Listen, O wise one, to the wondrous description of the universe and its boundaries. There are said to be one hundred and fifteen angulas in measure, and because these lands are surrounded by water on all sides, they are called ‘islands.’ Among the mountains, those that are not the highest are remembered as ranges, forming the great backbones of these islands. On the island known as Śālmalī, the Śālmalī tree is revered and worshipped by those who have taken great vows. In the region of Krañca island stands the mountain called Kaiñca, rising at the center. On Puṣkara island, the Nyagrodha tree is honored by its inhabitants, who pay it homage with devotion. There, on Puṣkara, Brahmā himself dwells together with the Sādhyas, as the lord of all creatures. He is worshipped there as the highest among the gods, surpassing all other deities in greatness. In all these islands, the generations of beings proceed in proper order, and their health and lifespan are measured, each region’s measure being twice as much as the one before. In these realms, the self-born Lord protects all beings, both dull and wise, guiding them with care. He is the counselor of Viṣṇu, the god, the father, and the grandfather of all. The creatures in these islands always partake of the six tastes, each of great potency, nourishing their lives. Completely surrounding these islands is the ocean, filled with sweet water on all sides. Beyond this, the golden earth, twice as vast, lies like a single solid stone, unbroken and resplendent. This region is known as Lokāloka, being both luminous and non-luminous, and its height is said to be ten thousand yojanas. The luminous part is where the worlds exist, teeming with life and activity; the non-luminous lies beyond, outside the extent of the worlds, shrouded in mystery. Beyond the luminous region, the cosmic egg stands, enveloping all creation within its bounds. Then come the realms of Bhūrloka, Bhuvarloka, Svarloka, and likewise Maharloka, each succeeding the other in the order of the worlds. This alone should be understood as the extent and the furthest boundary of the worlds. From the beginning of the bright fortnight, the form of the cosmic egg is thus established—across, above, and below, it is of imperishable essence, the very cause of all. Each layer supports the next, each exceeding the previous by ten in succession. All around this cosmic egg is situated the dense ocean, vast and unfathomable. Outside, in its density, the sphere extends both across and above. Encircling all is the region of fire, round in shape and like a mass of iron, supporting the dense wind and space, standing firm and unyielding. This great structure is upheld by the infinite and unmanifest, which is self-constituted, without beginning or end. It is separated by thousands of yojanas, vast and unbounded, such that even the gods do not know its full extent; it is beyond all dealings and comprehension. This is the great abode, the boundary of the infinite God. These are the boundaries established for the great God of gods, and these are called the worlds of the universe, without doubt. There are seven layers, O twice-born, and the abodes of Brahma as well. This, then, is the measure of the universe; this is the ocean of transmigration, where all beings journey. This wondrous nature of the universe is established as the very nature of Brahman. Even the most blessed and perfected beings cannot perceive it with their senses, for it is subtle, profound, and beyond the reach of ordinary perception.