The river, with her boundless energy, swept through the harsh regions, flooding the paths of Vetra and Shanku. She passed through Ujjāna and the lands of the Kamarus, finally reaching the fields covered in Kutha grass. Near the island of Indra, she entered the salt ocean, and then, as Pāvanī, she swiftly journeyed toward the eastern quarter. Her waters inundated the territories of the Tomaras and the swan-filled paths, traversing the eastern lands. She broke through the mountains in many places, reaching Karna-prāvaraṇa and even the Ashvamukhas. After watering Mount Meru and touching the realms of the Vidyādharas, she entered the great lake within the region of Shaimi. Hundreds and thousands of rivers and streams joined these mighty rivers, and it is from these waters that Indra causes rain to fall. On the bank of the Vaṃśaukasā river stood the Surabhi forest, where the wise and self-controlled Hiraṇyaśṛṅga, son of Kubera, made his abode. Renouncing sacrifice, Hiraṇyaśṛṅga, mighty and valorous, was surrounded by Agastya and other learned Brahmarakshasas. These four attendants of Kubera resided together, and thus the attainment of those dwelling on the mountain was understood. Among them, merit, desire, and wealth were doubled by their mutual association. On the summit of Hemakūṭa, the lake was known as the abode of serpents. From this place flowed the Sarasvatī, called Jyotiṣmatī, which stretched between the eastern and western oceans. On the lofty mountain Niṣadha, the lake Viṣṇupada lay, from which arose the Gandharvas' favorite river. From the side of Meru emerged the great lake Candraprabha, and the sacred river Jambū, where the gold called Jāmbūnada was found. The lake Payoda was blue, pure, and filled with lotuses, and from Puṇḍarīka and Payoda, two rivers were born. This lake was called Uttaramānasa, and from it, the rivers Mṛgyā and Mṛgakāntā both arose. The lakes in the land of the Kurus were renowned, teeming with lotuses and fish; twelve in number, they were called Jayā and resembled oceans. From them arose two rivers, Śāntī and Madhvī. Among the eight regions beginning with Kimpuruṣa, the gods did not send rain, but springs and waters emerged, and noble rivers flowed: Balāhaka, Ṛṣabha, Cakra, and Maināka. Firmly set in every direction, immersed in the salty ocean, stood Candrakānta, Droṇa, and the great mountain Sumahān. In the north, Cakra, Badhiraka, and Nārada rose up, plunging into the great ocean. Those stretched toward the west reached the great ocean: Jīmūta, Drāvaṇa, Maināka, and Candraparvata. The great mountains extended toward the southern sea, standing in the sky between Cakra and Maināka in the southern path. There, the fire called Saṃvartaka drank up the waters, while the fire dwelling in the ocean was Aurva, known as Vadavāmukha. Thus, these four mountains were situated in the salty ocean, their immersion seen during the waxing and waning of the moon, out of fear of Indra when the lunar phases were being cut. These are the divisions of Bhārata's region, as described. Some are seen here as stated, others elsewhere as mentioned, and in each, the rainfall increases progressively with their qualities. In those regions, beings are endowed, in portions, with health, lifespan, righteousness, desire, and wealth. Various kinds of creatures dwell in all these regions, and thus the whole world, this earth, is sustained and established. Now, let me explain the certainty regarding Śākadvīpa. Listen as I describe Śākadvīpa, O best of twice-born. Its expanse is twice that of Jambūdvīpa, and its circumference is three times the expanse. This ocean, the salty sea, is encircled by that island. There, the people are virtuous, and death comes only after a long time. There is no famine at all, for the land is endowed with energy. There are seven radiant mountains, adorned with gems. In Śākadvīpa and the other islands, seven mountains rise in each; three are straight and extended, situated in every direction as the region's mountains. The great cremation grounds, bearing names like Ratnākara, rise as lofty mountains, extending in every direction across the continent's breadth. On both sides, the salt and milk oceans are deep. Now, in Śākadvīpa, let me describe the seven divine, great mountains. The first is called Meru, surrounded by gods, sages, and gandharvas. To the east lies the golden mountain named Udaya, where clouds arise and disperse for the sake of rain. Beyond it stands the immense, water-bearing great mountain, known as Candra, endowed with all medicinal herbs. From it, Indra always draws the supreme water. There is also the formidable mountain called Nārada, a difficult peak, where the Nārada and Parvata mountains first arose. Beyond that lies the vast, dark-hued great mountain named Śyāma, where it is said the people first acquired their dark complexion. That very mountain is called Dundubhi, resembling the Śyāma mountain; in ancient times, the gods struck the drum of sound and death there.