In the wondrous land of Śākadvīpa, there is no famine at all, for the very earth is vibrant with energy and abundance. Here, seven radiant mountains rise, each adorned with precious gems, shining across the land. In Śākadvīpa and the other great islands, each region is graced with seven such mountains, three of which stretch straight and long, marking the directions as the region’s guardians. Lofty cremation grounds, bearing names like Ratnākara and others, stand as majestic mountains, their peaks extending across the entire breadth of the continent. On either side of this land, the deep salt and milk oceans embrace the shores. Now, let me describe to you the seven divine, great mountains of Śākadvīpa. The first among them is Meru, a mountain surrounded by gods, sages, and gandharvas. To the east of Meru stands the golden mountain called Udaya, glowing with celestial brilliance. It is here that clouds gather and disperse, bringing rain to the land. Beyond Udaya is the immense, water-bearing mountain, known as Candra, which is endowed with all medicinal herbs. Indra himself draws the supreme water from this mountain. There is also the formidable mountain called Nārada, a peak difficult to ascend. Upon this mountain, the Nārada and Parvata mountains first came into being. Further on lies the vast, dark-hued mountain named Śyāma, where, it is said, the people first acquired their dark complexion. Similar in form is the mountain called Dundubhi, where, in ancient times, the gods struck the drum of sound and death. Śālmalā, a mountain made of a garland of jewels, stands as a divider between realms. Beyond it is the great silver mountain known as Astu. This mountain is also called Somaka, for it was here that the gods once gathered, with the help of Garuḍa, to take amṛta for the sake of their mother. Beyond Somaka is the mountain called Āmbikeya, also known as Sumanā; it was upon this mountain that Hiraṇyākṣa was slain by the Boar incarnation. Beyond Āmbikeya rises Vibhrāja, splendid and radiant, covered with all manner of 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 across the land. Now, let me tell you of the regions nestled among these mountains. Each region bears the name of its mountain, just as the mountains themselves. Thus, the region of Udaya is called Udaya, and that of Jaladhāra is well known. The first region is called Gatabhaya; the second, belonging to Jaladhāra, is remembered as Sukumāra. The next is named Śaiśira, and so it is called. The region of Nārada is known as Kaumāra, also called Sukhodaya. The region of Śyāma mountain is called Anīcaka, and the sages have also named it the auspicious Ānandaka. The region of Somaka, abundant with flowers, is known as Asita, though it 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, and this region is named Vibhrāja. The measurements of the island—its circumference, length, and breadth—are reckoned just as in Jambūdvīpa. At the center of Śākadvīpa stands a great and sacred tree, known as Śāka, to which the people are closely bound. Among them dwell gods, gandharvas, and siddhas, together with the cāraṇas. These beings roam and delight together, visible to one another, forming blessed communities. Here, all four social classes are present, living in harmony. Within these regions flow seven great rivers, each making its way to the ocean. Each river is known by two names, and together they are remembered as the sevenfold Gaṅgā. The first Gaṅgā is called Sukumārī, auspicious and bearing the waters of Śiva; she is also known as Munitaptā. The second, also named Sukumārī, is renowned for her austerity. The third is Nandā, the purifier. The fourth is Śibikā, remembered in two forms. The fifth is Ikṣu, also called Kuhū. The sixth is Veṇukā, also known as Amṛtā. The seventh is Sukṛtā, also called Gabhastī. These seven sacred rivers, greatly blessed and bearing the waters of Śiva, nourish all the people of Śākadvīpa each year. In addition to these, countless other rivers, streams, and lakes, rich in water, flow wherever Indra causes rain to fall. The names and measurements of all these sacred and excellent rivers cannot be fully described. The people of these lands, always joyful, drink from these rivers. They are peaceful, fearless, and truly blessed. The seven regions are renowned for their happiness, comfort, and security, with new lands arising as well, all established with the practices of the four social classes and the four stages of life. All are healthy and strong, untouched by death; among them, there is neither decline nor increase. There is no division of ages here, as is marked by the four yugas; time in Śākadvīpa flows as it does in the Tretā Yuga. In this island and the other five, this is the nature of things—time is regarded as natural, according to the region. Among these people, there has never been any confusion of castes or stages of life, nor any deviation from righteousness; their happiness has been unbroken. Among them, there is no illusion, greed, envy, or malice, nor any fear. There is no reversal of their nature—such is their innate and blessed condition.