After the epic narration of the great war, the tale moves into the harrowing account of Droṇa’s slaying—a moment so intense that it is said to make one’s hair stand on end. Immediately following this is the episode of the Nārāyaṇa weapon’s release and the deliverance that ensued. The story then proceeds through the section dedicated to Karṇa, recounting his valor and fate, followed by the Śalya section, and then the episode of Duryodhana’s concealment in the lake. Afterward comes the fierce club duel, marking another turning point in the conflict. The narrative continues with the Sārasvata section and a recounting of the sacred lineages associated with holy places. This leads into the dreadful Sauptika section, which describes the night massacre. Next comes the Aiṣīka section, followed by the exceedingly terrible Sudāruṇa section. The tale then turns to the rituals of water offerings for the fallen, and the lamentations of the women who mourn their loved ones. After these sorrows, the Śrāddha section is described, detailing the funeral rites of the Kurus. The story then tells of the subjugation of Cārvāka, the demon who had taken the guise of a Brahmin. Following this is the Abhiṣecanika section, where the wise Dharmarāja Yudhishthira performs the royal sacrifice, and the division of the royal dwellings is recounted. The Śānti section follows, where Bhīṣma instructs Yudhishthira on the duties of kingship. This leads to teachings about proper conduct in times of adversity, and then to guidance on the path to liberation. The sage Śuka’s approach is then described, along with his profound questions and the teachings on Brahman. The appearance of the great sage Durvāsas and the conversation with Māyā are also narrated. After these, the Anuśāsanika Parva is introduced, which is the supreme section of instructions, followed by the Svargārohaṇika Parva, recounting the ascent to heaven, and the wisdom shared by Bhīṣma. The Āśramavāsa Parva follows, describing the dwelling in the hermitage and the reunion with a son, after which the arrival of Nārada is related. The Mausala Parva is then declared, followed by the dreadful and most terrible Mahāprasthānika Parva, and then the Svargārohaṇika Parva, which tells of the final ascent to heaven. The Harivaṃśa Parva comes next, known as the Purāṇa supplement, recounting the Viṣṇu Parva, the wondrous deeds of the divine child, and the slaying of Kaṃsa by Viṣṇu. The Bhaviṣya Parva is also mentioned among these supplements, a great and marvelous section. Thus, the hundred Parvas are fully declared by the great sage Vyāsa. These were properly recited by Romaharṣaṇa, the son of Sūta, and so the eighteen Parvas were spoken in the sacred forest of Naimiṣāraṇya. Here is presented the summary of the Bhārata, the collection of Parvas: Pauṣya, Pauloma, Āstīka, Ādi, and Āṃśāvatāraṇa. It recounts the origins, the burning of the house of lac, the slaying of Hiḍimba and Baka, the episode of Citraratha, and the self-choice of Pāñcālī (Draupadī). After their victories by the warrior’s code, the Vaivāhika Parva follows, describing the marriage, the coming of Vidura, and the gaining of the kingdom. The exile of Arjuna into the forest is next, then the abduction of Subhadrā, the taking and retaking, and the burning of the Khāṇḍava forest. In the Pauloma Parva, the lineage of Bhṛgu is described in detail. In the Āstīka Parva, the origins of all the serpents and of Garuḍa are recounted. The churning of the ocean of milk, the birth of the divine horse Uccaiḥśravas, and King Pārikṣit’s serpent sacrifice are also narrated. This tale, now accomplished, centers on the great Bhārata lineage. The various origins of kings are told in the Saṃbhava Parva, including the stories of other heroes and the sage Dvaipāyana, and the descent of the gods. The origins of the Daityas, Dānavas, mighty Yakṣas, Nāgas, serpents, Gandharvas, and birds are all described, as are the various births of other beings, especially in the hermitage of the great sage Kaṇva. From the union of Duṣyanta and Śakuntalā was born Bharata, whose name became renowned in the worlds as the founder of the Bhārata lineage. The birth of the Vasus, the great-souled ones, in the river Bhāgīrathī and in the house of Śantanu, and their subsequent ascent to heaven, are also told. The union of divine energies is recounted here, as is the birth of Bhīṣma, his renunciation of the kingdom, and his steadfast vow of celibacy. The keeping of his promise, his protection of Chitrāngada, and, after Chitrāngada’s death, the protection of his younger brother are all described. Vichitravirya’s enthronement is narrated, as is the birth of Dharma among men, arising from the curse of Ani-Mandavya. The birth of Dhritarāṣṭra, Pāṇḍu, and the Pāṇḍavas from Krishna Dvaipayana, due to the granting of boons, is recounted. The journey to Varanāvata and Duryodhana’s schemes, the deceitful mission sent by the son of Dhritarāṣṭra against the Pāṇḍavas, and the wise counsel given by Vidura to Yudhishthira in the language of the mlecchas for their welfare, are all detailed. Following Vidura’s advice, the Pandavas undertook the digging of a tunnel. The five sons of the Nishada woman, sleeping in the house of lac, and the burning of Purochana are described. In the dreadful forest, the Pandavas encounter Hiḍimba, and Bhīma slays him. The birth of Ghaṭotkacha is then narrated. The Pandavas’ meeting with the great sage Vyāsa, who possesses immeasurable energy, and, by his command, their stay in the house of a Brahmin at Ekachakra are told. There, their dwelling in disguise is described, along with the death of Baka and the amazement of the townspeople. The births of Krishna (Draupadī) and Dhrishtadyumna are also narrated, as heard from a Brahmin prompted by Vyāsa’s words. Desiring to witness the svayamvara, the Pandavas, filled with curiosity, journeyed to the land of the Panchalas. There, on the banks of the Ganga, Arjuna defeats Angaraparna and, making friendship with him, learns many things from him. Thus, the grand story of the Bhāratas unfolds, as passed down through the sacred verses.