Bhagavad-Yana Parva — The search of a bridegroom by Matali

Suparna said Since a man is absolved from his sins in this quarter and since he attains salvation here, it is called North (Uttara), O twice born one, from its power of absolution (uttarana).

And since the north, which is the region of gold (and other treasures) stretches between the west and the east therefore is it called the central region.

In this region, the north, which is the best, O best among the twice born, none that is not tranquil, none that has not brought his soul under control and none that is vicious, lives.

Here lives Narayana, the ever victorious Krishna, that best among men in the hermitage of Badri and so does Brahma.

Here on the breast of the Himayat mountain even lives Maheshvara who is endued with effulgence like that of the fire which blazes at the termination of each Yuga, like Purusha in company with Prakriti.

He is invisible by the group of Munis as also by the gods along with Vasava and by the Gandharvas and Yakshas who have attained salvation, indeed by all save by Nara and Narayana.

Here lives the eternal Vishnu of a thousand eye, a thousand feet and a thousand heads who appears one with the aid of illusion.

Here was the moon entrusted with the kingship over regenerate persons and here Mahadeva let fall the Ganga, which descended from the sky,

After receiving her on his head, to the world of men, O you best among those that know Brahma; here was asceticism practiced by the goddess (Uma) with the desire of getting Maheshvara for her husband.

Here were born Kama (the god of love) Rosha (the ire of Shiva), the Kailasa mountain as also Uma; and here, O Galava, over the Rakshasas and Yakshas and Gandharvas, was the giver of wealth (Kubera) anointed king in the Kailasa; here is suitable the pleasure garden of Kubera-the enchanting Chaitraratha and here is situate the hermitage of the class of Rishis known as Vaikhanas.

Here are situate the Mandakini (river) and the Mandara (mountain) O best among the twice born and here is the wood named Saugandhanika which is guarded by Rakshasas.

Here are plains covered with green grass and groups of plantain trees and the celestial trees, the Santanakas and in this quarter the Siddhas, who have ever their passions under control and who always roam about at their pleasure,

Have their abodes resembling the heaven and replete with all objects of enjoyment; and here live the seven Rishis and also the Goddess Arundhati.