In the depths beneath the earth, there lies a wondrous expanse of realms, each filled with marvels and mysteries. Among these, the city of Dhanañjaya stands out—a splendid seat of power belonging to the great-souled lord of serpents. Yet, Dhanañjaya is but one among thousands of cities that flourish in these underworld domains, inhabited by Nāgas, Dānavas, and Rākṣasas, each with their own splendor and might. Journeying further, one comes to the region known as Sutala. Here, O revered Brahmins, rises the magnificent palace of the Daitya king, surrounded by the abodes of powerful Rākṣasas. The palaces of Iyagrīva, Kṛṣṇa, and Nikumbha are found here, as are the dwellings of the demon Nīla and the mysterious cloud. The serpent Kaṃbala has his own city, and nearby stands the city of Aśvatara. In this region too, there are countless cities, each teeming with serpents, demons, and rākṣasas, their number beyond reckoning. Descending to the third level, one discovers the famed city of Prahlāda, the great-souled devotee, whose fame resounds through the ages. Here too are the cities of Tārakāsura and Triśiras, and the bustling city of the demon Purañjana, where joy and prosperity abound among its inhabitants. The king of the rākṣasas holds sway over his own city, and Kumbhila and Khara command their respective domains. The serpent Hemaka and Pāṇḍuraka dwell here as well, alongside the palace of Nedaka, lord of serpents, and that of Viśālākṣa. This third region is known without doubt as Nīlabhūmi, O wise sages. Here can be found the city of Gajakarṇa and the town of Kuñjara. The abode of Muñja, lord of worlds, stands in grandeur, as does that of Vṛkavaktra. On the fourth lower level lies the city of Vainateya, and not far from it, the city of Virojana, the wise demon who is like a lion among his kind. The city of Vidyujjihva, the sagacious king of the rākṣasas, also shines here, as do the domains of the serpent Kirmīra, and those of Svastika and Jaya. Descending yet again, on the fifth level known as the "heap of gravel," there are the cities of Suparvan, Puloman, and Mahiṣa. Here dwells Śataśīrṣa, the joyful son of Suramā. In this way, these regions are filled with thousands of cities, their denizens being nāgas, dānavas, and rākṣasas. In the seventh and lowest region, called Pātāla, at the farthest western reaches, the atmosphere is thick with asuras and venomous serpents, content in their enmity toward the gods. Here, great cities overflow with the sons of Diti, and the daityas and dānavas crowd together in mighty communities. At the very end of Pātāla, O best of brāhmaṇas, stretched across many yojanas, there lies a being of awe-inspiring form. His body gleams like a washed conch, draped in blue, and his strength is immeasurable. He is adorned with golden horns and a radiant face, and his presence is resplendent. Around his neck blazes a garland of tongues, flickering with the flames of fire. His form shines with a thousand eyes, and then twice as many more; a garland of eyes, bright as jasmine and the moon, adorns him. His vast body is both raised and reclining, immense in stature. Great serpents coil around him, embodying immense wisdom and spiritual greatness. This is Śeṣa, also known as Ananta, the king of all nāgas, whose splendor is beyond compare. Thus have the seven lower regions, called Rasātala, been described in all their glory. Yet, beyond these seven, there exists a realm unseen and inaccessible, even to perfected sages—a place composed of earth, water, fire, wind, and ether, O best of the twice-born. Such is the wondrous expanse beneath the earth, filled with mystery, power, and divine presence.