Let me tell you of the wondrous regions and mountains as described in the sacred verses. To the south, there are mighty mountains stretching toward the southern sea, standing tall between Cakra and Maināka, their peaks rising into the sky along the southern path. In that place, the powerful fire known as Saṃvartaka consumes the waters, while another fire, Aurva—called Vadavāmukha—dwells within the ocean itself. These four great mountains are set within the salty ocean. In ancient times, when the phases of the moon were being diminished, they stood out of fear of Indra. Their immersion is observed during the waxing and waning of the moon, marking the divisions of Bhārata’s region as described in the scriptures. Some of these mountains are seen here, others elsewhere, and in each region, rainfall increases according to their unique qualities. The beings who dwell in these lands are endowed, in varying degrees, with health, longevity, righteousness, desire, and wealth. Diverse creatures inhabit all these regions, and thus, the whole world—this earth—is sustained and established. Now, let me explain the certainty regarding Śākadvīpa, as it is revealed here. Listen carefully as I describe this splendid land, O best of the twice-born. Śākadvīpa is twice the size of Jambūdvīpa, and its circumference is three times its expanse. This salty ocean is encircled by the island, where the people are virtuous and live long lives, with death coming only after many years. There is no famine in Śākadvīpa, for the land is full of energy. Seven radiant mountains, adorned with gems, rise proudly there. In Śākadvīpa and the other islands, each contains seven mountains; three are straight and extended, situated in every direction as the region’s mountains. The great cremation grounds, bearing names such as Ratnākara, ascend as lofty mountains, stretching across the continent in all directions. On both sides of Śākadvīpa, the salt and milk oceans are deep. Now, I will describe the seven divine and great mountains of this land. The first is Meru, surrounded by gods, sages, and gandharvas. To the east is the golden mountain called Udaya. Here, clouds arise and disperse, bringing rain, and beyond stands a vast, water-bearing mountain. This mountain is known as Candra, endowed with all medicinal herbs; Indra always draws the supreme water from it. There is also the formidable mountain Nārada, whose peak is difficult to climb. On it, the Nārada and Parvata mountains first arose. Beyond this lies the great, dark-hued mountain named Śyāma, where, it is said, the people first acquired their dark complexion. That very mountain is called Dundubhi, resembling Śyāma; in ancient times, the gods struck the drum of sound and death there. Śālmalā, made of a garland of jewels, stands as a divider, and beyond it is the great silver mountain known as Astu. This is called Somaka, where the gods once gathered and took amṛta for their mother, aided by Garuḍa. Beyond Somaka is the mountain called Āmbikeya, also known as Sumanā. It was here that Hiraṇyākṣa was slain by the Boar incarnation. Beyond Āmbikeya lies Vibhrāja, splendid and radiant, covered with all medicinal herbs, and known as the great crystal mountain. Because fire shines forth from it, it is called Vibhrāja; it is also known as Keśava, for from it the wind blows. I will now describe the regions of these mountains, O best of the twice-born. Listen to their names in order. The regions are named after their mountains, just as the mountains themselves. The region of Udaya is called Udaya, and that of Jaladhāra is renowned. The first region is Gatabhaya; the second, belonging to Jaladhāra, is called Sukumāra. The next is Śaiśira, and that is its designation. The region of Nārada is called Kaumāra, and also Sukhodaya. The region of Śyāma mountain is called Anīcaka; sages also declare it to be the auspicious Ānandaka. The region of Somaka, abundant in flowers, is known as Asita, and is also called Somaka. The region of Ambika is Mainaka and also Kṣemaka, created by her. The mountain Kesara is remembered as Mahādruma, also called Dhava; this region is named Vibhrāja. The circumference, length, and breadth of the island are measured by Jambūdvīpa, and in its midst stands a great tree. This tree is called Śāka, and its people are closely associated with it. Among them dwell gods, gandharvas, siddhas, and cāraṇas. They roam and delight together, visible among those beings. In that place are blessed communities, endowed with all four social classes. There are seven rivers in those regions, each flowing to the ocean. All are known by two names, and the sevenfold Gaṅgā is remembered. The first Gaṅgā is called Sukumārī, auspicious and bearing Śiva’s waters; she is also named Munitaptā. Sukumārī, accomplished in austerity, is the second by name; Nandā, the purifier, is declared as the third. Śibikā is the fourth, and is remembered as twofold; Ikṣu is the fifth, and likewise Kuhū. Veṇukā and Amṛtā are proclaimed as the sixth; Sukṛtā and Gabhastī are declared as the seventh. Thus, the sacred lands, mountains, and rivers of Śākadvīpa are revealed, each sustaining life and virtue, and upholding the world in harmony.