In that realm, the formidable fire known as Samvartaka rises and consumes the very waters themselves. The twelve great mountains, too, have entered and become part of the vast salty ocean. When we look to the moon, we see the familiar white orb marked with the shape of a black hare; this same sight appears to all, wherever the moon rises. In this world, health, lifespan, and the measures of life are governed by the principles of righteousness, desire, and wealth. Thus, it is this earth that upholds and sustains the entire universe and all living beings within it. Now, O best of the twice-born, listen as I speak to you truthfully. The circumference of this land is twice as great in every direction as what was described before. In that region, virtue prevails, and people enjoy extraordinarily long lives, untouched by early death. There, too, stand seven sacred mountains, each adorned with radiant jewels. In the islands of Plaksha and the others, there are seven such mountains in each of the five great lands. Let me now describe to you the seven mighty islands of Plaksha. Among them is a region called Gomeda. It is there that the Ashvins, the divine physicians, gather herbs sought for ambrosia. In ancient times, the sages Narada and Parvata were born on that mountain. Long ago, the gods themselves slew Chandamṛtyu and Dundubhi there. The fifth mountain is named Somaka, famed as the place where the gods once obtained the nectar of immortality. The sixth is Sumanā, and the seventh is called Vṛṣabha. Vaibhrāja is also among them, a brilliant mountain of pure crystal, shining with great splendor. Now, I will tell you the names of their regions in order. The region of Chandra is called Śiśira, that of Narada is Sukhodaya. Vṛṣabha’s region is Kṣemaka, and Vaibhrāja’s is known as Dhruva. The inhabitants wander joyfully, delighting in each other’s company. Let me also name the seven sacred Ganges that flow there, rivers renowned for their austerity. These seven rivers are immortal and virtuous, the best among all streams. They are ever abundant with water, swift-flowing, and refreshed by the rains of Indra. Auspicious and peaceful, they are free from fear, cool, beneficent, and bring joy to all. The people of these lands are firmly established in the duties of their caste and stage of life. Among them, there is neither a declining nor an ascending cycle of ages; time remains ever in the state of the Tretā Yuga. The divisions of time are said to correspond with the divisions of the land. The people are handsome, well-dressed, free from disease, and strong. This order of things should be understood as true for the islands beginning with Plaksha and extending near the Śāka island. There, all trees yield divine herbs and fruits, and every plant possesses medicinal virtues. O best of the twice-born, at the very center of that land stands the renowned Jambu tree, which is counted as most sacred and worshipped in the heart of the region. Śālmaladvīpa, too, is equal in both extent and breadth to Plakṣadvīpa. Now, listen as I briefly recount the wonders of Śālmaladvīpa. The ocean that surrounds Śālmaladvīpa is filled with water that tastes as sweet as sugarcane juice. There, too, are seven mountains to be known, each a source of precious jewels.