In the midst of this wondrous land lies the deep blue lake Payoda, radiant and adorned with blooming lotuses. From the pristine white region, the sacred river Sarayu flows forth, its origin certainly traced to the celestial lake Manasa. Within the Kuru region, another renowned lake flourishes, teeming with lotuses, fish, and birds, its beauty echoed by other famous lakes nearby, each filled with the same vibrant life. From these lakes are born two tranquil rivers, honey-sweet in their flow. Springs and waters emerge here, giving rise to noble rivers that journey outward. The great ridges stretch eastward, eventually becoming submerged in the salty ocean, while those rising northward reach the farthest ends and plunge into the vast northern sea. Similarly, the ridges extending westward enter the salty ocean, and those reaching southward meet the southern sea. In that southern expanse, the mighty fire named Samvartaka consumes the gathered waters. Thus, these twelve mountains, immense and steadfast, have all entered the encircling salty ocean. When one gazes upon the moon, its white surface marked with the shape of a black hare, that same image is visible here as it rises, just as it appears elsewhere in the world. In this land, health, lifespan, and the measures of life are determined by righteousness, desire, and wealth. Thus, this earth upholds and sustains the entire universe and all living beings within it. Now, O best of the twice-born, listen as I speak truthfully. The circumference of this realm is twice as great in every direction as the known world. In these regions, virtue prevails, and people enjoy long lives, untouched by premature death. Here too are seven sacred mountains, each adorned with precious jewels. In Plaksha and the other islands, there are seven mountains in each of the five regions. Let me now describe the seven mighty islands of Plaksha. The region known by name is Gomeda, where the Ashvins once gathered the herbs sought for ambrosia. In that very mountain, the great sages Narada and Parvata were born in ancient times. Long ago, the gods slew Chandamṛtyu and Dundubhi there. The fifth mountain is called Somaka, famed as the place where the gods once obtained ambrosia. The sixth is Sumanā, and the seventh is Vṛṣabha. The seventh, Vaibhrāja, shines brilliantly—a great crystal mountain. Now I shall tell you the names of their regions in order: Chandra’s region is Śiśira, Narada’s is Sukhodaya, Vṛṣabha’s is Kṣemaka, and Vaibhrāja’s is Dhruva. The people wander and delight together in these lands. Hear also the names of the seven Ganges, rivers rich in austerity. These seven rivers are immortal, virtuous, and the best among streams. They are abundant in water, swift-flowing, and blessed by the rains of Indra. Their waters are auspicious, peaceful, free from fear, joyful, cool, and beneficent. The people living here are firmly established in the duties of their caste and stage of life; among them, there is neither the descending nor the ascending cycle of ages. Here, time always remains equal to the sacred Tretā Yuga.