Let us journey through the wondrous regions beneath the earth, as described in the ancient teachings. On the fifth level, known always as the heap of gravel, stand the cities of Suparvan, Puloman, and Mahiṣa. Here dwells Śataśīrṣa, the joyful son of Suramā. In these realms, countless cities are found, populated by nāgas, dānavas, and rākṣasas. Further still, in the seventh and farthest western region called Pātāla, asuras and venomous serpents reside, content in their enmity toward the gods. This region is crowded with magnificent cities, teeming with the sons of Diti, daityas, and dānavas. At the end of Pātāla, stretched across many yojanas, lies a being of extraordinary presence. His body gleams like a freshly washed conch, he is adorned in blue, and he possesses immense strength. Golden horns rise from his head, his face shines brightly, and he is radiant. A blazing garland of tongues flickers with flames of fire around him. He is adorned with a thousand eyes, and twice as many more, forming a garland as bright as jasmine and the moon. His vast body is seen both reclining and seated, surrounded by great serpents with mighty coils, wisdom, and noble souls. This is Śeṣa, also called Ananta, the king of all nāgas, resplendent and majestic. Thus, the seven lower regions known as Rasātala have been described. Beyond them lies a realm unseen and inaccessible, even to perfected sages, composed of earth, water, fire, wind, and ether. Now, let us turn to the course of the Sun and the Moon. By their radiance and light, these two celestial bodies are elevated along with their orbits. Half the expanse of the Earth is considered, elsewhere, as external, and the heavens are said to be equal in extent to the circumference of the Earth. The Sun is acknowledged as the source of light and is remembered as rising from the Earth. In this region, the term 'Mahī' denotes the principle of the Earth. The number of yojanas in the orbit of the Sun is to be learned: its diameter is three times its breadth, and the circumference is measured accordingly. The measurement of the Earth itself, along with its yojanas, is now revealed. The extent has been enumerated in the Purāṇa. Those who were proud and have passed away are regarded as equal to those who are present now. Therefore, the surface of the Earth is described as it appears among the present gods. The entire Earth is remembered as having a breadth of one and a half hundred crore yojanas. Half the breadth is stated from the tip of the yojana. Similarly, there are ninety-nine thousand yojanas less than a hundred thousand. From the tip of the yojana, eleven crore yojanas are reckoned. Thus, the circumference of the Earth's interior has been described. The arrangement and distribution of the Earth extend as far as its orbit. The locations of the seven continents have been given, and above each, the worlds are arranged in a circular form, like an umbrella, sheltering all beneath their vast expanse.