Upon the lofty summit of Mandara mountain stands the sacred Kadamba tree, its long, pendulous branches cascading gracefully downwards. This holy tree is adorned with magnificent blossoms—each flower as large as a great water jar, its filaments fully opened and exuding a delightful fragrance that fills the air in every season. The Kadamba’s perfume, sweet and pervasive, stretches over a thousand leagues, enveloping all directions and reaching the worlds and beings that surround it on every side. Known as Bhadrāśva, this tree is born from the mountain that brings rain, celebrated for its beauty and splendor. It is the greatest among great trees, where Hṛṣīkeśa—Lord Viṣṇu himself—is worshipped by hosts of perfected beings. To this auspicious Kadamba, Viṣṇu once came in the form of a horse-headed being, ascending its summit again and again to obtain the finest chowrie. The Lord of all bipeds beheld this region, and from his name, the land came to be called Bhadrāśva—of this, there is no doubt. Turning to the southern mountain, revered by the gods, there stands the wondrous Jambū tree upon its summit. This tree instantly bears flowers and fruits, its great branches heavy with bounty. The fruits are immense, sweet, and tender—like nectar itself—and they fall upon the mountain’s peak. From this best of mountains flows the divine river Jāmbūnadī, carrying with it the juice of the Jambū tree’s fruits. From this river arises the gold called Jāmbūnada, blazing like fire—a matchless ornament for the gods and a destroyer of sins. Gods, demons, gandharvas, yakshas, rakshasas, and guhyakas all drank of that nectar-like juice which flowed from the Jambū tree’s fruit. This Jambū tree is the banner of the southern region, renowned among all the worlds. By its name, humans know the land as Jambudvīpa. On the southern side of the great mountain Vipula, a very large and noble fig tree called Shringa grows. Towering with a massive trunk, it serves as a dwelling for many kinds of beings. Its beautiful, auspicious fruits—delightful in every season and the size of water jars—adorn its branches. This tree is the banner of the Ketumalas, attended by gods and gandharvas, and is famously called Ketumala in that land. The origin of its name is this: after the churning of the milk ocean, garlands were placed upon its trunk, and because Indra adorned the caitya’s banner with a garland, it became known as Ketumala. Thus, that region, marked by this sign, is widely known as Ketumala. On the northern peak of Supārshva rises a great banyan tree, called Vaṭa, with a broad trunk spreading over a circle of three yojanas. Its branches hang down beautifully, adorned with garlands, wreaths, and various clusters, and it is frequented by perfected beings. This banyan always bears golden fruits, hanging like water jars, and serves as the banner tree of the Uttarakurus. In that place dwell the seven illustrious Kurus, sons of Brahmā, born from his mind and younger brothers of Sanatkumāra. This world is said to be eternal there, lasting until the end of time, inhabited by great souls who are steadfast in knowledge and free from passion. That region, named for these seven great souls, is always renowned as the Uttarakurus, both in heaven and on earth. Now, Rudra speaks: “I shall describe, in order, the four chief mountains—delightful, filled with the songs of birds. These mountains, crowned with many peaks and adorned with various birds, are places of playful sport for the gods and their celestial women. The air resounds with the songs of kinnaras, and cool, gentle, fragrant breezes serve these mountains, making them even more beautiful. Listen, O sinless ones, to the names of these mountains as they shine in all four directions: in the east stands Chaitraratha, in the south Gandhamadana—each possessing clear waters and divided into nine regions by their power. In these regions, groves abound with goddesses who play joyfully in many places. These lands are delightful, filled with birdsong, adorned with sacred fords strewn with jewels, and blessed with waters of great merit. Ingenious water devices create great sounds; branches hang down, resounding with flocks of birds and bees. Among these four mountains are lakes adorned with lotuses, blue lilies, and kahlaras, each possessing unique qualities. In the east lies Arunoda, in the south Manasa, in the west Asitoda, and in the north Mahābhadra—all adorned with kumudas, white lotuses, and kahlaras. The mountains of Arunoda in the east are well known; let me recount them to you in truth: Vikanka, Manishringa, Supatra, the great Upala, Mahanila, Kumbha, Subindu, and Madana. Then there are Venunaddha, Sumeda, Nishadha, and Devaparvata—these are the foremost, sacred mountains, though other excellent peaks also exist. East of Mandara are the Siddha mountains, filled with delight; to the south of Lake Manasa are the great hills. Among them are Shailastri, Shishira, and the supreme mountain. Also named are Kapi, Shatamaksha, Turaga, Sānumān, Tāmrāha, Visha, and Shvetodana. Then come Samula, Sarala, Ratnaketu, Ekamula, Mahashringa, Gajamula, and Shavaka. Panchashaila, Kailāsa, and Himavan—the supreme mountain—are counted among them. Now, hear of the great northern mountains: Kapila, Pingala, Bhadra, the great Sarasa, Kumuda, Madhuman, Garjana, and Markata. Thus are revealed the sacred trees, rivers, and mountains—each a banner to its region, each a dwelling for gods and perfected beings, each a source of beauty, merit, and divine wonder for all the worlds.