In ancient times, Brahmā spoke to the sages, revealing the sacred geography of the world and the wondrous lands where virtue flourishes. He described Bhadrāśva and Bhārata, Ketumāla to the west, and the northern Kurus—sanctuaries reserved for those who have performed meritorious deeds. These regions are supported by majestic mountains: Mandara, Gandhamadana, Vipula, and Supārśva, each adorned with every kind of jewel, shining with celestial beauty. Above these mountains lie four splendid lakes—Arunoda, Mānasa, Sitoda, and Bhadra—surrounded by lush forests. On Gandhamadana mountain grows the Bhadra kadamba tree; on Vipula, the Jambu tree and the sacred fig, as well as the great banyan, each contributing to the sanctity of the land. To the west of Gandhamadana is Amaragandhika, a vast region spanning thirty-two thousand yojanas in every direction. Here, the Ketumalas are renowned for their virtuous deeds, and mighty beings known as the Kalanalas dwell, possessing great strength and power. The women of this land shine with the hue of blue lotuses, beautiful and pleasing to behold. A divine jackfruit tree stands here, radiant with its lush leaves; by drinking the juice of its fruit, the people live long and harmonious lives. On the eastern side of Malyavan lies the eastern Gandhika, equally expansive, and there are a hundred such places. In this region, Bhadrāśva is ever joyful, with the Bhadramala forest and the great Kālāmrā tree. The men here are white, strong, and powerful; the women are radiant like white lotuses, beautiful and delightful. Some women possess the radiance and coolness of the moon, their faces resembling the full moon, and their bodies fragrant with the scent of blue lotuses. Their lifespans reach ten thousand years, free from disease, and having drunk the essence of the immortal fruit, they remain ever youthful. Brahmā explained these natural years to the sages, reminding them of his favor and asking what more they wished to hear. The sages, full of curiosity and firm in their vows, joyfully replied, asking for further details: "O sage, you have described the lands of the east and west, and the northern regions and mountains. Tell us truly about those who dwell in the mountains." Brahmā continued, describing the regions south of Nīla and north of Niṣadha. There lies the land called Ramaṇaka, where beings of pure heart are born, devoted to delight, noble in lineage, and pleasing to behold. A mighty banyan tree of the Rohiṇa kind grows there; by drinking the juice of its fruit, the people sustain their lives. These excellent men live for ten thousand and one thousand years, always joyful. North of Śveta, beside the southern slope of Śṛṅga, is the land called Hiraṇvata, where the river Hairaṇvatī flows. Here, men of great strength and spirit, noble in lineage and ever cheerful, live for eleven thousand years and one hundred and fifty more. A great lakuca tree shelters them, and its fruit's juice sustains their lives. Śṛṅgasāhvā boasts three great peaks: one adorned with jewels, one with gold, and one made of all precious stones, shining among the worlds. To the north of this mountain, and at its southern edge by the sea, are the Kurus—a sacred region frequented by perfected beings. In the land of the Kurus, trees bear honeyed fruit, and divine nectar-like streams flow. Garments and ornaments are produced from the fruits themselves. Some trees grant every desire, while others, called milk-trees, yield milk with six flavors, nectar-like for those who preserve it. The ground is made of jewels, with golden sand, pleasant to the touch, and auspicious breezes that are silent. Here, auspicious humans are born—those who have fallen from the world of the gods. They possess pure lineage and steady youth. Couples are born together, and the women are like apsarases. They drink the milk of the milk-trees, which is like nectar. Each pair is born in one day, grows equally, shares the same form and character, and dies together. Each is devoted to the other, like the chakravāka birds, free from illness and sorrow, their minds always joyful. These great beings live for ten thousand and ten hundred years, and no other woman is involved in their lives. Such is the nature of the years in Bhārata Yuga, as known by those who understand the highest dharma. Thus, the wise son of Sūta recounted these marvels to the sages. Yet, in the northern recitation, the sages questioned him again. They asked about the land of Bhārata, where the fourteen Manus, beginning with Svāyambhuva, created the generations of beings. They implored, "Tell us again the northern recitation, O best of speakers." Having heard their request, Lomaharṣaṇa, the Purāṇika, spoke to the sages of purified soul. He considered their questions with reason and deep reflection, and then began to relate to them the northern recitation, continuing the sacred tradition of wisdom.