In the sacred geography of the world, there exists the auspicious region of Somaka, famed for its abundance of flowers. This very land is also known as Asita, and is referred to by the name Somaka. Nearby lies the region of Ambika, which is also called Mainaka and Kṣemaka—lands said to have been created by the goddess Ambika herself. The mountain Kesara, remembered as Mahādruma and also called Dhava, stands tall in this area, and the entire region is known as Vibhrāja. The measurements of this island—its circumference, its length, and its breadth—are reckoned according to the standards of Jambūdvīpa. At the very heart of this land rises a great tree, the mighty Śāka tree, with which the people of the region are closely associated. This tree is central to their lives, and amidst its shade dwell not only humans, but also gods, gandharvas, siddhas, and the cāraṇas, all living together in harmony. These beings roam freely and joyfully throughout the land, visible to one another, and together they form blessed communities. The four social classes are all present and established, upholding the order of society. Across this land flow seven sacred rivers, each making their way to the ocean. Every river is known by two names, and collectively they are remembered as the sevenfold Gaṅgā. The foremost among these rivers is the Gaṅgā called Sukumārī, auspicious and said to bear the very waters of Śiva; she is also known as Munitaptā. The second river is also called Sukumārī, renowned for her austerity. The third is Nandā, the purifier. The fourth river is Śibikā, remembered as twofold, while the fifth is Ikṣu, also known as Kuhū. The sixth river is called both Veṇukā and Amṛtā, and the seventh is known as Sukṛtā and Gabhastī. These seven blessed rivers, all bearing the holy waters of Śiva, nourish the people of Śākadvīpa year after year. Besides these, countless other rivers, streams, and lakes—abundant with water—flow throughout the land, their courses determined wherever Indra causes rain to fall. The names and measurements of these sacred waters are too many to be fully listed. The people of these regions, always joyful, drink from these rivers. They are described as peaceful, fearless, and truly blessed. These lands, famed as seven in number, are filled with happiness, comfort, and security. New lands emerge alongside the established ones, all upholding the practices of the four social classes and the four stages of life. The people here are healthy and strong, untouched by death, and among them, there is neither decline nor increase. The division of ages, as marked by the four yugas, is unknown here; time in this land flows as it does in the Tretā Yuga, ever auspicious and steady. In Śākadvīpa and the other five great islands, this order prevails. Time is regarded as natural, in accordance with the character of each region. Among the inhabitants, there has never been any confusion of castes or stages of life, nor any deviation from righteousness. Their happiness is unbroken. There is no illusion, greed, envy, or malice, nor any fear. Their very nature is pure, and there is no reversal of this natural order. For these people, time holds no sway; there is no punishment nor any need for a punisher. Knowing righteousness, they protect one another by performing their own proper duties. Such is the blissful and harmonious state of these lands. Beyond Śākadvīpa lies a great circular continent known as Kuśa, encircled by rivers, waters, and mountains that resemble clouds. This land is adorned with all kinds of minerals, decorated with jewels and coral, and filled with delightful regions of various shapes and beauties. Everywhere, Kuśa is abundant with flowering and fruit-bearing trees, ever rich in wealth and grain, and surrounded by precious gems. The land teems with animals of every kind, both domestic and wild. Now, let us briefly consider the Kuśa continent in order. This, the third great continent, is entirely surrounded by the ocean of milk and is twice the size of Śāka. Here too, seven mountains rise, each famed as a source of jewels. These mountains, like those of Śāka, each bear two names. The first, shining like the sun, is Kumuda, also known as Vidrumoccaya. The second mountain, renowned as Unnata, is crowned with peaks of all metals and covered with rocky masses; it is also called Hemaparvata, with peaks of orpiment, encircling the continent on all sides. The third mountain is Balāhaka, a peak composed of natural collyrium, also called Dyutimān. The fourth is Droṇa, a great mountain covered with medicinal herbs, including the famed Viśalyakaraṇī and Mṛtasaṃjīvanī. This mountain is also called Puṣpavān. The fifth mountain is Kaṅka, full of essence and known as Kuśeśaya, the earth-bearing mountain, adorned with divine flowers, fruits, and herbs. The sixth mountain is Mahīṣa, cloud-like in appearance, and is also called Hari. Upon this mountain dwells Agni, known as Mahiṣa, and it is the seventh mountain, born from water, with its summit called Kakudmān. Mandara, the auspicious mountain composed of all elements, is also found here; the element 'manda' is said to reveal what is hidden. Because it divides the waters, this mountain is called Mandara, and there Indra himself guards many precious gems. Prajapati apportioned these treasures among the creatures, and among them, the inner support is said to be double. Thus, the lands of Śākadvīpa and Kuśa, with their sacred mountains, rivers, and blessed peoples, shine forth in the world—ever abundant, harmonious, and radiant with the blessings of the divine.