Beyond the reach of those who bear enmity toward the gods, there exists a city without equal, its four splendid gates standing as sentinels to a realm of wonder. Within its bounds dwell beings of extraordinary skill, masters of song so rare that even the gods themselves seldom witness their artistry. Among them move radiant figures, their faces shining with the beauty of the moon, the melodious chime of anklets announcing their presence. These denizens are adorned with every kind of wealth; slender-waisted and resplendent, they are draped in divine ornaments and excel in the art of conversation and speech. Their bodies shimmer with wondrous hues, and they delight in a multitude of pleasures and enjoyments. The city itself abounds in countless pure qualities, so exalted that not even the gods may attain them. At its very heart rises a gateway of surpassing brilliance, crowned with lofty ramparts. Here, upon the mighty serpent Śeṣa, reclines Hari, the source of all worlds. Immersed in the nectar of his own bliss, he remains supreme, untouched by darkness. At his feet sits the daughter of the Ocean of Milk, ever devoted, her mind steadfastly fixed upon him, drinking unceasingly the nectar that is Nārāyaṇa. This sacred place is Vaikuṇṭha, a realm revered even by the gods themselves. Only so much can be spoken, for truly, this is the city of Nārāyaṇa. There, radiant Nārāyaṇa lies, veiling the world in the mystery of his māyā. At the end of every age, all beings return to him, for he alone is the supreme goal. Resting upon the Ocean of Milk is an island, encircled by a lotus and vast in its expanse, perfectly round in every direction. Upon this island stands a great mountain, divided into two by its very formation. Here are the regions known as Mahāvīta and the land of Dhātakī. At the heart of the island grows a magnificent nyagrodha tree, venerated by the immortals. It is in this sacred place, O best of sages, that the abodes of Śiva and Nārāyaṇa are found. The lord, dark and tawny, is honored here by Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Yakṣas, all of whom are free from disease and sorrow, untouched by attachment or aversion. In this realm, there are no obligations of caste or stage of life, no rivers, and no mountains. All around stretches an ocean of sweet water, and the golden land nearby is twice as wide, gleaming like a vast slab of stone. Encircling all is the region known as Lokāloka, both luminous and non-luminous, marked by the great mountain of the same name. Darkness itself, fierce and impenetrable like a mighty bowl, surrounds Lokāloka on every side. Thus is the extent of the cosmic egg, as I have briefly described. Because the primordial cause is all-pervading and imperishable, in every region are found the four-faced ones, the Rudras, Nārāyaṇas, and other divine beings. This order is established everywhere, and it is to these realms that the wise aspire to go. Yet, beyond all this, transcending the world, exists the imperishable nature—known as the unmanifest, that is Brahman, the supreme state. Its unfailing greatness has already been spoken of before. In all the oceans and in the sky, this truth holds without doubt. The Supreme Person, whose limbs are manifest in countless forms, plays throughout creation. From the cosmic egg arose Brahmā, and by him, this world was brought into being.