world is there a land like this. Even the gods themselves, O sages, cherish the wish: “May we be born as humans in Bhārata, should we fall from our divine state to earth.” For whatever a human achieves here cannot be equaled by gods or demons, who are bound by karma and eager to exhaust their deeds. There is no land on earth to equal Bhārata, O twice-born, where the classes led by sages attain all their goals. Blessed indeed are those noble souls born in Bhārata, for here they may attain the great fruits of righteousness, wealth, pleasure, and liberation. In this holy land, one gains the rare fruit of austerity, the reward of all gifts and sacrifices, the merit of pilgrimages, the fruit of serving the teacher, of worshipping the deities, and of study. The gods are ever pleased with this land and desire auspicious birth here. Here are found the fruits of vows, the study of scriptures, nonviolence and other virtues, the rewards of celibacy, household life, forest-dwelling, renunciation, worship, charity, and all auspicious deeds. All these are attained in Bhārata and nowhere else, O best of sages. Who, indeed, can describe all the virtues of Bhārata? Thus have I spoken of the supreme land of Bhārata, which destroys all sin, is sacred and blessed, and increases wisdom. Whoever hears or recites this daily with controlled senses is freed from all sin and attains the realm of Viṣṇu. Now, in the land of Bhārata, by the southern ocean, lies the region called Oṇḍra, a land that grants both heaven and liberation. From the ocean northward up to the circle of Viraja, this region is adorned with all virtues and is the abode of the righteous. There, the Brahmins born in that land are disciplined in their senses, devoted to austerity and study, and are always worthy of respect and worship. In all rites—whether for ancestors, in giving, in marriage, in sacrifice, or in teaching—the twice-born of this region are esteemed in every undertaking. These Brahmins are engaged in the six duties, accomplished in the Vedas, knowledgeable in history, and skilled in the meanings of the Purāṇas. They are experts in all scripture, performers of sacrifice, free from envy; some are devoted to the Agnihotra, others to the ritual fires prescribed by tradition. Blessed with sons, wives, and wealth, generous and truthful, they dwell in Utkala, the sacred land adorned with festivals of sacrifice. The other classes—Kṣatriyas and the rest—are also well-disciplined, devoted to their duties, peaceful, and righteous. In that region stands the renowned Koṇāditya, the Sun. Whoever beholds this Sun is freed from all sins. O best of gods, we wish to hear of this sacred field of the Sun in that region, where the Sun himself resides. Please tell us of it now.