Thus, in summary, I have spoken of the countless forest-dwellers who inhabit the groves, so numerous that even I could not describe each one in detail. Now, let me tell you of the wondrous realms and abodes found upon the sacred mountains. Atop the peak of Śitānta, Indra himself resides within the auspicious Pārijāta grove. To the east of this lies the broad expanse of the Kumuda mountain range. There, eight ancient cities of the Dānavas arose, and in the auspicious Suvarṇakoṭara, the great-souled Rākṣasas make their home. It is said that sixty-eight ancient cities of the Nīlakas exist, and on the mighty mountain Nīla, lord of mountains, stand fifteen more ancient cities. Among the foremost of the horse-faced beings and Kinnaras, there are three splendid cities of the Vidyādharas upon the great mountain Veṇusaudha. In Vaikuṇṭha, the illustrious Garuḍa dwells; in Karañja abides Nīlalohita; and on Vasudhāra, the Vasus have their abode. On the excellent mountain Ratnadhāra, the great Seven Sages reside, and there are seven holy places, each filled with accomplished beings. The great abode of Prajāpati is found on the supreme mountain Ekaśṛṅga, while on Gajaśaila dwell Durgā, other deities, and the wise Vasus. Likewise, the Ādityas, Rudras, and the Aśvins have established their dwellings, and eighty divine cities shine upon the golden-girdled supreme mountain. On Sunīla lies the abode of the Rākṣasas, numbering five hundred million. On Pañcakūṭa once stood ancient cities, each vast enough for five hundred million inhabitants. On Śataśṛṅga, a hundred mighty cities of the Yakṣas are found. The Kādraveyas dwell on Tāmrābha, and on Viśākha is the abode of Guha. On Śvetodara reside the foremost sages and the great-souled Suparṇa. Piśācaka is the seat of Kubera, while Harikūṭa houses the dwelling of Hari. On Kumuda, the Kinnaras live; Añjana is home to the Cāraṇas; Kṛṣṇa is the domain of the Gandharvas; and on Pāṇḍura stand seven ancient cities. The Vidyādharas, endowed with all enjoyments, reside there, while on the mountain Sahasraśikhara are found the fierce Daityas. There are seven thousand ancient cities of Indra’s enemies. On Mukuṭa, the serpents dwell, and on Puṣpaketu reside the great sages. Upon the lordly mountains are the four abodes of Vaivasvata, Soma, Vāyu, the lord of serpents, and Takṣaka. There are also the abodes of Brahmā, Indra, Viṣṇu, Rudra, the great-souled Guha, Kubera, Soma, and other exalted beings. Even on the boundary mountains, there are principal sanctuaries. Śrīkaṇṭha dwells in a holy cave there, the universal abode, together with Umā. The supreme lordship of Śrīkaṇṭha, Lord of all gods and origin of this cosmic egg, pervades all—of this there is no doubt. Ananta and other mighty beings are each guardians of a cosmic egg and are known as universal emperors. After them, the Vidyeśvaras are present in these realms. Now, let me briefly describe the places presided over by Śrīkaṇṭha on the boundary mountains. Listen attentively as I speak, for this entire universe, both moving and unmoving, is under the rule of Śrīkaṇṭha. I shall now explain in detail, up to Kālagniśiva. In the heart of the splendid Mahākūṭa forest, upon Mount Devakūṭa, there shines a place radiant with the hues of gold, beryl, ruby, sapphire, and topaz. The mountain is adorned with other foremost gems, pure and auspicious, branching a hundred thousand times, and embellished with all manner of trees. Campaka, aśoka, puṇnāga, bakula, and asana trees flourish there, and the groves are filled with pārijāta blossoms, alive with flocks of diverse birds. The mountain is wondrous with hundreds of kinds of minerals, crowded with many flowers, and garlands of blossoms hang from its flanks. Unique groups of beings attend it, and pure, sweet water springs flow in single streams, decorated with waterfalls strewn with flowers and adorned with countless marvels. Streams carry clusters of flowers, and the land is lush with color, great roots, and many-trunked trees. The shade is unbroken, and the forest spans a circle of ten yojanas. Within this glorious expanse is Bhūtavana, the forest that is home to countless hosts of beings. There, too, is the radiant abode of the great god Mahādeva, Śaṅkara, the high-souled one, adorned with magnificent jewels. His dwelling is furnished with golden walls, decorated with jeweled gateways, and joined with marvelous crystal towers. Lion-thrones made of gems, covered with auspicious and splendid cloths, are perfectly set upon the ground, over which the blessed Śarva presides. The abode is graced with unfading garlands, houses of many colors, and splendid pavilions supported by crystal pillars. All the lords of beings attend Mahādeva here, and he is worshipped by Brahmā, Indra, Upendra, as well as by boars, elephants, lions, bears, tigers, camels, and monkeys. Beings with vulture and owl faces, and others with the faces of deer and camels, are also present, along with mighty Pramathas—massive and splendid as mountain peaks. Fierce, green-haired, shaggy, great-armed beings of various colors and forms stand in diverse postures. Among them are radiant-faced, illustrious Nandīśvaras, resembling Brahmā, Indra, and Viṣṇu, endowed with the powers beginning with Aṇimā. This holy place is never devoid of immortals and great assemblies, and here the gods always perform worship for the Lord of beings. The air resounds with cymbals, conches, drums, bherīs, ḍiṇḍimas, and gomukhas, with graceful melodies, sweet singing, and measured, resounding roars. Thus, the great god Mahādeva, Lord of the Pramathas, is worshipped by Pramathas, Siddhas, seers, gods, Gandharvas, and the great-souled Brahmā himself.