In ancient times, Virajas had a son named Rajā, and Rajā’s own son was Śatajid. These illustrious figures, with Viśvajyotis at their head, were those by whom the peoples of the earth were multiplied. Their descendants, born in the same lineage, once enjoyed the land of Bhārata, and the kings who have passed away, along with the ages they governed, are counted among their progeny. Thus, from these beings arose the creation of all living creatures, filling the world with life. Their creation is declared as one that evolves along with the passage of ages. Desiring to know more, a seeker approached the sage Sūta and inquired about the full extent of the earth: how many regions are there, and which rivers are remembered among them? He requested the sage to explain everything in detail, exactly as it is. Sūta replied, “Well then, I shall describe to you the expanse of the earth. There are a thousand divisions of islands, contained within seven principal ones. I will describe these seven islands, and also speak of the moon, sun, and planets. Indeed, realities that are inconceivable cannot be established by reasoning alone. I will accurately describe the nine regions of Jambūdvīpa, which stretches one hundred thousand yojanas in circumference. It is crowded with Siddhas and Cāraṇas, adorned with majestic mountains, and surrounded on all sides by rivers that originate from these mountains. The whole is encircled by nine worlds, which serve as the abodes of living beings. The expanse of Jambūdvīpa is equal on all sides, and it is immersed on both its eastern and western borders by the Masudra. In all seasons, the great mountain Niṣadha remains pleasant. Its summit stretches thirty-two thousand yojanas, its sides displaying various colors and endowed with the qualities of Prajāpati. The eastern side is white, and a Brāhmaṇa dwells there for this reason. Its Kṣatriya nature arises from Meru, due to various causes. On the western side, it is covered like the wings of a bee. The mountain is said to be circular by its own nature, both in color and in measure. Its color resembles a peacock’s plume, and it is golden, crowned with peaks. The inner diameter of these peaks is said to be nine thousand yojanas, and thus Niṣadha spreads to nine thousand yojanas on all sides. Half of the altar lies to the south of Meru, and the other half to the north, each measuring two thousand yojanas in breadth and height. The two mountains stretch for a hundred thousand yojanas. Among these are Śveta and Hemakūṭa, as well as Himavat and Śṛṅgavat. Within these mountains are the inhabited regions, which are distinguished by seven colors. These regions are separated by river branches and are mutually inaccessible. The region of Himavat is renowned as Bhārata. From Hemakūṭa arises Niṣadha, and from there the land is known as Harivarṣa. From Ilāvṛta springs Piṣa, and from Nīla, the region is called Samyaka. Beyond Hiraṇmaya and Śṛṅgavat, the land is known as Kuru.