In the sacred expanse of Jambudvipa, wondrous events unfolded in ancient times. The gods, demons, gandharvas, yakshas, rakshasas, and guhyakas all partook of a marvelous juice, sweet as nectar, which flowed abundantly from the fruit of the great Jambu tree. This Jambu tree became renowned as the banner of the southern region, so famous among the worlds that by its very name, mortals called the land itself Jambudvipa. On the southern side of the mighty Vipula mountain, there stood a vast and noble fig tree known as Shringa. Towering with a massive trunk, this tree was a dwelling for countless beings. It bore beautiful and auspicious fruits, delightful in every season, each as large as a water jar. This tree, revered as the banner of the Ketumalas, was attended by gods and gandharvas and was celebrated by the name Ketumala. The origin of this name is sacred: after the churning of the milk ocean, garlands were placed upon its trunk, and Indra himself adorned the banner of the caitya there with a garland. Thus, the tree and the region became known as Ketumala, marked by this divine sign. Far to the north, on the peak of Supārshva, stood another majestic tree—a great banyan called Vaṭa, with a trunk so broad that its shade spread over three yojanas. Its branches, adorned with garlands and clusters of blossoms, hung gracefully, and the tree was frequented by perfected beings. Golden fruits, shining like water jars, hung from its limbs, and this Vaṭa was the banner tree of the Uttarakurus. In this region lived the seven illustrious Kurus, sons of Brahma, born from his mind and younger brothers to Sanatkumara. Their land was said to be eternal, lasting until the end of time, inhabited by great souls steadfast in knowledge and free from passion. Because of these seven sages, the region became eternally famous as Uttarakuru, both in the heavens and upon the earth. Then Rudra spoke further, describing the four chief mountains, each a place of delight, echoing with the melodious songs of birds. These mountains, with many peaks adorned by flocks of birds, were the playgrounds of gods and their celestial consorts. The songs of kinnaras filled the air, and cool, fragrant breezes added to their beauty. Rudra named these shining mountains in the four directions: to the east stood Chaitraratha, to the south Gandhamadana—both blessed with clear waters and divided into nine regions by their power. Within these regions, groves teemed with goddesses who played joyfully in many places. The land was delightful, filled with bird song, sacred fords strewn with jewels, and waters of great merit. Ingenious water devices sent forth mighty sounds, and the overhanging branches resounded with flocks of birds and bees. Amidst these mountains lay lakes adorned with lotuses, blue lilies, and kahlaras, each possessing unique qualities. To the east was the lake Arunoda; in the south, the lake Manasa; in the west, Asitoda; and in the north, Mahabhadra. All were adorned with kumudas, white lotuses, and kahlaras. Rudra then recited the names of the mountains in these regions: in the east, the mountains of Arunoda—Vikanka, Manishringa, Supatra, Upala, Mahanila, Kumbha, Subindu, Madana, Venunaddha, Sumeda, Nishadha, and Devaparvata, among others. East of Mandara were the Siddha mountains, and to the south of Lake Manasa lay other mighty hills: Shailastri, Shishira, Kapi, Shatamaksha, Turaga, Sānumān, Tāmrāha, Visha, Shvetodana, Samula, Sarala, Ratnaketu, Ekamula, Mahashringa, Gajamula, and Shavaka. There too were Panchashaila, Kailasa, and the supreme Himavan. In the north, Rudra named Kapila, Pingala, Bhadra, Sarasa, Kumuda, Madhuman, Garjana, and Markata. In the west, there were Krishna, Pandava, Sahasrashirasa, Pariyatra, Shailendra, and Shrngavan. To the north of Lake Mahabhadra, the mountains were Hamsakuta, Vrishahamsa, Kapinjala, Shailendra, Indrashaila, Nila, Kanakashringa, Shatashringa, Pushkara, Meghashaila, Viraja, Jaruchi, and Shailendra. Among these, the plains, valleys, and lakes were also remarkable. Rudra then described a wondrous valley lying between the borders of the great mountain and Kumuda, nourished by birds and inhabited by many creatures. In this valley was a splendid lake, three hundred yojanas long and one hundred yojanas wide, with clear, divine water—a delight to behold. This lake, adorned with fragrant lotuses the size of droṇas and great lotuses bearing a thousand hundred petals, was known as Śrīsaras. Luminous and sacred, it was inhabited by gods, dānavas, gandharvas, and mighty serpents. Its pure waters offered refuge to all beings, and in the midst of the lotus forest stood a single, magnificent lotus, radiating beauty and sanctity. Thus was the land of Jambudvipa, with its sacred trees, eternal sages, celestial mountains, and divine lakes—a realm of wonder, blessed by the presence of gods and the wisdom of the ancient ones.