At the very heart of the world, there stands a wondrous mountain, its base resting upon the earth-lotus, and itself forming the pericarp at the center of creation. To the north of this sacred mountain, three mighty ranges—Nīla, Śveta, and Śṛṅgī—rise up, marking the boundaries of the northern lands. Each of these mountains towers to a height of two thousand yojanas, their breadth matching their height, forming an imposing and harmonious barrier. South of the golden Meru lies the region known as Harivarṣa, while to the north dwell the noble Kurus, much like the Bharatas of the south. Between these two illustrious lands is the region of Ilāvṛta, and at its very core, Mount Meru soars skyward. Upon Meru, immense buttresses rise, each reaching a height of ten thousand yojanas, supporting the splendor of the mountain. On Meru’s western side stretches the vast and formidable Vipula, while to the north stands the famed Supārśva. O great sages, it is here that the name Jambū of Jambūdvīpa finds its origin. The great Jambu trees drop their fruits upon the back of the earth-supporting mountain, where the fruits decay and spread everywhere. From this, a river springs forth, its waters drunk by the inhabitants of the land. Those who partake of this river become possessed of clear and sound minds. From these wondrous fruits and waters, gold known as Jāmbūnada is formed—a gold fit only for the adornment of the perfected ones. Between the lands of the Kurus and the Bharatas lies Ilāvṛta, and within this region, in the west, stands Vaibhrāja, while to the north is the forest of Savitṛ. Four sacred lakes are found here, always fit for the enjoyment of the gods. The foremost mountains—Vaikaṅka, Maṇiśaila, and Ṛkṣavān—stand as the abodes of the perfected, created by the gods themselves. Other renowned mountains include Trikūṭa, Śikhara, Pataṅga, and Rucaka, as well as Samūla, Vasudhāra, and the Kurus, together with Sānumān. There is also Ekaśṛṅga, the great mountain, Gajaśaila, and Piśācaka—each famed for their divine deeds and mighty stature. Śikhivāsa, Vaidūrya, Kapila, Gandhamādana, Supārśva, Supakṣa, Kaṅka, and Kapila, along with Añjana, Madhumāṃs, Kumuda, and Mukuṭa, are all counted among the most excellent mountains. Pārijāta, the great mountain, and Kapilodaka too are celebrated as kingly peaks, attended by Siddhas and Gandharvas. There are yet more: Śaṅkhakūṭa, Vṛṣabha, Haṃsa, Nāga, Mayūra, Kapila, and Mahākapila. To the north of Lake Mānasā rise the Kesarācalas, surrounded by inner valleys, serene lakes, and tranquil forests. These places are pure, their dust calm, and they are free from all suffering. Above Mount Meru itself is the illustrious abode of the god of gods, the Creator. This celestial dwelling is worshipped by the lords of yogis, by sages, by Upendra, and by Śaṅkara himself. The blessed Sanatkumāra is ever present there, his soul united with yoga, having partaken of the supreme nectar of immortality. Before Brahmā stands a radiant and pure abode, filled with hosts of great sages and attended by those who know Brahman. There, the Lord of the universe delights in the company of the Pramathas, as their sovereign. It is in this hallowed place that ascetics, steadfast in truth, worship Mahādeva, the Great Lord, in reverence and devotion.