Now, as time passes, others will take up the task of reciting this tale, and still others will listen with eager hearts—sons devoted to serving their elders and attendants acting with genuine affection. For all who listen without envy to the glorious account of the birth of the Bharatas, there is no fear of disease; how, then, could there be fear of the world to come? Whatever wrongs a person has committed—by body, by speech, or by mind—all are quickly cast aside simply by listening to this story. The sage Krishna Dvaipayana composed this work out of a wish for merit, and it brings fortune, fame, long life, righteousness, and even heaven. Throughout its verses, the fame of the high-souled Pandavas is proclaimed for all the world to hear, as well as the glory of other Kshatriyas, rich in wealth and energy. For those pure in knowledge and renowned for their deeds, whoever, for the sake of merit, causes worthy Brahmins to hear this tale, performs a supremely meritorious act. One should always recite this eternal dharma, recounting with purity the illustrious lineage of the Kurus. A Brahmin of disciplined vows who studies the sacred Bharata attains a vast and noble lineage, becoming most revered in the world. By reciting the Bharata, one is freed from all sins every four months, and is counted among those who have crossed beyond the Vedas. Here, the gods are praised, as are royal sages and holy brahmarshis, all purified of sin—and here too is Keshava extolled. The blessed Lord of the gods and the goddess are praised within these verses, as are the many births and the origin of Kartikeya. The greatness of Brahmins and of cows is celebrated here; this entire collection of sacred lore is meant for those wise in dharma. The learned who recite this to Brahmins at sacred festivals, purified and triumphant, attain the eternal Brahman. Whoever recites this verse to Brahmins at a śrāddha ensures his offering becomes inexhaustible and returns as blessings to his ancestors. Any wrong done by the senses or the mind in a day, whether knowingly or unknowingly, is dissolved simply by hearing this Mahabharata—the great birth of the Bharatas, which is called the Mahabharata. Whoever understands the meaning of this name is freed from all sins. Reciting it releases mortals from great sin; in three years, the blessed Krishna Dvaipayana completed this narration. Day after day, rising pure and steadfast, the great sage composed the Mahabharata from the beginning, having undertaken ascetic discipline. Therefore, Brahmins endowed with discipline should listen to this supreme and sacred tale of the Bharatas as spoken by Krishna. Both the Brahmins who recite and the people who listen—whatever their circumstances—are not to be grieved for, regardless of their actions. All who desire dharma should listen to this entire epic, for by doing so, one attains success. The satisfaction gained from hearing this supremely meritorious tale surpasses even that of attaining heaven. If, with purity and virtue, a person listens to or recites this wondrous narrative, he gains the fruits of both the Rajasūya and Ashvamedha sacrifices. Just as the venerable ocean and the great mountain Meru are renowned as repositories of jewels, so too is the Bharata known. Indeed, this epic is drawn from the Vedas, pure and most excellent, pleasing to the ear, delightful to hear, purifying, and a promoter of virtue. O King, whoever gives this Bharata to a reciter, it is as if he has given the entire earth, girdled by the sea. Now, hear from me this divine tale of Parikshit, told for merit and victory, complete and bringing joy. The sage Krishna Dvaipayana, ever diligent for three years, composed this wondrous narrative called the Mahabharata. Listen, then, as I recite that ancient history. I shall now declare the illustrious lineage of Puru, of kings of immeasurable splendor. Listen to the names of your ancestors. In the beginning was Brahma, whose origin is unmanifest, eternal, everlasting, and imperishable. From Brahma were born Marici and Daksha, the lord of creatures—Daksha created from his thumb, Marici from his eyes. Marici's son was Kashyapa, and Daksha's daughter was Aditi. From Aditi and Kashyapa was born Vivasvan, and from Vivasvan came Manu. From Manu was born Ila, and from Ila, Pururavas. Pururavas was succeeded by Ayu; from Ayu came Nahusha; from Nahusha, Yayati. Yayati had two wives: Devayani, daughter of Ushanas, and Sharmishtha, daughter of Vrishaparvan. Devayani bore Yadu and Turvasu; Sharmishtha bore Druhyu, Anu, and Puru. From Yadu sprang the Yadavas, and from Puru, the Pauravas. Puru's wife was Kausalya, and in her Janamejaya was born. Janamejaya performed three horse sacrifices, and after completing the Visvajit, he entered the forest. He married Sunanda, a princess of Magadha, and in her, Pracinvan was born. Thus begins the ancient and sacred lineage, as recounted in the wondrous Mahabharata.