Once, there was a universal monarch, a king of immense prowess and adorned with every virtue. He ruled his kingdom with unwavering commitment to dharma, performing great sacrifices and offering excellent gifts. When his reign came to an end, he ascended to the auspicious world of yogis—a realm that grants liberation. There he enjoyed wondrous pleasures until the very dissolution of creation itself. When the time of dissolution had passed, the monarch returned to earth, taking birth in a noble family of yogis. He was esteemed by the virtuous, born into a rare and illustrious Vaiṣṇava lineage of brāhmins. In this new life, he became a distinguished brāhmin, thoroughly learned in the four Vedas, and performed sacrifices with the gifts he acquired. Embracing the path of Vaiṣṇava yoga, he ultimately achieved liberation. Thus, O brāhmins, the fruits of pilgrimage have been described: they bestow both enjoyment and liberation upon men. Now, what more would you wish to hear? The sages, filled with curiosity, spoke: “O Lord, we wish to hear of Viṣṇu’s world—a realm free from affliction, delightful to all beings, enchanting, and filled with wonders. Tell us of its measure, its pleasures, its splendor and power. By what actions do the righteous reach that place? Is it by seeing, touching, or bathing at holy places? Tell us in detail, for our curiosity is boundless.” The Lord replied: “Hear, O sages, of that supreme and highest abode, the cherished destination of devotees, blessed and virtuous, the destroyer of worldly existence. I shall speak of the foremost of all worlds—Viṣṇu’s world—wondrous and virtuous, honored throughout the three worlds. There, the land is adorned with aśoka, pārijāta, mandāra, and campaka trees, as well as mālatī, mallikā, kundā, bakula, and nāgakesara. The forests shine with puṃnāga, atimukta, priyangu, tagara, arjuna, pāṭala, mango, khadira, and karṇikāra trees. There are nāraṅga, jackfruit, lodhra, neem, pomegranate, sarja, grape, lakuca, date, madhuka, and countless other fruit-bearing trees. Kapittha, coconut, palm, śrīphala, and endless wish-fulfilling trees abound, along with many other beautiful wild trees. You will find sarala, sandalwood, nīpa, devadāru, auspicious añjana, jātī, clove, kaṅkola, and camphor-fragrant trees. Clusters of betel leaves and areca nut trees flourish, and other trees bear fruit in every season. The land is bright with flowers of every kind, blossoming from creepers, and sacred waters of many lakes, all adorned by flocks of excellent birds. There are hundreds of ponds filled with delightful water, lotuses, hundred-petaled flowers, and splendid kokanada blossoms. Red and blue water-lilies, fragrant kahlaras, and other aquatic flowers of every color are beautifully arranged. The air is alive with swans, karandavas, chakravakas, koyaṣṭikas, dātyūhas, and ravākas. There are cātakas, priyaputras, jīvaṃjīvakas, and other divine aquatic creatures whose sweet voices delight the heart. All around are wondrous trees and sacred waters, beautifully adorned and supremely delightful. Within this realm rise divine palaces, resplendent with jewels, able to move at will, fashioned from gold and shining with celestial Gandharvas. Young Apsarases, radiant as the sun, grace these palaces, accompanied by golden beds and seats, and all manner of enjoyments. Beings move through the sky, bearing banners, adorned with pearl necklaces and golden ornaments of every hue. Everywhere is the rich fragrance of flowers, sandalwood, and aloe. The air is alive with pleasant motion and the sounds of diverse instruments. Those who dwell here have minds swift as the wind, surrounded by the music of tinkling ornaments, delighting in this city revered by all the worlds. They are always accompanied by celestial women—Gandharvas, Apsarases, and others—whose faces shine like the moon, beautiful and charming. These women have full, prominent breasts, slender waists, dark and fair complexions, and move with the grace of intoxicated elephants. They surround the best of men, fanning him with camaras whose handles are gold and adorned with jewels. Singing, dancing, and music fill the air; Yakshas, Vidyadharas, Siddhas, Gandharvas, and groups of Apsarases rejoice, intoxicated with bliss. Assemblies of gods and sages gather, and the supreme world shines with their presence. Here, the wise enjoy supreme delights. Near the great banyan tree, on the southern shore of the ocean, those who have seen the blessed Kṛṣṇa—lotus-eyed, Lord of the world—play together with the Apsarases. As long as the sky, moon, and stars endure, they shine like refined gold, untouched by old age or death. Freed from all suffering and the fatigue of desire, they are four-armed, of great strength, adorned with garlands of forest flowers. They bear the emblem of Śrīvatsa, holding conch, discus, and mace. Some are dark as blue lotuses, others shine like gold, some like emeralds or beryls, some wear earrings, while others gleam like diamonds. O best of twice-born, know that the worlds of all other gods do not shine as does the world of Hari, filled with every wonder. There, O brāhmins, there is neither return nor departure, by the power of that divine Lord, until the dissolution of creation. In that divine city, they wander—proud of their beauty and youth—and behold Kṛṣṇa, Rāma, and Subhadrā, the Supreme Person.