Upon the lofty heights of Mount Niṣadha, there lies a sacred lake known as Viṣṇupada. From its waters, the beloved river of the Gandharvas emerges, flowing forth in front of the mountain. Similarly, from the side of majestic Meru, there arises another great lake, Candraprabha, and from it springs the holy river Jambū, famed for containing the precious gold called Jāmbūnada. The lake Payoda, shimmering in blue purity and adorned with lotuses, gives birth to two rivers, Puṇḍarīka and Payoda. Another lake, Uttaramānasa, is the source of the rivers Mṛgyā and Mṛgakāntā, both flowing from its tranquil waters. In the land of the Kurus, the lakes are renowned for their abundance of lotuses and fish. These lakes, named Jayā and numbering twelve, resemble vast oceans in their grandeur. From their depths arise two rivers, Śāntī and Madhvī. In the eight regions beginning with Kimpuruṣa, the gods do not send rain, yet springs and waters emerge, giving life to noble rivers: Balāhaka, Ṛṣabha, Cakra, and Maināka. In every direction, mountains such as Candrakānta, Droṇa, and the mighty Sumahān stand firm, immersed in the salty ocean. To the north, mountains like Cakra, Badhiraka, and Nārada rise up and plunge into the great sea. Toward the west, Jīmūta, Drāvaṇa, Maināka, and Candraparvata stretch their peaks to the ocean. To the south, great mountains extend toward the southern sea, with Cakra and Maināka standing tall along the southern path, reaching into the sky. There, the consuming fire called Saṃvartaka drinks up the waters, while Aurva, known as Vadavāmukha, dwells in the ocean. These four mountains are situated within the salty ocean, their immersion seen during the waxing and waning of the moon, a phenomenon rooted in ancient times when the lunar phases were being cut out of fear of Indra. Thus are the divisions of Bhārata’s region described, with some features visible here and others elsewhere, each region experiencing rainfall in proportion to its qualities. Within these regions, beings are endowed in varying degrees with health, lifespan, righteousness, desire, and wealth. Diverse creatures dwell throughout, sustaining and establishing the whole world, this earth. Now, let me explain the certainty regarding Śākadvīpa, as it is described here. Listen closely, O best of the twice-born, as I recount the marvels of Śākadvīpa. Its expanse is twice that of Jambūdvīpa, and its circumference is three times its own expanse. This island is encircled by the salty sea, and its people are virtuous, enjoying long lives before death comes to them. There is no famine, for the land is blessed with energy, and seven radiant mountains, adorned with gems, rise within it. In Śākadvīpa and the other islands, seven mountains stand in each, three of which are straight and extended, situated in every direction as the region’s mountains. Great cremation grounds, named Ratnākara and others, rise as lofty peaks, spreading across the breadth of the continent. On both sides, the salt and milk oceans are deep. Now, in Śākadvīpa, let me describe the seven divine, great mountains. The first is Meru, surrounded by gods, sages, and gandharvas. To the east lies the golden mountain Udaya, where clouds arise and disperse to bring rain. Beyond it stands the immense, water-bearing mountain known as Candra, endowed with all medicinal herbs, from which Indra always draws the supreme water. There also rises the formidable mountain Nārada, a difficult peak, where both the Nārada and Parvata mountains first appeared. Beyond this lies the vast, dark-hued mountain Śyāma, where, it is said, the people first acquired their dark complexion. Dundubhi, resembling Śyāma, is the mountain where, in ancient times, the gods struck the drum of sound and death. Śālmalā, a mountain garlanded with jewels, stands as a divider, and beyond it is the great silver mountain Astu. Known as Somaka, it is the place where, in ancient times, the gods gathered and took amṛta for their mother, aided by Garuḍa. Beyond Somaka is Āmbikeya, also called Sumanā, where Hiraṇyākṣa was slain by the Boar incarnation. Further still is the splendid Vibhrāja, radiant and covered with medicinal herbs, known as the great crystal mountain. Fire shines forth from it, giving it the name Vibhrāja, and it is also called Keśava, for from it the wind blows. Let me now describe the regions associated with these mountains, O best of the twice-born. Listen as I recount their names in order. The regions are named after the mountains themselves: Udaya is called Udaya, and Jaladhāra is well known by that name. The first region is Gatabhaya; the second, belonging to Jaladhāra, is called Sukumāra. The next is Śaiśira. The region of Nārada is known as Kaumāra and also as Sukhodaya. The region of Śyāma mountain is called Anīcaka, and sages have declared it to be the auspicious Ānandaka. Thus, the sacred geography of these lands, their mountains, rivers, and regions, is beautifully revealed, sustaining the world and its myriad beings.