Among the wondrous realms described by the sages, there are inner valleys, serene lakes, and tranquil forests. These places are clear, their dust calm and pure, and they are untouched by any form of suffering. Rising above all, at the summit of Meru, stands the renowned abode of the God of gods, the great Creator. This sacred place is revered by the lords of yogis, by illustrious sages, by Upendra, and by Śaṅkara himself. The blessed Sanatkumāra is ever present there, worshipping with devotion. He abides in that holy realm, his soul absorbed in yoga, having tasted the supreme nectar of spiritual realization. Before Brahmā, there shines a radiant and pure abode, thronged with assemblies of great sages and attended by those who know Brahman. There, the Lord of the universe finds delight in the company of the Pramathas, presiding as their Lord. Ascetics who are steadfast in truth gather to worship Mahādeva in this sanctified place. The Supreme Lord graciously accepts the worship offered by Pārvatī, honoring her with reverence. In the east lies the resplendent city of Amarāvatī, endowed with every conceivable splendor. Here, thousands of gods offer worship to the thousand-eyed one, Indra. This supreme abode is so exalted that even gods find it difficult to attain. Another city, Tejovatī, is filled with divine wonders; it is a sanctuary for those who recite sacred texts and perform sacrifices, and it remains unassailable by demons. There is also the divine city of Saṃyamanī, served by Siddhas and Gandharvas. This is the dwelling place of those who are steadfast in truth—the righteous people of the world. Close by lies Rakṣovatī, a city surrounded on all sides by Rākṣasas. Those devoted to unrighteousness and driven by tamasic tendencies find their way there. The holy city of Suddhavatī is endowed with all manner of desired enjoyments, and those who undertake pilgrimages with patience and devotion in this world are granted entry. Gandhavatī is another sacred city, the abode of Prabhañjana; those who have mastered prāṇāyāma attain this eternal and immortal realm. There is also the radiant city of Kāntimatī, where Soma, the Moon, shines in glory. This place, created for the moon and its denizens, is filled with diverse enjoyments. The holy city of Yaśovatī stands as well, exceedingly difficult for any to approach. Here resides the mighty Lord of Hosts, always surrounded by his attendants. In ancient times, Shiva, the wielder of the trident, established his own dwelling here. Encircling the city of Brahma, the sacred Ganga descends from the heavens, flowing in four divine streams named Sita, Alakananda, Suchakshur, and Bhadranami. From the eastern region, the river Bhadrashva journeys toward the ocean. Piercing the sea, it divides into seven branches, continuing its course across the world. The sacred river then flows to the western region known as Ketumala, reaching the ocean there as well. After crossing the northern ocean, it approaches yet again, making its presence felt to the great sages. At the very center of these mighty waters and lands stands Meru, shaped like the central bud of a lotus. The petals of this world-lotus extend beyond the encircling boundary mountains. To the south and north rise the mountains called Nila and Nishadha, each stretching eighty yojanas in length and situated in the regions between. On the western side of Meru, these mountains are positioned just as they are in the east, completing the sacred geography of the divine realms.