Bathed in the golden radiance imparted by the sacred touch of Maheshvara, the great mountain shone with a brilliance like the blossom of the dhattura flower, becoming the very dwelling place of all the gods. This mountain was not only their abode but also their divine playground, wondrous beyond measure. Its vast length stretched one hundred thousand yojanas, while its roots plunged sixteen thousand yojanas below the earth and its peaks soared high above, their remaining heights crowning the world. The roots of this mountain were immeasurable, and its base was twice as broad as its summit. To the east, the mountain glimmered like padmaraga gems; to the south, it gleamed with the luster of gold; to the west, it shone with the blue of sapphire; and to the north, it radiated the red glow of coral. On the eastern side of this mountain lay Amaravati, a city resplendent with countless palaces, teeming with throngs of gods, and adorned with intricate networks of jewels. Its gateways took on many forms, all decked with gold and precious stones, while its arches sparkled with golden designs and rows of gems lining the pathways. The city was filled with those skilled in witty conversation, adorned with every kind of ornament, and women whose beauty was accentuated by the weight of their breasts and the rolling of their eyes from sweet intoxication. Everywhere, thousands of women and apsarases graced the city, and beautiful pools overflowed with blooming lotuses. Golden stairways led down to heaps of golden sand, with blue and other varieties of lotuses, as well as fragrant golden flowers, scattered all around. Lakes, rivers, and streams adorned this radiant city, causing the auspicious mountain itself to be celebrated for its splendor. In the southeast stood Tejasvini, the city of Agni, divine and equal in glory to Amaravati, blessed with every enjoyment. To the south was Vaivasvati, the city of Yama, foremost among the controllers, surrounded by celestial mansions made entirely of pure gold. In the southwest lay the dark-hued, beautiful city of Shuddhavati, and in the northwest, the splendid Gandhavati. At the mountain’s northeastern edge shone the illustrious city of Mahodaya, ever radiant in the heavens. Mahodaya was the abode of Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshvara, and other deities, filled with every delight, sanctified by holy ponds, and acclaimed as the best among cities. It teemed with Siddhas, Yakshas, Gandharvas, eminent sages, and many other beings of four kinds, each with their own unique forms. Atop the mountain, to the left, rose a vast palace shining like pure crystal, boasting a thousand courts. There, the mighty Sharva, whose eyes are the moon, sun, and fire, sat on a throne of jewels, accompanied by the goddess and Karttikeya. Nearby stood Hari’s palace, half as wide, constructed from divine padmaraga gems, and to the south gleamed the splendid palace of Padmaja. The grand and delightful cities of Shakra, Yama, Soma, Varuna, Nirriti, and Agni also adorned this region. The palaces of Vayu and Rudra encircled the abode of Sharva, and in these various divine dwellings, each god resided in glory. In the northeast, within the domain of Ishvara, ceaseless worship was established. There, the blessed Lord Shailadi, revered by Siddhas and disciples, abided. Sanatkumara, lord of the gods, sat joyfully among the Siddhas, with Sanaka, Sananda, and thousands of others like them present. In some places, the realm of yoga flourished; in others, the realm of enjoyment prevailed. There, a splendid palace shone with the brilliance of the young sun. This was the auspicious abode of Shailadi, where Ganesha resided with Karttikeya and thousands of Ganas. The mothers Suyaśā and Sunetrā, as well as Madana, were present there, while at the base of the mountain flowed the river Jambūnadī. On the southern bank of this river stood a magnificent Jambu tree, tall and wide, bearing fruit in every season. All around Meru stretched a vast and auspicious region covered with Varshamila trees; there, some enjoyed the fruits of the Jambu tree, while others partook of nectar. The inhabitants were of various colors, resembling Jambunada gold. The Brahmins dwelling at the foot of Meru called this the auspicious middle continent. This continent contained nine regions, each with its own river, country, and mountain lord. Now the nine regions of Jambudvipa would be described, along with their measures, their circular arrangement, and the distances between them. The measure of the land was said to be one hundred thousand yojanas, with each continent being twice the size of the previous, increasing twofold each time. The earth, together with its oceans, was fifty crores in breadth, joined with seven continents and surrounded by the auspicious Lokāloka. To the north of Meru rose the Nīla mountains, and further north lay Śveta; beyond that, Śṛṅgī—these three, O sages, were the Varṣaparvatas. To the east were Jaṭhara and Devakūṭa; to the south of Meru was Niṣadha, and further south lay Hemakūṭa; south of that was the mighty Himavān. To the west of Meru stood Dharādhara and Mālyavān, and also Gandhamādana; these two stretched northward. These were the kingly mountains, frequented by Siddhas and Cāraṇas, and the distance between each was nine thousand yojanas. The region of Himavat was renowned as Bhārata; beyond Hemakūṭa was the land called Kiṃpuruṣa. Beyond Hemakūṭa was Niṣadha, known as Harivarṣa; and beyond Harivarṣa was the auspicious Ilāvṛta of Meru.