In the sacred discourse, the great sage began by describing the diverse peoples who inhabit the vast land of Bharata. In the eastern region dwell the Prāgjyotiṣas, Puṇḍras, Videhas, Tāmraliptakas, Śālvas, Māgadhas, and Gonardas, each with their own unique customs and lineage. Beyond these, in the southern lands, are the Pāṇḍyas, Keralas, Colas, and Kulyas, followed by the Setukas, Sutikas, Kupathas, Vajivasikas, Navarashtras, Mahishikas, and all the Kalingas. Continuing further, the sage recounted the Karushas and Aishikas, the Atavyas, Shabaras, Pulindas, Vindhyapushikas, Vaidarbhas, and Dandakas. Among them also are the Kuliya and Sirala peoples, the Rupasas and Tapasas, along with all the Taittirikas and Karaskaras. The Vasikyas and others, those who dwell between the Narmada rivers, the Bharukacchas, Samaheyas, and Sarasvatas, each find their place in this great land. Turning to the west, the sage spoke of the Kacchikas, Saurashtras, Anartas, and Arbudas, the peoples of the western lands. He then described those living in the Vindhya region: the Malavas, Karushas, Mekalas, Utkalas, Aundras, Mashas, Dasharnas, Bhojas, and Kishkindhakas. The Stoshalas, Kosalas, Tripuras, Vaidishas, Tumuras, Tumbaras, Padgamas, and Naishadhas also dwell there, as do the Arupas, Shaundikeras, Vitihotras, and Avantis, renowned peoples on the slopes of the Vindhya mountains. The sage did not forget the mountain dwellers—those who roam without fixed sustenance, traversing difficult and trackless paths. Clad in coarse cloth or wool, the Samudgakas, Trigartas, Mandalas, Kiratas, and Amaras live in the highlands. He then spoke of the four ages that have unfolded in Bharata: Krita, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali—the yugas through which the world cycles. He promised to explain their nature fully. As the sages listened with rapt attention, they eagerly addressed Lomaharshana, yearning to hear more. "Tell us, as you have described Bharata, of the lands of Kimpurusha and Harivarsha," they requested. "Describe to us, O wise one, the extent of Jambudvipa and the other islands, their peoples, and their trees." Thus questioned, Lomaharshana replied in detail, sharing knowledge esteemed in the Puranas and seen by the ancient sages. "O Brahmins, eager for knowledge, listen attentively. Jambudvipa and Kimpurusha are exceedingly delightful, places of great joy. "In the land of Kimpurusha, it is said that people live for ten thousand years and are born with a radiance like well-refined gold. There, the Plaksha tree is famed for its honey, and all the Kimpurushas delight in drinking its most excellent sap. The men and women of this land are free from disease and sorrow, always joyful, golden in color, and the women are remembered as apsarases. "Beyond Kimpurusha lies Harivarsha, where people are born with the luster of pure silver. All who dwell in Harivarsha have fallen from the world of the gods and possess many forms. They drink the auspicious juice of sugarcane. Old age does not trouble them, and they live for eleven thousand years. "I have described the middle region, Ilavrita, where neither sun nor moon nor stars shine, and the people know not their light. In Ilavrita, the inhabitants have the radiance and color of lotuses, with eyes like lotus petals. They are born fragrant as lotuses, feed on the juice of jambū fruits, remain motionless, and possess a pleasing scent. These people, too, have descended from the world of the gods, are clothed in great silver, and live for thirteen thousand years. Whether they dwell on the southern side of Meru or north of Nishadha, their lifespan is the same. "In Ilavrita stands the great, eternal jambū tree named Sudarshana, always adorned with flowers and fruits, served by siddhas and charanas. It is from this tree that Jambudvipa takes its name—a vast land, a thousand yojanas across, and a hundred times as great. The king of trees rises high, covering the sky, and the juice of its jambū fruit becomes a river that flows forth. "This river circles Mount Meru and returns to the root of the jambū tree, where the people of Ilavrita joyfully drink its waters. By partaking of this juice, they are spared from old age, hunger, fatigue, and all such suffering. From this region comes the gold called jāmbūnada, an ornament of the gods, shining like the indragopa insect. The fruit juice of all the trees is auspicious, and the gold that flows is pure, becoming the adornment of the divine. "In all eight directions, the urine and feces of these people are absorbed by the earth through the Lord's favor, and the earth likewise consumes their dead. The Himalayas are home to all rakshasas, pisachas, and yakshas, while Hemakuta is known for gandharvas and apsarases. The great serpents—Śeṣa, Vāsuki, and Takṣaka—dwell here, and on mighty Meru, thirty-three auspicious and sacrificial beings revel. "On this mountain, adorned with sapphire and cat’s-eye gems, perfected beings and Brahmarṣis reside. Among the Daityas and Dānavas, the white mountain stands renowned." Thus did the sage paint a vivid tapestry of the peoples, lands, and wonders of Jambudvipa and its neighboring realms, as revered in the ancient wisdom of the Puranas.