Within the vastness of creation, there exist a thousand divisions of islands, all contained within seven great island-continents. Let me now describe these seven islands, along with the celestial bodies—the moon, the sun, and the planets. Yet, understand this: realities that are truly inconceivable cannot be grasped by mere reasoning. Still, I shall faithfully recount the nine regions of Jambūdvīpa. Jambūdvīpa itself measures one hundred thousand yojanas on every side. It is a realm teeming with Siddhas and Cāraṇas, and its landscape is adorned with mighty mountains. Rivers, born from these mountains, surround it on every side, encircling the entire land. Around Jambūdvīpa lie nine worlds, each serving as the abode of various beings. The expanse of Jambūdvīpa is perfectly equal in all directions, and to its east and west, it is immersed in the great ocean known as Masudra. Amidst this wondrous land, the great mountain Niṣadha stands ever-pleasant throughout all seasons. At its summit, Niṣadha stretches thirty-two thousand yojanas. Its sides display a spectrum of colors and are endowed with the qualities of Prajāpati. The mountain’s eastern side is white, and because of this, a Brāhmaṇa dwells there. From Meru, for various reasons, arises its Kṣatriya nature. The western side of Niṣadha is colored like the wings of a bee, and by its very nature, the mountain is circular both in color and in measure. Its hues resemble a peacock’s plume; it gleams with gold and is crowned with lofty peaks. Within Niṣadha, the inner diameter is said to be nine thousand yojanas, and it spreads equally to nine thousand on all sides. Dividing the altar, half lies to the south of Meru and the other half to the north, each measuring two thousand yojanas in both breadth and height. Two great mountains extend a hundred thousand yojanas, known as Śveta and Hemakūṭa, as well as Himavat and Śṛṅgavat. Amidst these mountains are the inhabited regions, each manifesting one of seven distinct colors. These regions are separated from one another by branching rivers, rendering them mutually inaccessible. Among these, the region of Himavat is renowned as Bhārata. From Hemakūṭa extends Niṣadha, which is known as Harivarṣa. From Ilāvṛta arises Piṣa, and from Nīla, the land is well known as Samyaka. Beyond Hiraṇmaya and Śṛṅgavat lies the realm of Kuru. In this arrangement, there are four long regions, with Ilāvṛta occupying the central position. Beyond Nīla and half the altar lies the northern region. Between these, at the very center of Ilāvṛta, stands Meru itself. To the north rises the great mountain Mālyavat, renowned by name. Mālyavat measures thirty-two thousand in length, and its breadth is equally celebrated. This mountain is of four castes, golden, quadrangular, and elevated in form. It shines with the brilliance of a young sun, like a fire free from smoke. Mālyavat extends sixteen units below and likewise spreads sixteen above, with a circumference that is three times its breadth, encircling all in radiant splendor.