There exist, in the vast creation, many great and meritorious rivers, among which the Ganga herself flows in seven distinct forms. These sacred streams bear names such as Ikshu, Venuka, Gabhasti, and the seventh is called Saptami. It is said that their number runs into the thousands, and from these rivers, Indra, the lord of the heavens, brings forth nourishing rain. The most holy among these rivers can indeed be enumerated and described. Within this grand design lies a continent as broad as the mighty shalmali tree, arranged in the perfect symmetry of a wheel. This land is adorned with a wealth of minerals, shining jewels, and bright coral, its beauty further enhanced by trees laden with blossoms and fruits on every side. Rich in resources and grain, the continent known as Shaka-dvipa stretches equally in all directions, its expanse perfectly balanced. Within Shaka-dvipa, there are seven regions, each teeming with people of all castes and stages of life. The inhabitants are supremely happy, their joy rooted in unwavering adherence to dharma. For them, there is no misfortune or reversal, save for the natural changes brought by the passage of time. Each person protects and supports the other by the wisdom of dharma, fulfilling their own duties faithfully. Thus are the people of Shaka-dvipa described. Encircling Shaka-dvipa is the continent of Pushkara, and beyond that lies the ocean of milk, vast and serene. On Pushkara itself stands a single, splendid mountain of immense stone. In the eastern half of Pushkara rises the great mountain Citrashanu, soaring thirty-four thousand yojanas above the earth’s surface. It stands near the shore, radiant like the newly risen moon, its form perfectly circular and extending equally in all directions. This continent is divided into two great regions, each as broad as the expanse of Pushkara itself. Around the circle of Mount Manasa lies the Dhātakī region. The people who dwell here are free from disease and abundant in happiness, having attained the perfection of Mānasī. Among them, there are no distinctions of higher or lower; all are equal in form and character. There is no punishment or penalty, no greed or desire for acquisition. Here, castes and stages of life are unknown, and there is neither agriculture, herding, nor trade. In both regions of Pushkara, these worldly divisions do not exist. Instead, self-grown plants, pure waters, and mountain springs provide for all needs. In every season, happiness flourishes, untouched by the approach of old age. Thus is the complete order of Pushkara described, in its harmonious sequence. Beyond Pushkara, equal in extent and circular form, lies the region called Sāmudra, just as vast as the continent itself. Its name derives from its abundance of water, for it is filled to the brim with life-giving rains. This rain, arising from the very essence of pleasure and increase, brings happiness to all living beings. When the rain lessens, it wanes and returns to its own nature, much like a bird settling to rest or as water in the great ocean rises and falls of its own accord. At sunrise and sunset, and during both the bright and dark fortnights, this wondrous cycle continues, nourishing and sustaining the world.