In ancient times, the earth was enjoyed by those who belonged to illustrious lineages, inheriting its bounty through generations. Yet, the full extent of these three worlds—the earth, the heavens, and all their realms—cannot be described in detail, so vast and wondrous are they. From the cosmic egg arose the higher realms: Janaloka, Tapoloka, and Satyaloka, each shining with its own brilliance. So far, the Bhurloka—the earthly realm—has been described in the Purana, O best of twice-born. Above it lies Bhuvarloka, which stretches as far as the orbit of the sun. Svarloka, too, is described, and there the spokes of Vayu, the wind, are found. Within these realms are Samvaha and Vivaha, and above them is Paravaha, each layer ascending in subtlety and power. At a distance of one hundred thousand yojanas from the earth is the orbit of the sun, and at that same distance, the entire circle of the stars shines. There, too, are the planets Budha and Ushanas, keeping their celestial paths. At two hundred thousand yojanas stands the priest of the gods, and from there, another hundred thousand yojanas distant, one can see the circle of the Seven Sages. Here, Dharma abides, manifest as the blessed Lord Vishnu, Narayana, whose presence sanctifies the realms. The expanse of that circle is measured as threefold, and within it, Svarbhanu moves below, equal in measure. Svarbhanu’s third and greatest station is said to be full of darkness. Below Bhārgava is Bṛhaspati, whose measure is less than a foot’s length. In comparison, Budha’s expanse and circle are also less than a foot’s length compared to those two. Budha ensures that these distances and circles remain equal, maintaining cosmic harmony. There are measures of five, four, three, and two hundreds of yojanas, and even half-yojana measures; nothing less than these is known. Among the planets, Saturn, Aṅgiras, and Vakra are slow-moving, while the Sun, the Moon, Budha, and Bhārgava travel swiftly across the heavens. Of all the planets, the Sun moves below, and above the Moon is the entire circle of stars. Vakra is positioned above Bhārgava, and above Vakra stands Bṛhaspati. Above the Seven Sages and Dhruva, Bṛhaspati is established, marking the heights of celestial order. The staff of this cosmic chariot is said to be slightly inclined and twice as long as usual, O best of twice-born. Its axle measures a yojana in length, and there the wheel is fixed. The complete wheel of time, measuring a year, is established there, marking the cycles of existence. Five and a half more yojanas make up the measure of the chariot, and the axle at the pole’s support is shorter by half a yuga. The seven horses of the chariot are the metres of Vedic verse; their names are to be heard. Among them, Anuṣṭubh and Triṣṭubh are said to be the horses of Hari. To the south lies the realm of Yama, and to the west, that of Varuṇa. Their cities—Amarāvatī, Saṃyamanī, Sukhā, and Vibhā—stand in order, each presiding over its domain. The Lord of creatures, the god of gods, takes up the wheel of the luminaries, guiding their movements. In the midst of night, O foremost of Brahmins, he faces all seven continents, shining his gaze in every direction and in the intermediate spaces as well. Thus, he makes day and night, withdrawing and releasing the earth, sustaining the cycles of time for all beings, O twice-born.