Resplendent in form, he appeared with golden horns, his face shining with purity and radiance. His presence blazed with a garland of tongues—flickering flames of fire that danced and illuminated his countenance. He shone with a thousand eyes, and twice as many more, each eye gleaming with a brilliance that surpassed the ordinary. Adorning him was a garland of eyes, bright as jasmine blossoms and luminous as the moon, enhancing his majestic beauty. His body was vast and elevated, seen both reclining and seated in grandeur. Mighty serpents with immense coils surrounded him, embodying great wisdom and the presence of noble souls. He was none other than Śeṣa, also called Ananta, the king of all nāgas, whose splendor was beyond compare. Thus have the seven lower regions, known as Rasātala, been described. Beyond these lies a realm unseen, inaccessible even to the perfected sages—a domain formed of earth, water, fire, wind, and ether, O best of the twice-born. Now, let me explain the course of the Sun and the Moon. By their own radiance and light, these two celestial bodies are elevated, journeying along with their respective orbits. Half the expanse of the Earth is considered, elsewhere, as external, and the heavens are regarded as equal in extent to the circumference of the Earth. The Sun is known as the very source of light, and is remembered as rising from the Earth itself. In this context, the term ‘Mahī’ is used to denote the principle of the Earth. Now, listen to the measurement of the Sun’s orbit in yojanas. Its diameter is three times its breadth, and the circumference of the orbit is measured accordingly. Next, I shall state the measurement of the Earth, along with its extent in yojanas. Thus, the dimensions have been enumerated here in the Purāṇa. Those who were proud and have passed away are now equal to those who are present; therefore, I shall describe the surface of the Earth as it exists among the present gods. The entire Earth is remembered as having a breadth of one and a half hundred crore yojanas. Half this breadth is measured from the tip of the yojana. Similarly, there are ninety-nine thousand yojanas less than a hundred thousand. From the tip of the yojana, eleven crore yojanas are reckoned. Thus, the circumference of the Earth’s interior has been described. The arrangement and distribution of the Earth extend as far as its orbit. The location of the seven continents is described here, and above each continent, the worlds are arranged in a circular form, resembling an umbrella. This is the measure of the shell of the cosmic egg, as explained. The worlds of Bhūrloka, Bhuvarloka, and the third, Svarga, are each established in their own right. In total, these seven worlds are arranged in the shape of an umbrella. Surrounding them externally are the elements, each layer exceeding the previous by one-tenth in proportion. Encircling all of this—the cosmic egg—is a dense ocean. Beyond the dense ocean, the whole structure is upheld by concentrated radiance. It is firmly established, supported by the esteemed wind of wealth. All things are enveloped by the primordial elements, and the primordial itself is enveloped by the great. Now, I will declare, in order, the ancient guardians of the worlds. On the eastern side of the great Meru, and likewise upon the summit of Manasa, these divine protectors are established, ever watchful over creation.