In that wondrous and sacred realm, the blessed Indra, lord of the gods, dwells in majesty with his consort Śacī. There, too, abides the revered goddess Durgā herself, the great and powerful Mother. Immersed in the nectar of yoga, she delights in the supreme bliss of sovereignty, her presence radiant and serene. O twice-born, in this region are found hundreds of ancient cities belonging to the Rākṣasas, which appear as shimmering lakes. Among them stands a city adorned with crystal pillars, the stronghold of mighty Yakṣas whose strength knows no bounds. This city is fortified with ramparts, gates, and lofty towers, all resplendent with jeweled arches. There, in deep meditation, abides the supreme and imperishable light—Viṣṇu himself, the source of all radiance. The golden gateway of the blessed goddess stands nearby, dazzling with every kind of jewel. Lakshmi, she of infinite power and the enchantress of the worlds, dwells there as well. She contemplates the very source of the universe, her own energy shining forth like rays of light. Within this celestial domain are four lakes, each adorned with wondrous lotuses, their beauty enhanced by jeweled stairways descending to the water’s edge. The lakes themselves are marvels, graced by these glittering steps. Nearby, a divine grove of karṇikāra trees flourishes, formed from the very essence of Śankara. This grove is further adorned with delightful palaces, festooned with ringing bells and yak-tail fans. The air here is filled with the music of mṛdaṅgas and murajas, and the sweet melodies of vīṇās and flutes. Magnificent palaces crowd the landscape, their gleaming walls shining in all directions. In this sacred place, the goddess herself dwells, ever devoted to the practice of yoga. Here, sages and perfected beings who contemplate Brahman are able to behold her glory. The lakes are enjoyed by siddhas and are truly fit for the gods, O best of men. Hundreds of cities belonging to gandharvas are found here as well, surrounded by celestial women. In these cities, the gandharvas play joyfully, ever intent on pleasures and delights. The apsarases, led by the enchanting Rambha, also make their home here, ever eager for love and beauty. This city is endowed with every kind of gem and filled with countless sparkling streams. Here reside the Rudranis—divine consorts of Rudra—of both tranquil and passionate natures, their minds ever devoted to the Lord. Having ascended to the supreme light, these goddesses attain the highest place. Within this realm, in the region called Kapila, dwells the illustrious sage Nandishvara. There, too, is the radiant and sacred abode of Bhāskara, the sun of immeasurable brilliance. The delightful Lord of cool rays, the Moon, also finds joy in this place. This celestial land stretches a thousand yojanas in length, with gateways of gold and precious jewels. Here, the very Soul of the Universe abides with Sāvitrī, accompanied by Vāsudeva and other divine beings. Eminent sages, beginning with Sanandana, dwell in this region as well. Not far from these wonders lies the hermitage of the wise preceptor of the Daityas. In that sacred spot, the venerable sage Kardama makes his home. There, too, resides the revered Sanatkumāra, foremost knower of Brahman. The land is graced with pure lakes and rivers, and the abodes of the gods are scattered throughout. The forests and excellent hermitages are so numerous that they defy counting—indeed, even in a hundred years, their wonders could not be fully described. Encircling the ocean of brine lies the great island of Plakṣa. Its mountains rise straight and lofty, often visited by assemblies of perfected beings. Among all its peaks, the seventh, called Vaibhrāja, is most beloved of Brahmā himself.