On the vast island known as Jambū, named for the mighty jambū tree that towers so high its branches seem to touch the sky, extraordinary wonders unfold. This island, immense in size—stretching a thousand yojanas and then a hundredfold more—holds the king of trees whose fruit yields a juice so abundant it forms a river. This river, born from the jambū fruit, circles the sacred mountain Meru and returns to the tree’s roots, where the fortunate inhabitants of Ilavrita drink it joyfully. Those who partake of this nectar are blessed: old age does not trouble them, nor do hunger, fatigue, or any suffering. From the jambū tree also arises a gold called jāmbūnada, radiant like the indragopa insect and cherished as an ornament of the gods. The auspicious fruit juice of all trees in this region is thus transformed, and the pure gold that flows from it becomes divine adornment. In this land, even bodily wastes are absorbed by the earth through the Lord’s grace, and the earth consumes the dead, ensuring purity in all eight directions. The Himalayas are home to rakshasas, pisachas, and yakshas; Hemakuta is famed for gandharvas and groups of apsarases. All the serpents—Śeṣa, Vāsuki, Takṣaka—dwell here, and on great Meru, thirty-three auspicious and sacrificial beings enjoy their sport. Meru, adorned with sapphire and cat’s-eye gems, is the abode of perfected beings and Brahmarṣis. Among the Daityas and Dānavas, the white mountain stands renowned. Śṛṅgavān, the foremost mountain, is the path of return for the ancestors. Thus, the nine regions of Bhārata are described—inhabited even by spirits, possessing both movement and stability, their growth manifest in countless forms witnessed by gods and humans alike, impossible to enumerate and inspiring faith in seekers. Turning to another tale, a wise soul addresses Janārdana, recounting the deeds of Budha’s son and the sacred rite of Śrāddha, which destroys all sins. He speaks of the merit gained by gifting a cow at calving, offering a black antelope skin, and releasing a bull. Having heard of Purūravas, Budha’s son, curiosity arises: by what actions and their results did Purūravas attain his form and supreme fortune? Urvaśī, esteemed among the gods and the best of the three worlds, and the enchanting Gandharvas, gave up all for Purūravas with her whole being. The story unfolds: in a former birth, Purūravas was the lord of Madra land, born in the lineage of Cākṣuṣa during the interval of Cākṣuṣa Manu. Though endowed with royal virtues, he lacked beauty. In a village of twice-borns, there lived a foremost Brāhmaṇa named Purūravas, who in a previous birth was a great king by the riverbank. In that birth, he was a Brāhmaṇa, and on the twelfth day, desiring sovereignty, he fasted and worshipped Janārdana, performing the prescribed vow with bathing and anointing. From his fasting, he gained the kingdom of Madra without obstacles, but because he bathed and anointed while fasting, he was born lacking beauty. Thus, it is advised that one who fasts should avoid bathing with anointing, for it destroys beauty. All these deeds of the lord of Madra are told, and though he possessed every royal virtue, he did not win the people's affection due to his lack of beauty. Desiring beauty, Purūravas resolved to undertake austerity. Entrusting his kingdom to his ministers, he departed for the snowy mountain, determined and renowned for his greatness. He journeyed on foot to the sacred abode at the edge of his realm, his own river, and beheld the river named Airavati, exceedingly charming. Born of the snowy mountain, its mighty currents were as cool as the rays of the snowy peak, and its radiant golden hues rivaled the mountain itself. He saw the sacred river, divine and auspicious—Haemavati—always frequented by Gandharvas and served by Indra. All around, it was splendid, sprinkled with the intoxication of celestial elephants, and ever shining with the colors of Indra's bow. Purūravas saw it, a refuge for ascetics, served by eminent Brahmins, glowing like gold. The river was covered with rows of white swans, adorned with Kashmiri fans, appearing as if consecrated by the virtuous. Seeing it, Purūravas felt supreme delight. Sacred, pleasantly cool, and delightful, it increased joy in the mind with waxing and waning beauty, charming like another form of Soma. Its cool, swift waters were served by groups of twice-born, the best daughter of Himavat, splendid with dancing waves. Its water tasted like nectar, beautified by ascetics, a stairway to heaven, destroying all sins. Thus, the story of Purūravas and the wonders of the land and river unfold, revealing the blessings, virtues, and mysteries of the sacred realms.