In that sacred realm stands the magnificent abode of Bhava, the Lord of the gods. Flowing nearby is a river, graced with lotuses of every hue, its waters ever pure, supremely holy, and a source of boundless delight. This river is a gathering place for hosts of divine sages, and even Nārāyaṇa himself is known to frequent its banks. Within this wondrous land rises a splendid mansion, its pillars fashioned from crystal and its gateways gleaming with gold. It is a supremely sacred and beautiful dwelling, adorned with every kind of jewel, where the eternal, most excellent of all immortals resides, receiving constant worship. Eight sacred places are found here, so hallowed that even the enemies of the gods cannot approach them. There are seven holy hermitages as well, each inhabited by Siddhas, the perfected beings. In this domain also lies the vast and supremely sacred abode of Brahmā, the one of unmanifest birth, who is ever worshipped as the unborn, supreme grandsire. He abides here for the welfare of all worlds, and he is the highest goal of the peaceful. A great lake spreads nearby, pure and holy, its nectar-like waters fragrant and vast. It is frequented by great souls—knowers of Brahman—who are free from faults and pettiness. Among the chief disciples present are Sumanā and Vedanāda, mighty ones devoted to the knowledge of Brahman, who worship their teacher with steadfast hearts. Maheśvara himself, 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 true delight in this sanctuary. In deep meditation, they contemplate the god Īśāna, by whom all existence is pervaded. Here too abides the blessed Indra, lord of the gods, with his consort Śacī, and the great goddess Durgā herself dwells in this realm. Having drunk the nectar of yoga, she attains the very bliss of sovereignty. O twice-born, know that in this region there are hundreds of ancient cities of the Rākṣasas, many of which now appear as lakes. Among them is a city adorned with crystal pillars, belonging to the Yakṣas of immeasurable might, furnished with ramparts, gates, and towers, and decorated with jeweled arches. Within this city, Viṣṇu himself, the supreme imperishable light, abides in meditation. There is also a golden gateway, adorned with every jewel, belonging to the blessed goddess. Lakshmi, of infinite power and eager to enchant the worlds, dwells here. Radiant with the rays of her own energy, she contemplates the very source of the universe. In this wondrous place are four lakes, each adorned with marvelous lotuses and joined with jeweled stairways, adding to the beauty of the landscape. A divine grove of karṇikāra trees stands here as well, composed of Shankara’s essence, and adorned with delightful palaces, decorated with bells and yak-tail fans. The air resounds with the music of mṛdaṅgas and murajas, filled with the sweet melodies of vīṇās and flutes. Great palaces crowd this grove, their shining walls gleaming in every direction. Here, the goddess dwells, ever devoted to yoga. Sages and perfected beings, who speak only of Brahman, are able to behold her in this sacred place. The lakes here are enjoyed by the siddhas and are fit for the gods themselves, O best of men. Surrounding them are hundreds of cities of gandharvas, each encircled by celestial women, completing this vision of divine beauty and sanctity.