O King, understand that the birth and formation of all beings take place within the elements themselves. If these elements are denied, no effects or creations can arise. The world, as we know it, is built upon divisions—some limited and arising as effects, and others, such as the great principle and its like, which serve as causes. Thus, I have described to you the arrangement of the earth: how it is divided into parts, consisting of the seven continents and the oceans, just as it truly exists. By considering their extent, their circular form, and by enumerating their measures, one comes to understand the universal form of Pradhāna and the measure of its particular portions. This arrangement, O King, has now been properly explained. There is no need to hear more concerning the structure of the world, for this is the essential knowledge. Now, listen as I describe the course of the sun and the moon—their movement and influence as far as their light reaches. Wherever the sun and moon shine, their radiance reveals the expanse of the seven island-continents and oceans, and all the lands within. Beyond this illuminated region lies half the extent of the earth, so it is said. The wise declare that the circuit of the sun and moon marks the measure and extent of heaven itself, for their paths are considered equal to the heavenly circuit. The sun, by its blazing radiance, swiftly traverses the three worlds without delay, and because of its light and descent, it is known as Ravi. Again, I will tell you the measure of the moon and the sun, for their greatness is such that they are called ‘great’ in this context. The disk of the sun is as wide as the diameter of the land of Bharata, and its measure in yojanas is as follows: the width of the sun’s disk is nine thousand yojanas, and its circumference is three times that width. The moon’s disk, in both diameter and size, is twice as large as that of the sun. Now, let me declare the measure of the earth itself in yojanas. The expanse of the combined disk of the seven island-continents and oceans has been enumerated in the Purāṇas by its proper measure. I will now state that enumeration, as reckoned by those proud ones of the past, who are equal to those of today. In times gone by, the gods and antigods were known only by their forms and names. Therefore, I shall describe the surface of the earth according to the present gods, for the divine arrangement now is entirely in accordance with the present order. The earth is said to have a total expanse of one hundred and fifty million. Half of this measure is said to belong to Mount Meru, and from the middle of Meru, each direction is reckoned as one crore. Likewise, the expanse of half the earth is ninety-nine hundred thousand and fifty thousand. Hear now the measure of the earth’s expanse in yojanas: three crores are counted in each of the four directions. Similarly, the expanse of the earth with its seven island-continents and oceans is said to be seventy-nine hundred thousand yojanas. The inner disk of the earth is three times as wide, reckoned as eleven crores of yojanas. Thus, the inner circle of the earth is counted as one hundred thousand and thirty-seven in number. The arrangement of the constellations in the sky is equal in extent to the arrangement of the earth, when fully encompassed. The circuit of the earth is considered equal to that of the sky at the summit of Mount Mānasa, which lies in the eastern direction of Meru. Indeed, Mahendra’s city stands uniform, auspicious, and adorned with gold, to the south of Meru and behind Mānasa. Vaivasvata Yama dwells in the city of restraint, and again, on the western side of Meru, at the summit of Mānasa, lies Suṣā, the delightful city of the wise Varuṇa. On the northern side of Meru, at the summit of Mānasa, is Vibhāvarī, the city of Soma, which is equal to Mahendra’s city. At the rear of Mānasa, the guardians of the worlds are stationed in the four directions, established for the maintenance of righteousness and the protection of all worlds. Above these guardians, everywhere in the southern course, they remain vigilant. Now, hear of the sun’s movement as it reaches the solstice. At the beginning of the southern course, the sun glides swiftly, like an arrow released from the bow. Taking up the wheel of the luminaries, it continually revolves, and when the sun is in the middle, it is at Amarāvatī. At the city of restraint of Vaivasvata, the rising sun is seen; at Suṣā, it is midnight; and at Vibhāvarī, the sun sets. When it is midday at the city of restraint of Vaivasvata, then at Suṣā, the city of Varuṇa, the sun is seen rising. At Vibhāvarī, it is midnight, and at Mahendra’s city, the sun sets. When it is midday at Suṣā, the city of Varuṇa, the sun is seen at its height. At Vibhāvarī, Soma’s city, the sun rises, and at Mahendra’s Amarāvatī, the sun ascends. At midnight, at the city of restraint or at Varuṇa’s city, the sun sets. Thus, the sun swiftly traverses the heavens, like the spinning wheel of a firebrand. The sun moves among the revolving stars, gliding through the four southern quarters. At sunrise and at sunset, the sun rises again and again; in the forenoon and afternoon, it is seen at two temples each. At midday, it falls with its rays and brilliance; as it rises, its light increases, and at midday, the sun burns with greatest intensity. Thus, O King, is the arrangement of the world, the heavens, and the celestial bodies, as they truly are.