05.109

Suparṇa said:

Because it rescues one from sin and grants the highest good, and since its result is deliverance, the wise call it 'uttara' (deliverance). (5-109-1)

Gālava, to the north of the golden purifying vessel, the path lying between the western and eastern directions is regarded as central. (5-109-2)

In this foremost northern direction, O best of twice-born, no harsh, unrighteous, or undisciplined person dwells. (5-109-3)

Here, Nārāyaṇa, Kṛṣṇa, Jishnu—the best of men—at the hermitage of Badarī, and also the eternal Brahmā (reside). (5-109-4)

Here indeed, on the slopes of the Himalaya, Maheshvara always dwells. Here, the Moon was also consecrated with the sovereign power of the Brahmins. (5-109-5)

Here, Mahādeva, having received Gaṅgā as she fell from the sky, gave her to the world of men, O knower of Brahman. (5-109-6)

Here, the goddess performed austerities desiring Maheshvara; here, desire, anger, the mountain, and Uma all arose. (5-109-7)

Here, O Gālava, Dhanada was also installed as the ruler over the Rākṣasas, Yakṣas, and Gandharvas on Kailāsa. (5-109-8)

Here is the beautiful Caitraratha grove, here is the hermitage of the Vaikhānasas, here also is the Mandākinī and Mount Mandara, O best of Brāhmans. (5-109-9)

Here is the Sugandhika grove, guarded by spirits, marshes and banana stems, and here are Santāna trees. (5-109-10)

Here, O Gālava, are appropriate aerial palaces, pleasurable according to their wishes, for those perfected beings who constantly practise self-restraint and roam freely. (5-109-11)

Here dwell those seven seers, the goddess Arundhati as well; here Svati indeed resides, and her rising is recognized here. (5-109-12)

Here, having ascended the sacrificial altar, Dhruva stands firm, and the Grandfather; the stars, the Moon, and the Sun revolve constantly. (5-109-13)

Here, at the Gayantika gate, dwell great-souled, truth-speaking sages called Dhama, excellent among the twice-born, who serve as guardians. (5-109-14)

O Gālava, neither their birth, nor their appearance, nor their practiced austerities are known; for thousands of cycles, they remain in enjoyments of pleasure. (5-109-15)

O best of the twice-born Gālava, just as a man enters a state higher than that, so too he is dissolved. (5-109-16)

O best of the twice-born, no one else has ever gone that way except Narayana the god, or Nara, or imperishable Jishnu. (5-109-17)

Here, the place of Ilavila is called Kailasa. Here, ten apsarases named Vidyuprabha were born. (5-109-18)

Here, O Brahman, is what is called Vishnu's footprint—made by Vishnu when he strode the three worlds—situated in the northern direction. (5-109-19)

Here, O best of Brāhmins, King Marutta performed a sacrifice in Uśīrabīja, O Brāhmin sage, where there is a golden lake. (5-109-20)

Here, beside the great sage Jīmūta, stood directly a holy, clear lotus lake from the Himalayas. (5-109-21)

And after distributing all his great wealth among the Brahmins, the great sage chose the Jaimuta forest—thus that forest was called Jaimuta from then on. (5-109-22)

Here, O best of Brahmins, O Galava, the guardians of the directions are always calling out morning and evening, 'Whose business is this, what must be done?' (5-109-23)

In this way, O best of the twice-born, this direction, surpassing others in qualities, is known as the northern one and is considered superior in all undertakings. (5-109-24)

These four directions have been described to you in detail, dear one, in order, since you wish to go to your desired destination. (5-109-25)

O best of the twice-born, I am prepared to show you the directions and the whole earth. Therefore, O Brāhmaṇa, climb onto me. (5-109-26)