In the beginning, we offer our salutations to the Self-born, who manifests in the three forms of rajas, tamas, and sattva, the energies that weave the fabric of existence. This unborn being, the essence of all qualities yet beyond them, is the universal form that embodies the past, present, and future, standing as the true protector of all. In reverence to this divine Lord, we recognize the importance of sovereignty, righteousness, and the fourfold virtues, which are to be upheld by the noble-hearted. For the sake of action, the Lord created the nineteen, bringing forth all beings, both immovable and moving, into the world. Yearning to uncover the ancient tales of wisdom, one seeks refuge in the all-pervading Lord. This blessed deity, the progenitor of all, took special notice of the sage Vasiṣṭha and imparted knowledge to his grandson, Parāśara, the son of Śakti. Parāśara was taught the divine Purāṇa, a scripture that stands equal to the revered Vedas. In his benevolence, the Lord bestowed upon Dvaipāyana the supreme, eternal essence of Brahman. To establish the true principles of the world, the Lord gifted remarkable insights to five great sages: Jaimini, Sumantu, Vaiśampāyana, and Sūta, who was known for his wondrous deeds, humble nature, and pure conduct. It was in the presence of this sage that questions arose, as he was approached by the assembly of sages, endowed with supreme devotion and having circumambulated with reverence. At a sacred sacrifice with Savitṛ, where the air was filled with purity and intent, Sūta proceeded with great wisdom, adhering to the ordinances laid out in the scriptures. The sages, witnessing his actions, were filled with joy and delight, their hearts brimming with happiness. Having saluted all present and approached the command of the king, Sūta took his place upon a beautifully spread seat, his demeanor composed and humble, steadfast in concentration. United in the highest joy, the sages turned to him, expressing their wish to behold the most virtuous and eminent sage. They acknowledged Sūta’s devotion to the great Vyāsa and recognized his determination to share the true teachings out of compassion. With sincerity in their request, they implored Sūta to share the wisdom he had received from Vyāsa, for they were eager to learn. Sūta, wise and modest in his response, affirmed their intentions, assuring them that they were indeed worthy to hear the teachings they sought. Their eyes filled with tears of longing, they urged him to reveal the complete origin of the world. Thus, respectfully questioned, the great-souled Romaharṣaṇa, who had earned the favor of Dvaipāyana, began to narrate the sacred story. He declared that he would now share the Purāṇa as spoken by Mātariśvan, encompassing the themes of creation, dissolution, genealogies, and the ages of Manus. He briefly outlined the process of creation, the first section, and the collection of narratives, ensuring that these four sections were conveyed with clarity. In the grand tapestry of scriptures, the Purāṇa was first heard by Brahmā, standing as a testament to the timeless wisdom that flows through the ages, illuminating the path of knowledge and understanding for all who seek it.