In the sacred narration of the Bhārata Purāṇa, the diverse peoples of the Vindhya region are first described: the Tumburas, Charas, Yavanas, Pavanas, Abhayas, Rundikeras, Carcaras, and Hotradhartayas all make their home amidst these mighty hills. Beyond them, in the mountain lands, reside the Niharas, Tushamargas, Kuravas, Tunganas, Khasas, Karnapravaranas, Urnas, Darghas, and Sakuntakas. The Citra-margas, Malavas, Kiratas, and Tomaras also dwell there, their lives shaped by the ancient ordinances established for the four ages, beginning with Krita and Treta. This land of Bhārata is vast and wondrous, divided into nine regions, bordered on the south, east, and west by the great ocean. To the north, the Himalaya rises like a mighty bow, guarding the realm. This Bhārata is described as the seed of all creation, O best of the twice-born. Here, in this sacred land, arise Brahmahood, sovereignty among immortals, divinity, the birth of the Maruts, hunters, Yakshas, Apsaras, as well as serpents and reptiles. All stationary beings, O sages, depart from here, journeying according to their deeds to auspicious or inauspicious realms; there is no other world like this. Even the gods themselves, O sages, cherish the wish: “May we attain human birth, should we fall from divinity to earth.” For whatever action a human performs cannot be accomplished by gods or demons, bound as they are by the fetters of karma and eager to exhaust their deeds. There is no land equal to Bhārata on earth, O twice-born, where the classes led by sages attain their desired goals. Blessed indeed are those noble souls born in Bhārata, for here they reap the great fruits of righteousness, wealth, pleasure, and liberation. In this land, the rare fruits of austerity are attained, as well as the rewards of all gifts and sacrifices. Here too are gained the fruits of pilgrimage, service to the teacher, worship of deities, and diligent study, O sages. The gods are ever delighted in Bhārata and desire auspicious birth here; the fruits of various vows and scriptures are also obtained in this land. The rewards of nonviolence and similar virtues, the desired fruit of all, the fruits of celibacy, and of household life—all are found in Bhārata. The fruits gained by forest-dwelling, renunciation, acts of worship and charity, and other auspicious deeds are all attained here, not elsewhere, O best of sages. Who could describe all the virtues of Bhārata, O sages? Thus, the supreme land of Bhārata has been extolled: it removes all sin, is holy and blessed, and increases wisdom. Whoever hears this daily or recites it with controlled senses, freed from all sins, attains the realm of Viṣṇu. Within this land, by the southern ocean, lies the region known as Oṇḍra, which grants both heaven and liberation. From the ocean northward up to the Viraja circle, this region is adorned with all virtues and is the abode of the righteous. The Brahmins born here, disciplined in their senses and devoted to austerity and study, are always worthy of respect and worship. In rites for ancestors, giving, marriage, sacrifice, and teaching, the twice-born originating from this region are esteemed in all undertakings. Here, the 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 scriptures, performers of sacrifice, free from envy; some are devoted to Agnihotra, others are intent upon ritual fires prescribed by tradition. Endowed with sons, wives, and wealth, generous and truthful in speech, they dwell in Utkala, the sacred land adorned with festivals of sacrifice. The other three classes—beginning with the Kṣatriyas—are also well-disciplined, devoted to their own duties, peaceful, and righteous, residing there. In that region stands the renowned Koṇāditya; seeing that Sun, a mortal is freed from all sins. The sages request, “Tell us now, O best of gods, about the field of the Sun in that region where the Sun resides.” On the shore of the salty ocean, pure and delightful, everywhere strewn with sand, lies a land endowed with all virtues. It is adorned with campaka, aśoka, bakula, karavīra, pāṭala, puṃnāga, karṇikāra, bakula, and nāgakesara trees; with tagara, dhava, bāṇa, atimukta, kubjaka, mālatī, kunda flowers, and other jasmine-like blossoms. Groves of ketakī shine with flowers of all seasons, alongside kadamba, lakuca, śāla, jackfruit, and devadāru trees. Sarala, mucukunda, sandalwood both white and otherwise, aśvattha, saptaparṇa, mango, and wild mango trees grace the land. Palm, areca nut, coconut, wood apple, and other various trees adorn it on all sides. Here stands the sacred field of the Sun, renowned throughout the world, extending a yojana and a quarter in every direction, bestowing both enjoyment and liberation. The god himself dwells here, the thousand-rayed Sun, known as Koṇāditya, granting the fruits of enjoyment and liberation. In the month of Māgha, during the bright fortnight, on the seventh day, one who is disciplined in the senses, having fasted, comes here and bathes in the abode of Makara. Having purified himself, with a cleansed mind, remembering the god Sun, bathing properly in the ocean at the end of the night, with concentration, he receives the blessings of the Sun. Thus is extolled the supreme land of Bhārata and the sacred region of Koṇāditya, where virtue, wisdom, and liberation flourish.