Listen, O wise ones, to the wondrous description of the sacred lands and their marvels. Two great expanses stretch from east to west, set within the vast ocean that lies between them. Upon the four sides of the illustrious Mount Meru are stationed Jaṭhara and others, standing as guardians of the cardinal directions. Within these realms, extraordinary people dwell. There are women whose radiance rivals the lotus petal, blessed with lifespans stretching to a hundred thousand years. Those who partake of the mango’s sweet fruit live for ten thousand years, while others, established in virtue and nourished by the banyan’s bounty, also enjoy great longevity. In these lands, men and women live as if they reside in the very abodes of the gods. In the region known as Kuru, people of dark complexion sustain themselves upon milk. On the island of Candradvīpa, the inhabitants are ever engaged in the worship of the great god Śiva, their devotion unwavering. Elsewhere, those who eat the fruit of the plakṣa tree also live for ten thousand years, their minds absorbed in deep meditation and reverence. Others, who delight in the juice of sugarcane, share this long span of life. In these places, the people are steadfast in their devotion to Viṣṇu, continually worshipping Him with love and faith. Amidst these lands stands the celestial palace of Vāsudeva, nestled within a grove of Pārijāta trees. This divine abode is fortified by ten formidable walls, unassailable and exceedingly difficult to approach. Thousands of golden pillars adorn it on every side, lending it a splendor beyond compare. Within, a divine throne is set, and every manner of glory is present. The palace resounds with the presence of pure devotees of Nārāyaṇa, who are ever intent on studying the Vedas. With voices raised in praise, they continually chant mantras to Mādhava and bow before Him in reverence. The kings of these lands are ever engaged in noble deeds, their greatness shining forth at all times. The women, ever youthful, are always adorned with care and grace. Their lives are stable and long, with an ordinary span of thirteen thousand years, and the highest among them may live up to a hundred thousand years, O virtuous ones. This land, O brāhmaṇas, is the very field of action for qualified humanity. Here stand the Vindhya and Pāriyātra, two of the seven principal mountains. There is also the Nāga island, gentle one, as well as the islands of Gandharva and Vāruṇa. This island stretches a thousand yojanas from south to north, and at its heart dwell the four varṇas: Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas, and Śūdras together. From the mountains flow pure rivers, life-giving and sacred. Irāvatī, Vitastā, Vipāśā, Devikā, and Kuhū arise, joined by Kauśikī and Lohitā, which spring from the foot of mighty Himavat. Parṇāśā and Vandanā flow as well, along with the ever-delightful Sadānīrā. Śigru and Svaśilpā rest upon the slopes of Pāriyātra. Mandākinī, Citrakūṭā, Tāmasī, and Piśācikā, all born at the foot of Ṛkṣavat, are renowned for removing the sins of those who bathe in their waters. Veṇyā, Vaitaraṇī, Balākā, and Kumudvatī—these auspicious rivers of holy waters spring from the foot of the Vindhya mountains. In the south, rivers flow from the Sahya mountains’ feet, while those that arise from Malaya are famed for their cool, refreshing waters. Rivers born at the foot of Śuktimat, too, are known to cleanse all sins. Indeed, all these rivers are holy. Through bathing, giving, and performing sacred rites in their waters, all sins are washed away. Thus are these lands and their inhabitants blessed, sanctified by the mountains, the rivers, the gods, and the enduring devotion of their people.