Adorned with shimmering lakes, winding rivers, and sparkling streams, the splendid city at the heart of this sacred region radiates brilliance, casting a luminous glory upon the auspicious mountain it embraces. In the southeast lies Tejasvini, a city belonging to Agni, the fire god. Divine in nature and rivaling Amaravati itself, Tejasvini is endowed with every conceivable enjoyment. To the south stands Vaivasvati, the city of Yama, foremost among the controllers of destiny. This city is surrounded by celestial mansions fashioned from pure gold, their radiance unmistakable. In the southwest is Shuddhavati—a beautiful city, dusky in hue—and likewise Gandhavati, resplendent in the northwest, each adding to the grandeur of the region. At the mountain’s northeastern edge shines Mahodaya, illustrious and ever-glowing in the heavens. Mahodaya is the abode of Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshvara, and other divine beings. Filled with every delight, holy and adorned with serene ponds, it is celebrated as the finest among cities. Within its bounds dwell Siddhas, Yakshas, Gandharvas, eminent sages, and countless other groups of beings, each with distinct forms and origins. Atop the mountain, O best of Brahmins, stands a vast palace to the left, gleaming like pure crystal. Its thousand courts echo with divine presence. Here sits the great-armed Sharva—whose eyes are the moon, sun, and fire—enthroned upon a seat of jewels, accompanied by the goddess and Karttikeya. Nearby, Hari’s palace rises, half as wide and crafted from divine padmaraga gems, while to the south is the splendid palace of Padmaja. Grand and delightful cities belonging to Shakra, Yama, Soma, Varuna, Nirriti, and Agni also grace this sacred landscape. The palaces of Vayu and Rudra surround Sharva’s abode, each deity residing in their respective divine dwellings. In the northeast, within Ishvara’s domain, worship is ceaseless. The blessed Lord Shailadi abides there, revered by Siddhas and disciples. Sanatkumara, lord of the gods, sits joyfully with the Siddhas; Sanaka, Sananda, and thousands like them are present, their wisdom permeating the air. Some places are devoted to the realm of yoga, others to enjoyment. Amidst them, a resplendent palace shines, reminiscent of the young sun’s brilliance. Here is the auspicious abode of Shailadi, where Ganesha resides with Karttikeya and countless hosts of Ganas. The mothers Suyaśā and Sunetrā, as well as Madana, are present, filling the palace with nurturing energy. At its base flows the river Jambūnadī. On the southern bank stands the magnificent Jambu tree, tall and wide, bearing fruit in every season. All around Meru stretches a vast, auspicious region, blanketed with Varshamila trees. Here, some beings feast on Jambu fruits, while others partake of nectar. The residents come in a variety of colors, their hues resembling Jambunada gold. Brahmins dwelling at Meru’s foot call this the auspicious middle continent. This continent, Jambudvipa, is endowed with nine regions, each with its own river, country, and mountain lord. Now, let me describe these nine regions properly. Listen as I recount their measures, their circles, and the distances, all calculated in yojanas. A hundred thousand yojanas is the measure given; each continent is twice the size of the previous, increasing twofold each time. The earth, together with its oceans, spans fifty crores in breadth, joined by seven continents and encircled by the auspicious Lokāloka. To the north of Meru rises the mountain Nīla; further north is Śveta, and beyond that is Śṛṅgī. These three, O sages, are known as the Varṣaparvatas. To the east are Jaṭhara and Devakūṭa. Niṣadha lies to the south of Meru, followed by Hemakūṭa, and then Himavān. To the west of Meru are Dharādhara and Mālyavān, with Gandhamādana nearby; these two stretch northward. These are the kingly mountains, frequented by Siddhas and Cāraṇas. The distance between each is nine thousand yojanas. The region of Himavat is renowned as Bhārata; beyond Hemakūṭa lies the land called Kiṃpuruṣa. Beyond Hemakūṭa is Niṣadha, known as Harivarṣa, and beyond Harivarṣa is the auspicious Ilāvṛta, centered around Meru. Beyond Ilāvṛta is Nīla, famed as Ramyaka; further beyond Ramyaka is Śveta, known as Hiraṇmaya. Beyond Hiraṇmaya is Śṛṅgī, where Kuru is remembered. In the form of a bow, two regions are recognized, one to the south and one to the north. There are four long regions, with Ilāvṛta at the center; to the west and east of Meru are two other long regions. South of Niṣadha is called half the altar, and likewise to the north; on the southern half are three regions, and three also on the northern. Between these, the middle of Meru is Ilāvṛta, lying to the south of Nīla and north of Niṣadha. To the north rises the great mountain Mālyavān, extending two thousand yojanas above. Its length is thirty-two thousand yojanas; to its west is Gandhamādana, equally extensive. Gandhamādana matches Mālyavān in length, and both are equal in breadth to Jambūdvīpa. These six Varṣaparvatas stretch eastward, well-formed, and on both sides they are immersed in the eastern and western oceans. Himavān is mostly snowy, Hemakūṭa shines golden, and Niṣadha too is golden, resembling the young sun. Thus, the sacred geography of Meru and its surrounding regions unfolds, a tapestry of divine cities, palaces, and mountains, each imbued with celestial beauty and profound spiritual significance.