Upon hearing that his death was destined to come at the hands of Takshaka, the serpent king sent by the sage’s son, the king let go of all worldly attachments and prepared himself to attain the supreme abode of Hari. Wishing to understand the true nature of the self, he listened intently to the teachings of the great sage, Vyasa’s son. Thus, on the banks of the sacred Ganga, he peacefully left his body, utterly free from fear. Having thus instructed the king, all the learned and honored brahmins returned to their homes. The world came to know this king as Parikshit, for he would thoughtfully examine and reflect upon the people of the world, mindful of what he had witnessed before his birth. As a child, Parikshit flourished swiftly, like the waxing moon, daily nourished and cherished by his father, just as fire is kindled by adding wood. Desiring to atone for the offense committed against his relatives, the king resolved to perform a horse sacrifice. Having acquired wealth, he pondered means of gathering resources that did not rely on taxes or fines. Sensing his intention, his brothers, inspired by Achyuta, brought abundant wealth from the northern lands. With these resources, Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, performed three grand horse sacrifices, worshipping Hari with deep reverence and awe. Invited by the king, the Lord Himself—Krishna—attended the sacrifice, and after the king’s consecration by the brahmins, He remained for several months, out of love for His friends. At last, with the king’s permission, Krishna departed for Dvaraka with His relatives, accompanied by Arjuna and the Yadus. The wondrous childhood deeds of Hari, who rescued His devotee, were marveled at by the boys of Vraja in their youth, who spoke of them in amazement. But such miracles are not surprising for the Supreme Creator, who takes human form for His divine play. Even a being as sinful as Agha, whose wickedness was cleansed by the Lord’s touch, attained oneness with the self—a rare blessing even for the most fallen. Indeed, one who but once brings the image of the Lord into his heart attains the highest path of devotion. What then can be said of those who, free from delusion, constantly experience the bliss of the eternal self? Sūta continued: “Thus, O twice-born, Yudhishthira, having heard of Krishna’s wondrous deeds, questioned Suka further, his mind fully absorbed in the sacred narrative. The king asked, ‘O Brahman, how is it that the boys in their youth could sing of Hari’s childhood deeds when those events occurred in a different time? O great yogi, revered teacher, please explain this supreme wonder. Surely, this is the work of Hari’s māyā—there can be no other explanation. Truly, we are the most fortunate in the world, though we are kshatriyas in name, for we constantly drink from you the nectar of Krishna’s sacred stories.’ At this, Sūta said, the son of Badarāyaṇa, whose senses were merged in the infinite, recollected himself. Returning to outward awareness with effort, he slowly replied to that foremost devotee: ‘O best of the twice-born, as you have asked, I have recounted to you the playful incarnations and deeds of the Lord in full. Whoever, whether fallen, distressed, or helpless, calls out “obeisance to Hari” with a loud voice is freed from all sin. When the infinite Lord is glorified—whose power is realized through hearing—He enters the hearts of people and completely cleanses their suffering, just as the sun and wind dispel darkness and clouds. Empty words and false stories that do not speak of the transcendent Lord are not worth telling; only that is truth, auspicious, and holy which reveals the Lord’s virtues. Only such words are delightful, charming, ever-fresh, and ever-new; only such narratives are a constant festival for the mind and dry up the ocean of human sorrow—when the glories of the Lord of excellent fame are sung. Any speech, however ornate, that does not proclaim the fame of Hari—which sanctifies the world—is like a crow’s bathing place, shunned by swans; where Acyuta is present, there true devotees gather. But even imperfect speech that contains the names and glories of the infinite Lord washes away people’s sins; the virtuous hear, sing, and recite it. Even pure knowledge and action, if devoid of devotion to You, O Acyuta, do not truly shine; how much less, then, do even the best works, if not offered to the Lord, bring lasting good? All efforts for fame and prosperity—whether through duties, austerity, or study—find their highest purpose only when they lead to constant remembrance of Śrīdhara’s lotus feet, through hearing and praising Hari’s virtues with reverence. Remembrance of Krishna’s lotus feet destroys all misfortune and brings well-being; it purifies the mind, bestows supreme devotion to the indwelling Lord, and grants knowledge with realization and detachment. Truly, you foremost twice-born are greatly blessed, for you constantly worship Nārāyaṇa, Lord of lords, the ruler within all beings, with your hearts fixed steadily upon Him. I too have been reminded of the truth of the Self, which I once heard from the supreme sage, when King Parikshit observed his fast, surrounded by great sages and seers. O brahmins, I have thus recounted to you the glorious acts of the Lord of mighty deeds, whose greatness destroys all misfortune. Whoever, with unwavering mind and faith, recites or attentively listens to this daily, even for a moment, becomes purified. Hearing this on the twelfth or eleventh day of the lunar fortnight grants long life; reciting it with self-control and fasting, one is freed from sin. One who, self-controlled, observes a fast and recites this collection in Puṣkara, Mathurā, or Dvārakā is freed from fear. By praising and hearing whose glories, the gods, sages, perfected beings, ancestors, Manus, and kings grant the desires of those who sing or listen. The twice-born who study the Rig, Yajur, and Sama Vedas gain the fruits of honey, clarified butter, and milk streams. A devoted twice-born who studies this Purāṇa collection attains the supreme abode spoken of by the Lord. By studying, a brahmin attains wisdom, a kshatriya sovereignty over the seas, a vaishya lordship over wealth, and a shudra is purified from sin. Elsewhere, Hari, the Lord of all, who burns away the mass of Kali’s impurity, is not constantly sung; but here, the Lord, whose form is all-encompassing, is thoroughly recited, verse by verse, in these sacred narratives. I bow to You, the unborn, infinite, true Self, whose power brings about the creation, maintenance, and dissolution of the universe, whose praise is difficult to grasp even for the lords of heaven—Brahmā, Indra, Śiva, and others—O infallible One!