Honoring the agreement made, the valiant Arjuna set forth into the forest, beginning his exile. Along the way, he encountered Ulūpī, marking a significant meeting during his journey. As Arjuna traveled to various sacred fords, the tale unfolds of Babhruvāhana’s birth, and there too, he liberated five beautiful apsarases from bondage. During these adventures, Arjuna encountered a brāhmaṇa ascetic who, due to a curse, had become a crocodile. At the holy place of Prabhāsa, Arjuna met with Kṛṣṇa, deepening their bond. In Dvārakā, Subhadrā, who desired Arjuna, was won by him with the blessing of Vāsudeva. Kṛṣṇa, son of Devakī, aided in her abduction, and from Subhadrā, Abhimanyu was born—a youth of supreme energy. The birth of Draupadī’s sons is also recounted, along with the joyful journeys of the two Kṛṣṇas—Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna—along the Yamunā. The story then describes Arjuna’s obtaining of the divine discus and bow, the burning of the Khāṇḍava forest, the rescue of Maya from the flames, and the freeing of a serpent. The narrative continues with the birth of the son of the sage Mandapāla by Śārṅgī. Thus, the first book—the Ādiparvan—stands described in great detail. The supreme sage declares that this section contains two hundred chapters, and Vyāsa, of immense energy, composed twenty-seven chapters. The great-souled sage notes there are eight thousand eight hundred verses, plus eighty-four additional verses. The second book, Sabhāparvan, is filled with many events—describing the assembly of the Pāṇḍavas and the sight of their attendants. It recounts the gathering of the guardians of the worlds, witnessed by Nārada, the seer of the gods, and the commencement of the Rājasūya sacrifice, including the slaying of Jarāsandha. Kṛṣṇa liberated the kings imprisoned in a mountain fortress, and the Pandavas’ conquest of the directions is told. The arrival of kings and the presentation of gifts at the great sacrifice are described, as is the dispute over the offering and the slaying of Shishupala during the Rajasuya. Bhima’s mockery of Duryodhana, who was filled with grief and anger after witnessing the splendor of the sacrifice, is recounted. This insult led Duryodhana to arrange the game of dice, where Shakuni defeated Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma. Draupadi, plunged into the ocean of dice like a boat in the sea, was rescued by Dhritarashtra, the wise king, though she suffered great distress. After their rescue, Duryodhana again summoned the Pandavas to another game of dice. Upon their defeat, he sent them into exile in the forest. All these events are narrated in the Sabha Parva by the great soul, with seventy chapters and eight more, totaling two thousand five hundred verses. Eleven additional verses are noted in this section. After this, the third book, the great Aranyaka, is introduced. When the Pandavas departed for the forest, the citizens accompanied Yudhishthira, the wise son of Dharma. For the sake of food and herbs and to support the Brahmins, Yudhishthira worshiped the Sun and made offerings. By Dhaumya’s instruction and the Sun’s favor, food was obtained, and the wise charioteer departed from the son of Ambika. The Pandavas approached the one who had departed, and returned again by Dhritarashtra’s command. Encouraged by Karna, the evil-minded son of Dhritarashtra devised a plan to kill the Pandavas in the forest. Recognizing this wicked intent, Vyāsa arrived swiftly, prevented their departure, and recounted the tale of Surabhi. Maitreya’s arrival and his admonition to the king are described, along with the curse he pronounced upon Duryodhana. Bhimasena’s slaying of Kirmira in battle is told, as is the arrival of the Vrishnis and the Panchalas. Hearing of their defeat by Shakuni’s deceit in the game of dice, the crowned one appeased the wrathful Hari. Draupadi’s lamentation in Kṛṣṇa’s presence and the consolation given to her in distress by Kṛṣṇa are recounted. The tale of Saubhadra is narrated by the great sage, describing Subhadra’s journey with her son, led by Kṛṣṇa, to Dvārakā. Draupadi’s sons were escorted by Dhrishtadyumna, and the Pandavas entered the delightful Dvaita forest. Conversations between Yudhishthira and Kṛṣṇa, and between Bhima and the king, are related. Vyāsa’s arrival to the Pandava brothers and his bestowal of knowledge to the king after receiving his promise are told. After Vyāsa’s departure, the Pandavas’ journey to Kamyaka is described, as well as Arjuna’s exile to obtain weapons. Arjuna’s battle with Mahadeva, who appeared as a hunter, his vision of the guardians of the worlds, and his obtaining of weapons are narrated. Arjuna’s journey to Indra’s realm for the sake of weapons, and the anxiety that arose in Dhritarashtra, are described. The meeting with the perfected sage Brihadashva and Yudhishthira’s lamentation in misfortune are recounted. Here too is the noble and moving tale of Nala, telling of Damayanti’s steadfastness and Nala’s deeds, as recounted by the great sage.