Beyond the familiar elements, and even further past their boundaries, there exists a radiant illumination that is recognized as the earth itself. Just as smaller vessels nest within a larger vessel, so too are the divisions of illumination contained within the vastness of space. As long as these elements endure, their origin is spoken of; but when the elements are withdrawn, there is no further production of effects. The divisions that begin with the great principle are all of the nature of causes, and in truth, they are one. O twice-born, the regions of the seven continents and oceans exist as they truly are, each a part of the universal form, but only a portion of the chief principle undergoes transformation. Thus, seven groups of beings are established together in this arrangement. Only this much should be heard regarding the structure of the earthly realm, for it cannot be enumerated or measured in its entirety. The arrangement of stars, reaching up to the celestial sphere, is vast and intricate. From this point onward, O wise ones, I will speak to you about the earth. The earth, air, space, water, and light—these are the five elements. The earth is revered as the mother of all beings, the bearer of all creatures, filled with countless rivers and mountains and teeming with innumerable forms of life. Many beings dwell in small rivers, streams, and humble places, living in modest abodes. Know that the waters are truly endless, and fire pervades all worlds. In the same way, space is said to be ungraspable, delightful, and possessing many different abodes. Waters are established within the earth, within other waters, and above the earth, so the view of the infinite elements is never fixed. Earth, water, and then space—this is the succession described. The earthly region called Rasatala is said to extend for one thousand leagues, each ten yojanas in length. The first region is known as Atala, and beyond it lies Sutala. Below that is Talātala, and further still is Rasātala. The first region of the earth is called Kṛṣṇabhauma, the dark earth. The fourth is Pītābhauma, the yellow earth, and the fifth is composed of gravel. In the first of these regions stands the palace of the Asura king. There is also the city of Śaṅkukarṇa and the palace of Kabandha, as well as the abode of the Rākṣasa Bhīma and of Śūladanta. Here too is the city of Dhanañjaya, the great-souled lord of serpents. In this manner, thousands of cities belonging to Nāgas, Dānavas, and Rākṣasas are found. In the second region, Sutala, O Brahmins, is the palace of the Daitya king and the Rākṣasa. The palaces of Iyagrīva, Kṛṣṇa, and Nikumbha are there, along with the demon Nīla and the account of the cloud. The serpent Kaṃbala has his abode here, and the city of Aśvatara as well. Thus, thousands of cities of serpents, demons, and rākṣasas populate this region. On the third level lies the renowned city of the great-souled Prahlāda, the city of Tārakāsura, and likewise the city of Triśiras. There too is the city of the demon Purañjana, teeming with joyful and prosperous people.