Varāha Mahā Purana
76 - The cities of the eight Dikpälas
Rudra said:
1-2. On the resplendent eastern part of Meru full of different minerals and in the form of a circular extension, there is the city of the immortals full of mighty gods and demons, full of gold and with well-devised pathways and arches.
3- To its north-east with hundreds of spires and extensive lakes, decerated with flowers and flags, is the prosperous city of Indrå named Amarävati abounding in Devas, Yakshas, Apsarases and sages.
6. In the interior of Amarävati there is a hall full of diamonds and other gems, which is well known as the assembly Sudharmä.
7. In it remains the thousand-eyed Indra, husband of Shachi, surrounded by Siddhas and other divine beings.
8. Indra, revered by all other gods, is the president of this assembly. The great sun is there.
9. On its side, as broad and splendid like it, is the city of Agni, called Tejovati.
10. Next is the beautiful city of Vaivasvata (Yama), well known as Samyamini.
11. On the fourth direction is the city of Nirruti, called Krishnavatî.
12. The fifth, on the northern side, is the city of the lord of waters (Varuna), called Shuddhavati.
13. Beyond that in the north is the city of Väyu, called Gandhavati.
14. On its right is the beautiful city of Kubera, called Mahodaya with a hall of Vaidürya gems.
15, On the eighth quarter is the city of Ishana, called Manoharä.
16. This world of gods, prayed for by people in their different äšhramas (stages of life) is svarga (heaven).
Summary of chapter 76 of the Varāha Mahā Purana is as follows:
The holy inquiry begins as Devarshi Nārada, filled with divine humility and spiritual thirst, approaches Maharshi Pulastya to inquire about the supreme glory of the Saro-Māhātmya and the sacred land of Kurukshetra. Maharshi Pulastya recounts how Kurukshetra is the holiest realm in the universe, serving as the sacrificial altar where Pitāmaha Brahmā performed cosmic rituals for the sustenance of creation. As it happens, bathing in its holy tanks and meditating upon Bhagavān Vishṇu and Parameśvara Śiva purifies all mortal sins accumulated across multiple lifetimes. Maharshi Pulastya graciously accepts Nārada's inquiry and commences the detailed narration of the sacred lakes, river courses, and holy sanctuaries of Sanātana Dharma.