To the south of Śṛṅgavata and north of Śveta lies a wondrous land, where men of great strength and radiant energy are born. Their mighty lifespans stretch to eleven thousand years, and within their realm stands a magnificent lakuca tree, whose fruits contain all six tastes. The three peaks of Śṛṅgavata rise vast and lofty, and one among them is fashioned entirely from every kind of jewel, adorned with splendid palaces. In this sacred land, served by perfected beings, dwell the Kurus. Here, garments and ornaments grow upon trees, and excellent honey flows forth, fragrant, colorful, and delicious. Milk, ever abundant and possessing all six tastes, streams continuously, resembling nectar. The comforts of all seasons abound, the land is free from mud, clear, and auspicious. All its people are blessed with noble lineage, wealth, and enduring youth. They drink the milk of their milch cows, which is truly nectar-like. Their character, appearance, and affection are equal and alike; disease and sorrow are unknown to them, and they are ever devoted to happiness. Possessing great vigor, they live long lives, and remain steadfast in their relationships. This realm is perceived by those who know the highest truth. What more can be described? The fourteen Manus again became progenitors in creation. Upon hearing all this, Romaharṣaṇa spoke to those assembled. He explained: This middle region is diverse, producing both auspicious and inauspicious results. It is called Bhārata, the land where the Bhārata people dwell. The name Bhārata is remembered for its etymology. Nowhere else on earth is action prescribed for mortals; these lands are separated by the ocean and mutually inaccessible. Among them are Nāga-dvīpa, Saumya, Gāndharva, and Vāruṇa. This island stretches a thousand yojanas from south to north, and its breadth from east to west is nine thousand yojanas. At its eastern end dwell the Kirātas, and at its western end, the Yavanas are remembered. Engaged in worship, warfare, and trade, the people remain steadfast in their pursuits. United with righteousness, wealth, and desire, each caste acts according to its own duties. Here, human activity is undertaken for the sake of heaven and liberation. He who conquers all of this is called the emperor, while he who rules his own realm is known as a sovereign; Romaharṣaṇa promised to explain this in detail again. Within Bhārata rise the mountains Mahendra, Malaya, Sahya, Śuktimān, and Ṛkṣa, along with thousands of others nearby. Sandara stands foremost among them, as do Vaihāra and Durdura, Vātandhama, Nāgagiri, and Pāṇḍura mountain. Puṣpagiri, Ujjayanta, and Raivataka are notable as well. Others, lesser known, are small and sustain little life. From these mountains flow the rivers, to be drunk by the people: Gaṅgā, Sindhu, and Sarasvatī.