There is a wondrous realm, adorned with four magnificent lakes, each one blossoming with extraordinary lotuses. Along their edges, jeweled stairways descend gracefully into the waters, enhancing the beauty of these sacred pools. Near these lakes rises a divine grove of karṇikāra trees, which are said to be formed from the very essence of Shankara himself. This grove is further embellished by splendid palaces, their walls adorned with tinkling bells and waving yak-tail fans that create an atmosphere of gentle luxury. Throughout this celestial domain, the air resounds with the harmonious music of mṛdaṅgas and murajas, while the sweet melodies of vīṇās and flutes float gently through the grove. Magnificent palaces abound, their radiant, shining walls gleaming in every direction, casting a brilliant light over all. Within this sacred place dwells the goddess, ever devoted to the practice of yoga. Here, sages and perfected beings—those who speak of Brahman—behold her in her glory. The lakes are enjoyed by the siddhas and are fit even for the gods themselves. Hundreds of cities belonging to the gandharvas are found here, each one surrounded by celestial women. The gandharvas play and revel in endless joy, delighting in pleasures and amusements. The apsarases, led by the enchanting Rambha, also abide here, ever eager for the joys of love. The city itself is endowed with every kind of gem and filled with countless sparkling streams. Within its bounds reside the Rudranis—some tranquil, some passionate—all of them with minds devoted to the Lord. Having ascended to the supreme light, these beings attain the highest, most exalted place. In this same region, the illustrious sage Nandishvara dwells in the city of Kapila. Here too is the radiant, sacred abode of Bhāskara, the Sun, whose brilliance knows no bounds. The Moon, the delightful Lord of cool rays, finds joy in this place as well. This entire expanse stretches for a thousand yojanas, its length marked by gateways of gold and precious jewels. It is here that the Soul of the Universe abides with Sāvitrī, accompanied by Vāsudeva and others. The most eminent sages, beginning with Sanandana, dwell in this hallowed place. Not far away is the hermitage of the wise preceptor of the Daityas, and within this sacred land also resides the venerable sage Kardama. The revered Sanatkumāra, foremost knower of Brahman, makes his home here as well. Pure lakes and rivers flow throughout, and the abodes of the gods stand amidst them. The forests and excellent hermitages are so numerous that they cannot be counted, not even in a hundred years could their wonders be fully described. Beyond this sacred land, encircling the ocean of brine, lies the island of Plakṣa. Its mountains rise straight and lofty, and are frequented by assemblies of perfected beings. Of these, the seventh mountain, called Vaibhrāja, is most beloved of Brahmā. Here, the Soul of the Universe—the witness and creator of all—is worshipped with devotion. No evildoers or wicked men are ever found in this land. The Brahmarṣis, the great sages, always worship the Grandfather here, and they are renowned by name as immortal and virtuous. In these ages, however, the people are not long-lived. On this island, the four varṇas—Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras—are mentioned. Among them, there is a special union and resemblance with Soma, the Moon. The people here live for five thousand years, free from disease. Encircling the ocean of sugarcane juice lies the island of Shalmali, established in beauty. Upon it flow seven straight, well-jointed rivers, each one a testament to the virtue and splendor of this divine world.