In the vast and wondrous regions of the world, there dwell many peoples, each with their own unique ways. In the lands to the east, the inhabitants possess the remarkable ability to assume whatever forms they desire, living as they wish. To the west, at the farthest reaches, reside the Saurāṣṭras, Śūdras, Ābhīras, and the people of Arbuda. Alongside them are the Sauvīras, Saindhavas, Hūṇas, and Śālvas, all settling in those western lands. These communities make their homes along rivers, always drinking the pure flowing waters. Unlike elsewhere, in these regions the cycles of the four ages—Kṛta, Tretā, Dvāpara, and Kali—do not exist at all. Among these people, there is no sorrow, no weariness, no distress, and no fear of hunger. Instead, they delight in various pleasures and remain ever youthful, untouched by the burdens that afflict others. Beyond these lands rises the celestial palace of the Supreme Lord, the Lord of gods—a magnificent abode crafted of shining crystal. Within this sacred palace, gods, hosts of Siddhas, and Yakṣas gather continually to offer their worship. There, the mighty bearer of the bow Pināka, Lord Śiva himself, shines in splendor, always surrounded by spirits and divine beings. This is the great abode of Bhava, the Lord of all gods. A beautiful river, adorned with many varieties of lotuses, flows through this heavenly realm. Its waters are ever pure, supremely sacred, and a source of great delight. Divine sages and Nārāyaṇa himself are often seen at its banks, drawn by its sanctity. Nearby stands a mansion with crystal pillars and gateways of gold, a supremely sacred and beautiful dwelling, adorned with every kind of precious jewel. Within this radiant home abides the eternal, most excellent of all immortals, ever worshipped by those who dwell there. Surrounding the palace are eight sacred places, so holy that even the enemies of the gods cannot approach them. There are also seven holy hermitages, sanctified by the presence of Siddhas. In this exalted region lies the vast and supremely sacred abode of Brahmā, the one of unmanifest birth. Here, he is always worshipped as the unborn supreme grandsire, abiding for the welfare of all worlds and serving as the highest goal for the peaceful and wise. A great lake, pure and holy, with nectar-like, fragrant waters, stretches wide in this land. It is frequented by great souls—knowers of Brahman—who are free from faults and pettiness. Among Brahmā’s chief disciples are Sumanā and Vedanāda, both of great might and devoted to the knowledge of Brahman. Along with others who seek truth, they worship him with unwavering devotion. Maheśvara, the great Lord, together with the goddess, often graces this place with his presence. The lakes and rivers here are beloved by sages of disciplined mind, who, their thoughts fixed on Brahman and intent on knowledge, find joy in this sacred land. They meditate upon the god Īśāna, who pervades all that exists. Here too dwells the blessed Indra, lord of the gods, together with his consort Śacī. The great goddess Durgā herself resides in this realm, having drunk the nectar of yoga and attained the supreme bliss of sovereignty. Scattered throughout are hundreds of ancient cities of the Rākṣasas, now transformed into lakes. Among these is a city adorned with crystal pillars, belonging to the Yakṣas of immeasurable might, fortified with ramparts, gates, towers, and jeweled arches. Within this city, the supreme, imperishable light—Viṣṇu himself—abides in deep meditation. There stands a golden gateway, adorned with every kind of jewel, belonging to the blessed goddess. Lakshmi, of infinite power and eager to enchant the worlds, dwells here as well. Having contemplated the very source of the universe, she radiates with the brilliant rays of her own divine energy, illuminating all who enter her presence.