The divine sage, son of Brahmā, moves wherever he wills, his speed matching the very swiftness of thought itself. Let us journey with him to the eastern side of Mālyavat, to the wondrous region known as Apūrvā Gaṇḍikā. There dwell the Bhadrāśvas, a people whose minds are ever joyful. The men of this land are strikingly white in complexion, brimming with enthusiasm and endowed with great strength. They shine with a radiance like that of the moon—their very color and the fullness of their faces resemble the moon at its brightest. Blessed with lifespans of ten thousand years, they live free from disease. South of Śveta and north of Nīla, another remarkable land awaits. The women here are devoted to pleasure, pure in heart, untouched by the decay or unpleasantness of old age. In this region stands a mighty banyan tree, vast and red in hue, whose age is an astonishing one hundred thousand and five hundred years. Venturing further, to the south of Śṛṅgavata and north of Śveta, is the birthplace of men of tremendous strength and radiant energy. These mighty ones enjoy lifespans of eleven thousand years. In their land grows the great lakuca tree, whose fruits encompass all six tastes, nourishing and delightful. Rising majestically are the three peaks of Śṛṅgavata, vast and lofty. One of these is fashioned entirely from all kinds of jewels and adorned with splendid palaces. In this sacred land, attended by perfected beings, reside the Kurus. Here, garments and ornaments grow abundantly upon the trees themselves. Sweet and fragrant honey flows freely, pleasing in color and taste, while milk—always present, nectar-like and possessing all six tastes—streams for all to enjoy. The land abounds with comforts suited to every season; it is clear, auspicious, and unmarred by mud. The people here are noble in lineage and wealthy, their youth enduring. They drink the milk of their cows, which is truly like nectar. In character, appearance, and affection, they are all equal, free from disease and sorrow, ever devoted to happiness. Great vigor is theirs, and their lives are long; they remain steadfast, not seeking the company of other women. Such lands are perceived by those who know the highest truth. What more can be described? Fourteen Manus have again become the progenitors of creation. Upon hearing of these wondrous realms, Romaharṣaṇa addressed those gathered. He spoke of the middle region, diverse in nature, yielding both auspicious and inauspicious results. This is the land called Bhārata, the home of the Bhārata people. Owing to its very name and origin, it is remembered as Bhārata. Nowhere else upon the earth are actions prescribed for mortals as they are here. These lands are separated by the vast ocean, mutually inaccessible to one another. There are islands named Nāga-dvīpa, Saumya, Gāndharva, and Vāruṇa. The island of Bhārata itself stretches a thousand yojanas from south to north, and spans nine thousand yojanas from east to west. At its eastern boundary dwell the Kirātas, while the Yavanas are remembered at the western edge. The people of these lands are steadfast in their pursuits—worship, warfare, and trade. Each caste, united with righteousness, wealth, and desire, acts according to its own prescribed duties. Thus is the wondrous diversity and order of these sacred regions revealed.