Let me tell you, with reverence, the noble sequence of the Mahābhārata’s wondrous tales, as they are gathered and recounted in the great history. First, the collection of its sections is set forth, beginning with the listing of the parvas, and then, in order, the stories unfold. The narrative opens with the Pauṣya, Pauloma, Āstīka, Ādi, and Āśvatarana sections, each bearing its own significance. Following these, the marvelous and thrilling Sambhava section is spoken of, where the origins and lineages of the heroes are recounted. Here, the burning of the lac house is narrated, a tale of peril and cunning; then follows the episode of Hidimba, with its encounter in the forest. After this comes the slaying of the demon Baka, and the episode of Citra-ratha, filled with wonders. Next, the svayamvara of the princess Draupadī is told, where, according to the code of warriors, she is won in a contest of skill; this is followed by the episode of her marriage. Thereafter, Vidura’s arrival is recounted, and the gaining of the kingdom by the Pāṇḍavas. The tale moves on to Arjuna’s sojourn in the forest, and then the abduction of Subhadrā, which leads to the episode of the removal of the abductors. Then comes the burning of the Khaṇḍava forest, where the Pāṇḍavas encounter the architect Maya. After these events, the Sabha Parva is recounted, describing the great assembly hall, followed by the Mantra Parva. The slaying of Jarāsandha is then told, and the conquest of the directions by the Pāṇḍavas. After these conquests, the Rājasūya sacrifice is described, a grand rite of sovereignty. The offering of the arghya to honored guests is then narrated, followed by the slaying of Śiśupāla, who opposed Krishna. Next comes the episode of the dice game, a fateful turning point, and then the events that follow, leading into the Aranyaka Parva, the tale of exile, and the slaying of the demon Kirmira. The story continues with Arjuna’s departure on his quest for celestial weapons, and the battle between Īśvara (Shiva) and Arjuna, known as the Kairāta episode. Then is told Arjuna’s journey to Indra’s realm, and also the moving tale of righteous Nala. Following this is the pilgrimage of the wise Kuru king, the slaying of Jatāsura, and the battle with the Yakṣa. The Pāṇḍavas’ struggle with the Nivātakavachas is recounted, then the episode of the serpent, and the discourse with the sage Mārkaṇḍeya. Next is the conversation between Draupadī and Satyabhāmā, followed by the Ghoṣa-yātrā episode. The vow of fasting unto death is made, counsel is taken, and then arises the episode of the deer-dream. The tale of Vrihidraunika is told, as well as that of Indradyumna. Draupadī’s abduction and the release of Jayadratha are also recounted. Here too is the tale of Rāma, the greatness of the devoted wife, and the wondrous story of Savitrī’s devotion. The episode of the taking of the earrings is narrated, then the Araneya Parva, and after that, the Virāṭa Parva, where the Pāṇḍavas enter the Matsya kingdom and uphold their agreement in hiding. The slaying of Kīcaka is then told, followed by the episode of the capture of the cows, and the marriage of Abhimanyu in the land of the Matsyas. The Udyoga Parva, full of wondrous events, comes next, then the episode called Sanjaya-yāna. Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s wakeful anxiety is described, and the secret discourse of Sanatsujāta on the inner self. The Yānasandhi section follows, with divine narration, the tale of Mātali, and the deeds of Gālava. The Sāvitra and Vāmadeva sections are next, along with the story of Vainya, the tale of Jāmadagnya, and the Sixteen Kings. Krishna’s entry into the assembly is recounted, as is the command given by Vidulā’s son, the Udyoga section, the departure of the armies, and the tale of Vishva. The section on disputes is then told, along with that of the great-souled Karṇa, after the counsel’s decision and the onset of action. The wondrous tale of Śvetā, as told by Vāsudeva, is recounted, a source of many stories, followed by the departure of the Kuru and Pāṇḍava armies. The enumeration of chariot-warriors and great chariot-warriors is described, then the arrival of Ulūka as a messenger, a section that stirs anger. Here too is the tale of Ambā, then the section of Bhīṣma’s anointing, and the section called the Marvel. The construction of Jambūdvīpa is described, followed by the Bhūmi section, which tells of the extent of the continents. There, the great sage grants divine sight to Saṃjaya, and the Bhagavad Gītā is revealed. The slaying of Bhīṣma is told, then the anointing of Droṇa, and the slaying of the Saṃśaptakas. The slaying of Abhimanyu is recounted, followed by the section of the vow, the slaying of Jayadratha, and the slaying of Ghaṭotkaca. The slaying of Droṇa comes next, a tale that causes one’s hair to stand on end, followed immediately by the liberation wrought by the Nārāyaṇa weapon. The Karṇa section follows, then the Śalya section, the episode of entering the lake, and after that, the club duel. The Sārasvata section is next, recounting the lineages of holy places, and then the dreadful Sauptika section. After this comes the Aiṣīka section, then the exceedingly terrible Sudāruṇa section, the section on water offerings, and the lament of the women. The Śrāddha section is then told, with the funeral rites of the Kurus, and the subjugation of Cārvāka, the demon in Brahmin form. The Abhiṣecanika section follows, with the royal sacrifice of wise Dharmarāja, and then the division of the houses. After this is the Śānti section, where the duties of kings are taught, then the section on duties in adversity, and the path to liberation. The approach of Śuka with his questions is told, along with the teaching of questions concerning Brahman, the appearance of Durvāsas, and the conversation with Māyā. Then is to be known the Anuśāsanika Parva, the supreme section of instructions, followed by the Svargārohaṇika Parva, and then the account of wise Bhīṣma. There is the Āśramavāsa Parva, named for the dwelling in the hermitage, and the seeing of the son; then comes the Parva of Nārada’s arrival. Thus, the great Mahābhārata unfolds, each section a jewel in the garland of its sacred narrative, guiding the listener through its profound and wondrous tales.