In the ancient discourse, the paths of righteousness are revealed in their many forms. The knowledge gained through self-study and the Vedas, along with unwavering devotion to the worship of Viṣṇu, are praised as noble pursuits. Similarly, understanding the treatises on ethics and showing devotion to Hara are also recognized as virtuous. Through steadfast self-study and the realization of Brahman, one attains wisdom—whether through learning, through devotion, or both. In the realm of Sarasvati, devotion is held firm above all. The Gandharva path is said to be one of righteousness, and for the Vidyadharas as well, righteousness is their guiding principle. In Bhavani, it is pure devotion that is honored. The Kimpurushas find their righteousness in their skill with all crafts. For others, acting according to their own desires is considered the ancestral path of righteousness. Discipline is the means by which righteousness is understood; this is known as the righteousness of Artha. Non-miserliness, effortlessness, compassion, non-violence, forgiveness, and self-restraint—these virtues are named as the righteousness of humans, especially in the traditions of Shankara, Bhaskara, and Devi. Among the Guhyakas, pride and a lack of humility are considered their form of righteousness. The Rakshasas honor self-study and devotion to Tryambaka as their path. For the Pisachas, it is said that insatiable greed for flesh is their way. Thus, twelve meritorious paths, each bestowing progress, were declared by Brahma. Of these, it is fitting to speak again of the righteousness that belongs to humankind. Men who dwell upon the earth, spread over the seven islands, live upon a world that itself rests upon the waters, much like a boat floating on a river. Upon these waters, the Lord established the abode of earth, exceedingly high and shaped like the core of a lotus. The Lord of creatures then created the regions known as islands. The extent of these islands is vast, measured in yojanas. Beyond the central island lies Plaksha, which is twice as large, and beyond Plaksha is the Shalmali continent, itself twice the size of the great ocean. The ocean of clarified butter is said to be twice the size of Kushadvipa, and beyond that lies the ocean called 'curds,' again twice as large. Each region and ocean is situated one after another, each double the size of the previous, from Jambudvipa all the way to the Milk Ocean at the farthest reach. O Rakshasa, know that there are four crore and fifty-five lakh such regions in number, all filled to the brim with a measure known as 'laksha-manda-kataha.' We shall go there for you; listen well, O night-wanderer. At the ends of these branches, there is never any change of ages among the inhabitants. Only at the end of a kalpa is their dissolution declared, O mighty-armed one. Those who follow demonic conduct perish at the conclusion of their deeds, their end difficult to witness, devoid of purity, terrible, and destructive. Then come the hells, beginning with Raurava—fierce and dreadful to behold, like Pushkara and others. Their extents and natures along the path are many, for the total number of hells beginning with Raurava is twenty-one. The first is Raurava itself, and the second, twice as great, is Maharaurava. The fourth, known as Andhatāmisra, is a terrible hell with double gates. The seventh is the hell called Apratiṣṭha, also known as Ghaṭīyantra. Thus, the many paths, realms, and consequences are set forth, each with its own measure and nature, as declared by the ancient seers and the Lord of creatures.