ഭദ്രാശ്വ, ഭാരത, കേതുമാല (പശ്ചിമ ഭാഗത്ത്), കുരു (ഉത്തര ഭാഗത്ത്) എന്നിവ—all these regions are sanctuaries for those who have performed meritorious deeds. These lands are blessed, and those who dwell there are virtuous and joyful. In these regions stand majestic mountains: മന്ദര, ഗന്ധമാദന, വിപുല, സുപാർശ്വ—each adorned with every kind of jewel, shining with divine brilliance. Above these mountains are four sacred lakes: അരുണോദ, മാനസ, സിതോദ, ഭദ്ര—surrounded by forests rich in life. On the Gandhamadana mountain grows the Bhadra Kadamba tree. On Vipula, the Jambu tree and the sacred fig thrive, along with the great banyan. To the west of Gandhamadana lies Amaragandhika, vast and magnificent, extending thirty-two thousand yojanas in every direction. In Amaragandhika, the Ketumalas are renowned for their virtuous deeds. Here reside the Kalanalas, beings of immense strength and power. The women of this land shine with the hue of blue lotuses, beautiful and pleasing to behold. A divine jackfruit tree stands tall, radiant with its leaves, and by drinking the juice of its fruit, the people live long, joyous lives. On the eastern side of Malyavan mountain lies the eastern Gandhika, equally vast—thirty-two thousand yojanas—and there are a hundred such places. Bhadrāśva dwells here, ever joyful in mind. The Bhadramala forest flourishes, and the great Kālāmrā tree stands tall. Men here are white, strong, and powerful. Women are radiant like white lotuses, beautiful and delightful to see. Some women have the radiance of the moon—their complexions, faces, and bodies are cool like moonlight and fragrant with the scent of blue lotuses. Their lifespan is ten thousand years, free from disease; after drinking the essence of the immortal fruit, they remain ever youthful. Thus, Brahmā described these lands and their years to the sages, saying, “Having bestowed my favor, what more shall I recount?” Hearing this, the sages, filled with curiosity and joy, asked further, “O sage, you have described the lands of east and west, and all the northern regions and mountains. Tell us truly about those who dwell in the mountains.” Brahmā continued, “Hear now of the regions south of Nīla and north of Niṣadha. There is a land called രമണക, where pure-hearted men are born, devoted to delight, noble in lineage, and pleasing to behold. Here grows a mighty banyan tree of the Rohiṇa kind; by drinking the juice of its fruit, people live long lives.” These blessed men live for ten thousand and one thousand years, always joyful. North of Śveta, beside the southern slope of Śṛṅga, is Hiraṇvata, where the river Hairaṇvatī flows. Here, men of great strength and spirit, noble in lineage, ever cheerful and pleasing, live for eleven thousand and one hundred fifty years. In this land grows the lakuca tree, sheltering with its leaves; by drinking its fruit juice, people live. Śṛṅgasāhvā has three great peaks—one adorned with jewels, one with gold, and one made of all precious stones, shining among the worlds. To the north of Śṛṅga and at the southern edge by the sea are the Kurus; this region is sacred and frequented by perfected beings. Here, trees bear honeyed fruit, and divine nectar-like streams flow. Garments and ornaments are produced from the fruits of these trees. Some trees grant every desire; others, called milk-trees, yield milk with six flavors, like nectar, to those who preserve it. The ground is made of jewels, with fine golden sand, pleasant to touch, and auspicious, silent breezes. In this land, auspicious humans are born, having fallen from the world of the gods; all possess pure lineage and steady youth. Couples are born, and the women are like apsarases; they drink milk that is like nectar. A pair is born each day, growing together, equal in form and character, dying at the same time. Each is devoted to one, like chakravāka birds; they are free from illness and sorrow, their minds always joyful. These great beings live for ten thousand and ten hundred years, and no other woman is involved. Such is the nature of the years seen in Bhārata Yuga by those who know the highest dharma. Thus, the sages were told by the wise son of Sūta. In the northern recitation, they again questioned him: “This land of Bhārata, where the fourteen Manus beginning with Svāyambhuva created generations of beings—we wish to know more, O virtuous one. Tell us again the northern recitation.” Having heard this, Lomaharṣaṇa, the Purāṇika, spoke to the sages of purified soul. After considering with reason in many ways and reflecting again and again, he related to them the northern recitation, revealing the mysteries of these sacred lands and their blessed inhabitants.