Vyasa, the sage known as Dvaipayana, first revealed this great account—the summary of all the parvas—to his son Shuka. In time, the master imparted it to other worthy disciples as well, composing a compilation of sixty hundred thousand verses. Of these, thirty hundred thousand were established in the world of the gods. Fifteen thousand verses are said to reside in the world of the Pitris, the ancestors; fourteen thousand among the Rakshasas and Yakshas; and one hundred thousand were set forth for humanity. Narada recited this sacred history to the gods. Asita-Devala delivered it to the ancestors, while Shuka himself recited it to the Gandharvas, Yakshas, and Rakshasas. Among humans, the sage Vaishampayana narrated it to King Parikshit, the great-souled monarch also known as Janamejaya. Thus, in this world, Vaishampayana, the righteous disciple of Vyasa and foremost knower of the Vedas, became the one who recited this epic. Now, listen as I recount the hundred thousand verses that have been spoken. The story unfolds with Duryodhana, likened to the great tree of wrath, with Karna as its trunk, Shakuni as its branches, and Dushasana as its abundant flowers and fruits. The root of this tree is King Dhritarashtra, whose lack of discernment nourished its growth. In contrast, Yudhishthira is the great tree of righteousness, with Arjuna as its trunk, Bhimasena as its branches, and the sons of Madri as its flowers and fruits; the root of this tree is Krishna, together with Brahma and the Brahmanas. Pandu, having conquered many lands through valor and prowess in battle, went to dwell with his people in the forest, devoting himself to hunting. There, in the pursuit of a deer, he met with a great calamity due to the hardship of the chase. Yet, from their very birth, the sons of Pritha (Kunti) followed the path of proper conduct and discipline. With her mother’s consent and following the secret teaching of righteousness, Kunti invoked Dharma, Vayu, and Indra, desiring sons. Thus, beloved of her husband and acting according to dharma, Kunti invoked these deities. By the same sacred means, Madri too invoked the Ashvins. In this way, all the sons of Pandu were born to Kunti and Madri through mantras, nurtured together with ascetics and protected by their mothers. In pure and sacred forests, within the great hermitages of noble sages, all the mighty sons of Pandu were born. Yet, because of a sage’s curse, when Pandu united with Madri on the holy mountain Shatasringa, his life came to an end. After his passing, the sages themselves brought the children—ascetic, handsome, with matted hair and observing celibacy—to the sons of Dhritarashtra. The sages declared, “These are your sons, brothers, disciples, and friends—the Pandavas.” And having said this, the sages vanished from sight. When the Kauravas saw the Pandavas thus introduced, all the respected citizens and townsfolk rejoiced greatly, their voices rising in delight. Some said, “These are his,” while others doubted, “They are not his.” Still others wondered, “How can these be his, since Pandu has long been dead?” Yet everywhere was heard, “Welcome indeed! By good fortune we see the lineage of Pandu!” As the clamor subsided, a wondrous tumult arose from all directions, as if from invisible beings. Showers of flowers fell, auspicious fragrances filled the air, and the sounds of conches and drums resounded. At the Pandavas’ entrance, all was marvel and celebration. The citizens, filled with joy, raised a mighty sound that touched the heavens and increased the fame of the Pandavas. There, having studied all the Vedas and various sciences, the Pandavas resided, honored and free from fear. The people were pleased with Yudhishthira for his purity, with Bhimasena for his steadfastness, and with Arjuna for his valor. Through Kunti’s service to elders, the humility of the twins, and the heroism of all, the entire world was satisfied. Later, at the assembly of kings, Arjuna accomplished a most difficult feat: he won Krishna (Draupadi) as his bride in her self-choice ceremony. From that time onward, he was honored among all bowmen, like the sun—dazzling and hard to behold even in battle. Having conquered all kings and mighty hosts, Arjuna brought the great Rajasuya sacrifice to Yudhishthira, who then completed this supreme rite. By the wise counsel of Vasudeva (Krishna) and the strength of Bhima and Arjuna, Jarasandha and the proud Chedi king were slain. Duryodhana, coming to witness the Rajasuya, beheld the many gifts—gems, gold, jewels, cows, elephants, horses, and wealth. He saw also the splendid garments, cloaks, coverings, woolen blankets, deer skins, precious rugs, and fine carpets. Beholding the great prosperity of the Pandavas, a vast envy arose in Duryodhana, born of jealousy. Tormented at the sight of the assembly hall crafted by Maya, which resembled a celestial palace and was gifted to the Pandavas, he was further humiliated. In his confusion, he stumbled and was laughed at in the presence of Vasudeva and Bhima, as if he lacked noble birth. Though Duryodhana enjoyed various pleasures and jewels, he was described as pale, thin, and emaciated like a deer. Then Dhritarashtra, out of fondness for his son, approved the game of dice. Hearing this, Vasudeva’s anger became great. His mind was not pleased, and he took no joy in the disputes, overlooking the terrible injustices and many wrongs that arose from the game of dice.