The nature of the vast material elements, we are told, is not firmly fixed—boundless and mysterious in its extent. Among these, the succession of earth, water, and then space is described, each arising in its own order. Deep within the earth lies Rasatala, a subterranean realm said to stretch a thousand leagues, each league measuring ten yojanas. Here begins a wondrous descent through layered worlds. The first region encountered is Atala, and beyond it lies Sutala. Below these is Talātala, and deeper still is Rasātala. Within these realms, the earth itself is divided into regions, each with its own character. The first is known as Kṛṣṇabhauma, the dark earth. The fourth is called Pītābhauma, the yellow earth, and the fifth consists of gravelly ground. In the foremost of these regions stands the palace of the mighty Asura king. Nearby rises the city of Śaṅkukarṇa and the palace of Kabandha. Here too are the abodes of the fierce Rākṣasa Bhīma and the formidable Śūladanta. The city of Dhanañjaya, the great-souled lord of serpents, is also found here. Indeed, throughout these lands, there are thousands of cities inhabited by nāgas, dānavas, and rākṣasas—serpents, demons, and fierce beings of legend. Passing into the second region, Sutala, O revered Brahmins, one finds the palace of the Daitya king and of the rākṣasas. The palaces of Iyagrīva, Kṛṣṇa, and Nikumbha grace this land, as do those of the demon Nīla and the mysterious entity known as the cloud. Here also dwell the serpent Kaṃbala and the city of Aśvatara. Again, countless cities of serpents, demons, and rākṣasas fill this region. Descending further, the third level reveals the famed city of the great-souled Prahlāda. The city of Tārakāsura stands here, as does the city of Triśiras. The demon Purañjana’s city bustles with joyful and prosperous people. The cities of the king of rākṣasas, of Kumbhila, and of Khara are found here, as well as those of the serpent Hemaka and of Pāṇḍuraka. The palace of Nedaka, lord of serpents, and of Viśālākṣa are also present. This third level, O wise sages, is known without doubt as Nīlabhūmi, the blue earth. The city of Gajakarṇa and the town of Kuñjara add to its splendor, as do the abodes of Muñja, lord of worlds, and Vṛkavaktra. Upon the fourth lower level rises the city of Vainateya, and nearby is the city of Virojana, the wise lion among demons. The city of Vidyujjihva, the sagacious king of rākṣasas, is found here, along with the dwellings of the serpent Kirmīra, Svastika, and Jaya. On the fifth level, always known as the heap of gravel, stand the cities of Suparvan, Puloman, and Mahiṣa. Here, the son of Suramā, Śataśīrṣa, dwells in joy. In this way, thousands upon thousands of cities of nāgas, dānavas, and rākṣasas populate these subterranean domains. Yet deeper still, in the seventh region known as Pātāla at the farthest western reach, the realm teems with asuras and venomous serpents, contented in their enmity toward the gods. Great cities are filled with the sons of Diti, and the daityas and dānavas crowd these vast settlements. At the end of Pātāla, O best among brāhmaṇas, stretching across many yojanas, dwells a being whose body shines like a washed conch, clothed in blue, and possessed of immense strength—a fitting guardian at the edge of these wondrous subterranean worlds.