The sun, with its radiant rays, draws water from all living beings, lifting it up into the heights above. This water, transformed as if into nectar, becomes the very source of life for plants, nourishing and sustaining their growth. The sun, in its benevolence, then bestows this gathered water upon the clouds, using both its brilliant and subtle rays as the means of transfer. For the welfare of all creatures, these waters, joined with the wind, are scattered far and wide across the earth. Thunder resounds, carried by the wind; lightning flashes forth, born of fire—all these accompany the clouds. Because the waters remain with them and do not fall away, the wise recognize these phenomena as the very abode of water in the heavens. There are many kinds of clouds: some are fiery in nature, some are said to be born of Brahma, and others arise from wings—each with its own distinct character. The fiery clouds are born from stillness, and within them, smoke is seen to arise. Some clouds take the forms of buffaloes, boars, or even intoxicated elephants—these are known as Jīmūtas, and from them springs the very life force of beings. There are also mute clouds, vast in their form, which are subject to the will of the wind. On the slopes and peaks of mountains, these clouds pour down rain, their waters trickling down to nourish the land. Among the clouds, there are those called Brahmajā, born from the breath of Brahma himself. By their constant roaring, the earth is sustained, drawing strength from its own limbs. It is within these clouds that the rainy season is established, from which the life of all beings arises. Even the Sādhyas, those celestial beings, remain at a distance of a yojana from these mighty clouds. There are also the Puṣkarāvarttaka clouds, said to arise from wings. These clouds come forth for the benefit of beings whose desires have grown, who wish for well-being; thus, they have earned their name. The Puṣkarāvarttaka clouds are the creators of rain at the end of the aeon, the controllers of the fire of dissolution. Taking on many forms and appearances, they fill the surface of the earth. All that emerged from the breaking of the primordial cosmic egg is known as the shells of the egg, and all these are called clouds. Among all these, Parjanya stands as the foremost cloud, alongside the four elephants that guard the directions. Though there are many kinds, they all share one distinct lineage and origin—water. The rest of the clouds pour down snow and rain, ensuring the growth of crops and the sustenance of life. The blessed one who bears the celestial Ganga, moving majestically through the sky, is attended by the elephants of the directions. With their broad trunks, these mighty elephants draw the waters that flow from her. To the south lies the mountain known as Hemakūṭa, and there stands the vast city called Puṇḍra. At that time, the wind carries the Hemavanta mountain, and as the rains fall, they cross over Himavat, passing beyond to distant lands. A period of two years is said to be needed for the increase of two crops, marking the rhythm of growth and harvest. It is the Sun alone who is declared to be the creator of the rains. Established by Dhruva, the sun proceeds on its course throughout the rainy season, ensuring the cycle of nourishment continues. From the sun, a planet emerges and moves throughout the entire region of the stars. Now, listen to the arrangement of the sun’s chariot: the blessed sun is adorned with a golden, green-hued yoke, and advances with a radiant wheel upon his chariot. The measuring rod, or īṣādaṇḍa, is twice the size of the platform of this divine chariot, marking the grandeur and precision of the sun’s journey across the heavens.