In ancient times, the ages of the world unfolded in succession, each with its own character and measure. In the Treta Yuga, human beings lived for three thousand years; when Dvapara Yuga arrived, their lifespan was reduced to two thousand years, a measure that remains in the present era upon the earth. Such is the order in the Tishya age, O wise one—here, some perish even before birth, and those who are born also meet their end, for mortality is ever-present. Yet, in these ages, people are born in great numbers—by the hundreds and thousands—strong, energetic, and endowed with wisdom. Especially in the Krita age, powerful and pleasing Brahmins come into the world, as do sages rich in austerity. These men are filled with enthusiasm, noble in mind, righteous, speakers of truth, pleasant in appearance, handsome, and mighty. They are skilled in the art of archery and shine with virtue. In battle, heroic Kshatriyas are born, renowned for their valor. During the Treta age, all Kshatriyas are universal sovereigns, ruling with strength and justice. In the Dvapara age, people of all castes arise, ever energetic and strong, yet often seized by the desire to fight and destroy one another. During the Tiṣya period, men are said to be proud and energetic, but also quick to anger, greedy, and untruthful. Envy, arrogance, anger, deceit, malice, passion, and greed arise among beings in this age, O best of men. As the Dvapara age progresses, a contraction occurs, O Brahmins, and then the lands of Haimavata and Harivarsha are said to excel in their qualities. The sages, eager to know more, addressed Sūta: “You have described Jambūkhanda well, O noble one. Please tell us the true measure of its diameter. Also, speak to us of the ocean, of Śākadvīpa, and the righteous Kuśadvīpa. Tell us, too, about Śālmala and Krauñcadvīpa.” Sūta replied: “O Brahmins, there are many islands that encompass this world. I shall describe the seven principal islands—listen well, O best of the twice-born. The diameter of Jambu mountain is eighteen thousand six hundred yojanas, O best of Brahmins. The salt ocean that surrounds it is twice as wide, filled with many peoples and adorned with gems and coral. It is beautified by mountains rich in diverse minerals, and the ocean is encircled by Siddhas and Charanas, forming a perfect circle. “Now, let me describe Śākadvīpa as is proper. Śākadvīpa, O foremost of twice-born, is twice the diameter of Jambudvīpa, and so too is the ocean that surrounds it, each in its own division. It is encircled by the Milk Ocean, O tiger among sages. There, holy lands abound, and people do not die. How could there be famine, for the people are endowed with earth and energy? Thus, a summary of Śākadvīpa has been given, O noble sages. What else would you wish to hear?” The sages responded: “O righteous one, you have given us a summary of Śākadvīpa. Now, O wise Sūta, tell us its details in truth.” Sūta continued: “In the same manner, O Brahmins, there are seven jeweled mountains here. I shall describe their names and the rivers that are sources of gems. You inquire with great virtue about these truths. The foremost among these is Mount Meru, renowned and surrounded by gods, sages, and gandharvas. To its east lies the mountain Malaya, from which clouds arise and spread everywhere. Beyond Malaya is the great mountain Jaladhara; from there, Indra always draws the supreme water. From Jaladhara, rain arises in the rainy season. There stands the lofty mountain Raivataka, ever established. Revati, the constellation in the sky, is an ordinance made by the Grandsire. To the north is the great mountain called Shyama, tall and splendid, shining with the radiance of new clouds. The people there, their hearts filled with joy, have attained a dark complexion. Hearing this, the sages asked, “O Sūta, a great doubt has arisen for us. How did the people here come to possess a dark complexion?” Sūta replied: “On all the islands, O wise ones, there are birds—some white, some black, and some of different colors. Because darkness originated there, the mountain is called Shyama. Beyond Shyama lies the formidable mountain Durga, and then Keshari, accompanied by Keshara, from which the wind arises. Their breadth is twice as much, each distinctly measured. “The regions there are declared by the wise as Mahameru, Mahakasha, Jaladha, and Kumudottara. Jaladhara is also called Sukumara; Revata’s region is Kaumara, and Shyama is adorned with jewels and gold. Next to Keshara is Maudaki, and beyond that is the great mountain Puman. They are surrounded as described, with their own lengths and breadths. “Śākadvīpa is counted with Jambudvipa, and at its center stands a great tree called Shaka, beneath which the people dwell with their followers. There are holy regions and people; there, Shankara is worshipped. Siddhas, charanas, and deities frequent these lands. All the people are righteous, and the four classes are free from envy; each is devoted to their own duty, and no thief is found there. They are long-lived, greatly wise, and free from old age and death; the people flourish like rivers in the rainy season flowing to the sea. There are rivers with holy waters, and the Ganga herself flows in many streams, as do Sukumari, Kumari, Shita, and Shitodaka.” Thus did Sūta narrate the wonders of the islands, mountains, and peoples, revealing the sacred geography and the character of the ages for the delight and instruction of the assembled sages.