There are many sacred rivers in the world, each with its own divine origin and purifying power. Among them are Parṇāśā and Vandanā, and the ever-flowing, delightful Sadānīrā. Alongside these, Śigru and Svaśilpā are remembered, their waters resting upon the slopes of the Pāriyātra mountains. Mandākinī, Citrakūṭā, Tāmasī, and Piśācikā also flow forth, all born at the foot of the Ṛkṣavat range. These rivers, it is said, have the power to wash away every sin from those who come to them. Veṇyā, Vaitaraṇī, Balākā, and Kumudvatī are among the auspicious rivers that spring from the feet of the Vindhya mountains, their waters holy and sanctifying. In the southern lands, the rivers arise from the foot of the Sahya mountains, while those that issue from the Malaya range are famed for their cool, refreshing waters. At the foot of Śuktimat, too, rivers are born that cleanse all sins from humankind. Indeed, all these rivers are holy, removing every impurity—especially for those who bathe in them, offer gifts, and perform sacred rites. Across these regions dwell many peoples: in the east, inhabitants who, through their own power, may take on whatever forms they desire. To the west live the Saurāṣṭras, Śūdras, Ābhīras, and the people of Arbuda. The Sauvīras, Saindhavas, Hūṇas, and Śālvas also make their homes in those western lands. These communities live along the sacred rivers, drinking their waters and dwelling in harmony with their flow. In these blessed regions, the four ages—Kṛta, Tretā, Dvāpara, and Kali—do not exist as they do elsewhere. Here, there is no sorrow, no exhaustion, no distress, nor fear of hunger. The people delight in many pleasures, ever youthful, free from the burdens that afflict others. Beyond these earthly wonders lies the celestial palace of the Lord of gods, the Supreme Lord, resplendent and made entirely of crystal. Within this radiant hall, gods, Siddhas, and Yakṣas gather continually to offer their worship. In the midst of this assembly shines the bearer of the bow Pināka, always surrounded by hosts of spirits. Here, too, is the great abode of Bhava, the Lord of gods, where a river adorned with countless lotuses flows gently by. Its waters are ever pure, supremely sacred, and delightful, frequented by divine sages and by Nārāyaṇa himself. Within this celestial realm stands a mansion with pillars of crystal and gateways of gold—a supremely sacred and beautiful dwelling, adorned with every kind of precious jewel. Here abides the eternal one, the most excellent of all immortals, ever worshipped by the divine. There are eight sacred places in this realm, difficult for the enemies of the gods to approach, and seven holy hermitages where the Siddhas dwell. The supremely sacred and vast abode of Brahmā, the unmanifest-born, is found here as well. The gods continually worship the unborn supreme grandsire, who abides for the welfare of all worlds and is the highest goal for the peaceful. Within this region lies a great lake, pure and holy, filled with fragrant, nectar-like waters and stretching vast and serene. It is frequented by great souls—knowers of Brahman, who are free from faults and pettiness. Among them, Sumanā and Vedanāda are the chief disciples, mighty and devoted to the knowledge of Brahman, who worship the supreme. Maheśvara, together with the goddess, is often present in this sanctified place. The lakes and rivers here are visited by sages of disciplined mind, their hearts attached to Brahman and their thoughts intent on knowledge. In this sacred realm, they find joy, meditating upon the god Īśāna, by whom all things are pervaded.