Let us begin with reverence: one should first invoke the goddess Sarasvati, the bestower of wisdom, and the sage Vyasa, and utter words of victory. Now, when the great cycle known as Bhavishya arrives in the interval of Vaivasvata Manu, the tides of destiny turn. In this age, the Kauravas, filled with the intoxication of battle, are ultimately defeated by the Pandavas. As the day draws to a close, Lord Krishna, ever-knowing and compassionate, perceives the misfortune looming over that time. With devotion, we offer salutations again and again to Him—the Maker of Time, the Sustainer of the Worlds, the Remover of all sin. “O Lord,” devotees pray, “protect the Pandavas, who are fearful amidst many beings. For their sake, and for the safety of their camps, you have come, bearing your spear in hand.” Then, by the command of the king, Krishna journeys to Gajasāhvaya. In the stillness of midnight, Drauni (Ashvatthama), Bhoja (Krithavarma), and Kripa arrive at that place. There, Ashvatthama, mighty and resolute, seizes the sword from Shivadatta. Acting as he desires, Drauni commits his dreadful deeds and departs, accompanied by the other two. The charioteer of the Pārṣata (the Pandava camp), left alive and trembling with fear, remains behind. When Bhima and the others realize that a grave wrong has been committed against Shiva, they are overwhelmed with wrath. In their fury, they unleash their weapons and missiles, which all enter into the very body of Shiva. Then Rudra, the fierce aspect of Shiva, utters a curse: “You shall become worshippers of Krishna. Having obtained rebirth in the age of Kali, you will experience the consequences of your offense.” Seeking deliverance from this transgression, they take refuge in Hari (Vishnu). In their hearts, they praise Rudra, and in response, Shiva himself appears before them. Shiva speaks of the weapons and missiles that were destroyed upon his body. Hearing this, he addresses Krishna with deep reverence, “O Krishna, obeisance to you. By your will, O Lord, I gave that terrible curse.” Shiva then foretells the future: “Yudhishthira will be born as the son of King Vatsaraja. Bhima, tainted by harsh words, will take birth among the mlecchas. A portion of Arjuna, devoted to me and endowed with great intelligence, will be born again. Nakula, mighty in strength, will be born in Kanyakubja, and Sahadeva, powerful and wise, will also be reborn. A portion of Dhritarashtra will be born in the land of Ajameru. Karṇa, famed as Velā, will be known as Tāraka. The Kauravas will become skilled in the arts of magical warfare. To protect the Pandavas, I myself will descend as Shakti. There exists a great and beautiful city, created by the goddess Maya. You, Krishna, born in Devaki’s womb, are remembered as Simha. After slaying the kings descended from the Agni lineage, I will establish the Kali age.” After these events, the funeral rites are performed, and the survivors approach Bhishma, the grandsire. There, Bhishma explains in detail the duties of kings, the paths to liberation, and the importance of charity. The Pandavas, having ruled for thirty-six years, finally ascend to the city of heaven. Krishna then says, “Go forth, all you sages; I am now entering the state of yogic sleep.” Upon hearing these words, the sages residing in the Naimisha forest are moved. When a period of twelve hundred years has passed, Shaunaka and the sages with him rise from the divine pit, performing sacred acts such as bathing and meditation. With devotion, they entreat, “O Lord, tell us about those kings who were humble upon the earth at that time.