O foremost of Brahmins, the eternal rhythm of decrease and increase is ever fixed and constant in the cosmos. Each day, the interior of the other is continually filled, sustaining the cycle without interruption. The Sun, radiant and resplendent, shines forth with a single ray known as Suṣumnā, illuminating all. On the day of the full moon, the Sun is seen in his completeness, and this fullness persists day after day. The gods, O Brahmins, partake of this brilliance, for they consume ambrosial food. In the afternoon, the hosts of ancestors receive the remainder, nourishing themselves. This pure, ambrosial, and meritorious essence—the moon—is itself of the nature of nectar. When the ancestors have attained their highest monthly satisfaction, they remain content and fulfilled. Thus, O best of men, the Sun is the cause of both decrease and increase. His chariot, yoked with lotuses, journeys everywhere, spreading light. The beautiful golden chariot of the Earth is drawn by eight horses, while the chariot of Svarbhānu and the lord of the Sun is drawn by six. All these celestial chariots are firmly fixed to the pole star, bound together by rays of wind. With these wind-rays, they revolve, causing the Sun to revolve in his path. There, O best of the twice-born, are established those who preside over the cycles of time. There also dwell Sanandana and others, the sons of Brahmā. The Vairājas, gods free from suffering, reside there as well. This is the realm where beings do not die again; it is remembered as Brahmā’s world. There, Brahmā abides eternally with the yogis, who have drunk the supreme nectar of yoga. The yogis, ascetics, perfected beings, and reciters worship the Supreme Lord in this exalted place. Having reached there, they do not grieve; for there, Viṣṇu is present, and Śaṅkara too. Such is its splendor that I am unable to fully describe it, for it is filled with garlands of blazing flames. There rests the glorious Hari, master of illusion, transcendent and composed of māyā. Great souls who have surrendered themselves to Janārdana enter this realm. Surrounded by fire, the venerable Lord Bhava abides there, attended by hundreds of thousands of yogis, beings, and Rudras. Those devoted to me, intent on the divine, peaceful, ascetic, and speakers of Brahman, endowed with Brahman, will perceive Rudraloka as it is known. Below this realm lie Mahātala and the other netherworlds, O twice-born ones. These are adorned with splendid palaces and abodes of the gods, ruled by a mighty king dwelling in Pātāla-svarga. Vitala and Tala are both described as white, Rasātala is renowned and frequented by many, Talātala is famed for its splendor, and Sutala is filled with ancient gods and others. These netherworlds are inhabited by great serpents such as Mahāntaka and the demon Prahmāda, by the mighty Jambha, the heroic Hayagrīva, and other fierce serpents. The splendid netherworld is thus filled with such beings. There, the wicked are tormented, their numbers beyond description. Within these realms reside Kālāgni, Rudra—the soul of yoga—Nārasiṃha, and Mādhava as well, presiding over the mysteries and powers of the netherworlds. Thus, O Brahmins, the grandeur and order of the cosmos unfold, from the celestial chariots above to the nether realms below, each filled with its own wonders, guardians, and inhabitants.