All creation, in its vastness and variety, rests upon that Supreme Being who assumes the form of Kālāgni, the Fire of Time. When the appointed end arrives, he blazes forth with venomous, all-consuming flames, dissolving the entire world by his own power. This dark, Śāṃbhavī form is none other than Time itself, the great destroyer of worlds. Now, let me further describe the structure of this earthly realm. There are seven great islands: Kuśa, Krauñca, Śāka, and Puṣkara, each one renowned and greater than the last, and each encircled by an ocean more expansive than the one before. These oceans bear wondrous names, such as Dadhyoda, the Ocean of Yogurt, the Ocean of Milk, and the Ocean of Sweet Water. Together, the seven islands and their oceans are measured in yojanas, vast distances spanning the world. At the very heart of these lands stands the illustrious Mount Meru, shining like gold. Meru extends sixteen units below the earth and rises thirty-two units above at its summit. It is said to be the pericarp, standing at the center of the earth-lotus. To its north are the mighty mountains Nīla, Śveta, and Śṛṅgī, each rising two thousand units high and equally broad. To the south of Meru lies the region of Harivarṣa, and just as there are Bharatas in the south, so too are the northern Kurus in the north. Between these two is the land of Ilāvṛta, with Mount Meru standing at its very core. The buttresses of Meru, strong and radiant, reach ten thousand yojanas high. On the western side of Meru is the vast mountain Vipula, and to the north, Supārśva stands renowned. O great sages, the land known as Jambūdvīpa receives its name from the Jambu trees that flourish there. The fruits of these trees fall upon the back of the earth-supporting mountain, and as they decay, a river arises from their essence. The people who drink from this river become clear-minded and wise. From the residue of these Jambu fruits, gold called Jāmbūnada is produced—a gold so pure and radiant it is fit for the adornment of the perfected beings. Again, between the two great regions lies Ilāvṛta. To the west is Vaibhrāja, and to the north, the sacred forest of Savitṛ. Within this land are four lakes, ever pure and worthy of the gods. The foremost mountains here are Vaikaṅka, Maṇiśaila, and Ṛkṣavān, all created by the gods and declared to be the abodes of the perfected. Other celebrated peaks include Trikūṭa, Śikhara, Pataṅga, and Rucaka, as well as Samūla, Vasudhāra, the Kurus, and Sānumān. Ekaśṛṅga, the great one-horned mountain, Gajaśaila, and Piśācaka are also counted among these mighty heights. They are famed for their divine deeds and are the most excellent of mountains. Further, there are Śikhivāsa, Vaidūrya, Kapila, and Gandhamādana; Supārśva, Supakṣa, Kaṅka, and another Kapila; Añjana, Madhumāṃs, Kumuda, and Mukuṭa; and Pārijāta, the great mountain, along with Kapilodaka. These mountains are kingly, ever attended by Siddhas and Gandharvas. Among the other peaks are Śaṅkhakūṭa, Vṛṣabha, Haṃsa, and Nāga; Mayūra, Kapila, and Mahākapila. And on the northern side of Lake Mānasā stretch the Kesarācalas, completing the circle of sacred and mighty mountains that adorn the world. Thus is the earthly realm, with its islands, oceans, mountains, and sacred lands, upheld by the Supreme, who is both the foundation and the dissolver of all.