Near the famous battlefield where the Kurus and Pandavas met, there lies a region celebrated as Samantapanchaka, a place marked by lakes once filled with blood. This land, sacred and renowned, is known by the very name that best describes its character, for the wise declare that a place should be called by the name that truly reflects its essence. It was at Samantapanchaka, during the turning of the ages between Dvapara and Kali, that a great battle was fought between the armies of the Kurus and the Pandavas. In that supremely holy land, pure and free from the usual faults of the earth, eighteen mighty armies gathered, each eager for war. There, those noble warriors, born twice through sacred rites, met their end upon that very soil. Thus, O learned ones, the land came to be known by its fateful history—a place forever remembered in the three worlds, sacred and delightful. Having described this hallowed ground, the question arose: "O son of Suta, you have mentioned the term ‘Akshauhini.’ Please tell us in detail, exactly and truly, what comprises an Akshauhini—its measure of men, horses, chariots, and elephants, for all is known to you." The wise responded: "According to tradition, one ‘patti’ consists of one chariot, one elephant, five foot soldiers, and three horses. Three pattis make a ‘senamukha’; three senamukhas form a ‘gulma.’ Three gulmas are called a ‘gana,’ and three ganas make a ‘vahini.’ Three vahinis are known as a ‘pritaṇa.’ Three pritaṇas make a ‘camū,’ and three camūs form an ‘anīkinī.’ Finally, ten anīkinīs comprise one Akshauhini." The numbers were then recited for the eager listeners: "In an Akshauhini, there are 21,870 chariots, the same number of elephants, 109,350 foot soldiers, and 65,610 horses. Those skilled in calculation have declared these numbers, and thus is an Akshauhini defined, O ascetics." With this reckoning, it was told that eighteen Akshauhinis were assembled for the great war between the Kurus and Pandavas. All these forces gathered at Samantapanchaka, and there they met their end, the Kauravas becoming the cause, as the mysterious workings of time unfolded. The battle itself was fierce and epic. Bhishma, master of celestial weapons, led and fought for ten days. After him, Drona protected the Kuru army for five days. Karna, the destroyer of enemy ranks, fought valiantly for two days, and then Shalya took command for half a day, engaging in a terrible mace battle. At the end of that day, Drona's son, along with Kritavarma and Kripa, slaughtered the trusting and sleeping army of Yudhishthira by night. This supreme tale, called the Bharata, was recited by Vyasa’s wise disciple at the great sacrifice of Janamejaya, O Shaunaka. The story was told in full detail, recounting the glory and valor of kings. At the very beginning, the stories of Pauṣya, Pauloma, and Astika are remembered. With its rich variety of stories and meanings, the Mahabharata was embraced by the wise, just as seekers of liberation embrace detachment. Among all scriptures, this history stands foremost and dearest, as life itself among things to be known. No tale exists on earth that does not draw from this narrative, just as no body can live without food. Poets thrive on the Mahabharata, just as noble servants depend on their lord for their own advancement. Wherever the best minds devote themselves to this supreme history, all forms of speech, with their tones and accents, find their resting place, just as they do in worldly and Vedic lore. For one whose wisdom is engaged with the Mahabharata, whose chapters are adorned with varied words, subtle meanings, sound reasoning, and the import of the Vedas, let the collection of its sections be heard. First comes the list of its sections, then the second collection. These include: Pauṣya, Pauloma, Āstīka, Ādi, and Āśvatarana. Then follows the wondrous and thrilling Sambhava section. The burning of the lac house is recounted, followed by the Hidimba episode, then the slaying of Baka, and the Citra-ratha episode. Next is the svayamvara of princess Draupadi, where, according to the code of warriors, she is won, followed by her marriage. The story then tells of Vidura's arrival, the gaining of the kingdom, Arjuna’s dwelling in the forest, and the abduction of Subhadra. After Subhadra’s abduction comes the removal of the abductors, the burning of the Khandava forest, and the encounter with Maya. Then is recounted the Sabha Parva, followed by the Mantra Parva, the slaying of Jarasandha, and the conquest of the directions. After the conquest, the Rajasuya sacrifice is described, then the offering of the arghya, and the slaying of Shishupala. The infamous Dice Game episode follows, and then the events that came after it, including the Aranyaka Parva and the slaying of Kirmira. Next comes the episode of Arjuna’s departure, and the battle between Ishvara and Arjuna, known as the Kairata episode. Thus, in this sacred story, the glories, sorrows, and triumphs of kings and heroes are preserved, woven together for all to hear, remember, and contemplate.