In the ancient world described by the sages, there are four vast regions, each stretching out in grandeur, with Ilāvṛta at the very heart. Beyond the mountain called Nīla and half of the altar lies the northern region. Between these boundaries, the magnificent Meru rises, its golden peak marking the center of Ilāvṛta. To the north stands the great mountain Mālyavat, renowned for its immense length of thirty-two thousand yojanas. Mālyavat’s dimensions are celebrated far and wide; it is quadrangular, elevated, and composed of four castes of gold. The mountain gleams with the brilliance of a young sun, shining like a smokeless fire. Its expanse reaches sixteen yojanas below and spreads sixteen yojanas across, with its circumference measuring three times its breadth—forty thousand yojanas in all, forming a perfect quadrangle. Mālyavat is not only massive but also divine, graced with celestial herbs. Around it dwell all manner of beings: the gods, Gandharvas, serpents, and Rākṣasas. Meru itself is encircled by worlds and the creators of all living beings. To the west of Meru, the regions of Bhadrāśva, Bharata, and Ketumālā are found. Near Gandhamādana lies Paraīṣāparagaṇḍikā, a land stretching thirty-two thousand yojanas from east to west. Here, the Ketumālās, who are renowned for their virtuous deeds, have established themselves. The women of this region are enchanting, their beauty radiant like lotus petals. The lord, son of Brahmā, moves freely through this land, swift as thought. Beside Mālyavat, to the east, lies the region called Apūrvā Gaṇḍikā. In this place, the Bhadrāśvas reside, always joyful in mind. The men here are white, enthusiastic, and strong, shining with the radiance of the moon—their faces full and luminous, like the moon itself. Their lives span ten thousand years, untouched by disease. To the south of Śveta and north of Nīla, the women are devoted to pleasure, pure, and free from the decay and foulness that comes with old age. There also stands a vast red banyan tree, the nyagrodha, whose age reaches one hundred thousand years plus five hundred. To the south of Śṛṅgavata and north of Śveta, men of great strength and radiant energy are born, their mighty lifespans stretching to eleven thousand years. In this land grows the lakuca tree, whose fruit contains all six tastes. The three peaks of Śṛṅgavata rise, vast and lofty, one entirely made of all kinds of jewels and adorned with palaces. In this sacred land, served by perfected beings, the Kurus dwell. Here, garments and ornaments grow upon the trees. Excellent honey, fragrant, colorful, and delicious, flows in abundance. Milk, too, is ever-present, possessing six tastes and resembling nectar, nourishing all who partake. Such is the wondrous world described by the sages, where mountains, regions, and peoples shine with divine qualities and celestial beauty.