In ancient times, seven mighty rivers emerged from the sacred realms, each taking its own course across the land. Of these, three flowed eastward—Nalinī, Hlādinī, and Pāvanī—while three others journeyed to the west. The seventh river, following the path of Bhagīratha, moved southward. Together, these seven rivers nourished the land known as Himāhva, bringing life-giving rains to its soil. As they surged forth, the rivers flooded many regions, especially those inhabited by peoples from distant lands: the Śilīndhras, Kuntalas, Cīnas, Barbaras, Yavanas, and Ādhrakas. Sītā, one of these rivers, divided the mountain Siṃhavanta into three parts before making her way to the western ocean. Along her journey, she passed through the lands of the Bhadrās, Tuṣāras, Lāmyākas, Bāhlavas, Pāraṭas, and Khaśas. She also touched the realms of the Daradas, Kāśmīras, Gāndhāras, Raurasas, and Kuhas; and the territories of the Saindhavas, Randhrakarakas, Chamaṭhas, Abhīras, and Rohakas. The rivers brought their blessings to many wondrous beings: Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Yakṣas, Rākṣasas, Vidyādharas, and serpents; and to the Kirātas, Pulindas, Kurus, and Bharatas. They flowed through the regions of Suhma, Uttara, Vanga, and Tamralipta. Repelled by the Vindhya mountains, Sītā entered the salt ocean, drenching the lands beside it, including the Nishadha and Trigarta regions, and the homes of the Kekaras, Aushtakarnas, and Kiratas. The rivers encircled the great ocean, and some vanished toward the east. Along their paths lay good roads, the Pāvaya region, and the sacred lake of Indradyumna. In the center, Sītā journeyed to Janaki, then to Kutha and Pravarana. Nalinī, swift and eager, sped toward the eastern direction, serving the lands there and piercing through many mountains. She traversed sandy mountains and deserts, finally reaching the Vidyadharas. In their realm, rivers and streams abounded in hundreds and thousands. On the bank of the Vakvaukasā river stood the renowned Surabhi forest, a place of immense sacrifice, immeasurable energy, and valor. Here, four beings served as attendants to Kubera, each excelling the other in righteousness, desire, and wealth. By the power of wise souls, the sacred river Jyotishmati also flowed in this region. The supreme mountain Nishadha was home to the lake called Vishnupada. On the side of Meru, the great lake Chandraprabha arose. The deep blue lake Payoda, radiant and adorned with lotuses, graced the land. From the white region flowed the sacred river Sarayu, originating from the divine lake Manasa. The Kuru region boasted a famed lake, teeming with lotuses, fish, and birds. Many other lakes in this land were equally renowned, filled with vibrant life. From these waters, two tranquil and honey-sweet rivers were born, and numerous springs and noble rivers emerged, flowing forth to nourish the earth. The great mountain ridges stretched eastward, their slopes submerged in the salty ocean. Rising northward, they reached the northern limit, plunging into the vast sea. Those extending westward also entered the salty ocean, while others stretched toward the southern sea. Thus, the mighty rivers and mountains shaped the world, sustaining its lands and peoples with their divine presence.