In the sacred geography of creation, beyond the familiar lands, there exist great islands—Plaksha and others—each encircled by seven mighty regions, forming five sets of seven in total. Let me recount for you, O wise one, the wonders of the seven illustrious islands within Plaksha. Foremost among them is the region named Gomeda. This is a place of divine significance, for here grow the very herbs sought by the Ashvins, the celestial physicians, in their quest for ambrosia. Upon the mountain of Gomeda, the venerable sages Narada and Parvata were born in ages long past. It was also upon these slopes that the gods, in their valor, slew Chandamṛtyu and Dundubhi in ancient times. The fifth region is called Somaka, renowned as the place where the gods themselves once obtained ambrosia. The sixth bears the name Sumanā, and the seventh is known as Vṛṣabha. Among these, Vaibhrāja stands out as the seventh, radiant and resplendent, a great mountain of crystal brilliance. Now, let me name the regions associated with these illustrious mountains. The land of Chandra is called Śiśira, while Narada’s domain is known as Sukhodaya. Vṛṣabha’s region is Kṣemaka, and Vaibhrāja’s is Dhruva. In these sacred lands, the gods and sages wander together in delight, basking in each other’s company. Listen further as I reveal the names of the seven sacred Ganges that flow through these lands—rivers renowned for their austerity and virtue, the best among all streams. They are ever abundant, swift in their course, and their waters are replenished by the rains of Indra. These rivers are auspicious, serene, fearless, joyful, cool, and ever beneficent. The people who dwell in these holy islands are firmly established in the duties of caste and stage of life. Among them, there is neither the descending nor the ascending cycle of ages; instead, time itself remains ever steady, equal to the sacred Tretā Yuga. The divisions of time follow the divisions of the land, maintaining perfect order. The inhabitants are handsome, well-adorned, free from disease, and strong in body. This blessed state is to be understood as prevailing on all islands beginning with Plaksha and extending to those near Śāka. The trees in these regions are wondrous indeed, for all bear divine herbs and fruits, and every plant possesses medicinal properties. At the very center stands the revered Jambu tree, counted as the heart of the land, and it is worshipped with devotion in the midst of the region. Beyond Plaksha lies Śālmaladvīpa, equal in expanse and breadth to Plakṣadvīpa. Hear now, in brief and in order, of Śālmaladvīpa’s marvels. The ocean that encircles this island is filled with water sweet as sugarcane juice. Here too rise seven mountains, sources of precious jewels. The first, shining with the brilliance of the sun, is called Kumuda. The second, famed for its excellence, is Uttama. The third is known as Balāhaka, while the fourth, Droṇa, is renowned as the place where a great medicinal herb is found. The fifth, Kaṅka, is a mountain of great eminence. The sixth, Mahiṣa, resembles a rain-laden cloud, and the seventh is called Kakudmān. Originating from Prajāpati himself, these lands and their peoples were established according to the divine order, ensuring the continuance of creation. Now, let me declare to you the names of their regions, each as auspicious as the mighty serpents. The region of Balāhaka is Jīmūta, and Droṇa’s land is remembered as green and fertile. Thus, O best of the twice-born, are the sacred islands and their wondrous features, as revealed in the ancient tradition.