Bṛhaspati, radiant with great splendor, became angered and pronounced a curse upon Śuka. In the same lineage, Turvasu—Yadu’s younger grandson—was born, and from these noble ancestors came descendants of great soul, renowned as the best among kings. The hospitality once offered by Vibrarṣa was divided sevenfold, each portion apportioned according to righteousness. The illustrious touch of Hara’s lineage shone forth, as did the celebrated valor of Śantanu. The stories also tell of the future hosts of mighty ones yet to come. Within these accounts, the occasional, the natural, and the ultimate events are all remembered. There is the tale of the sun’s disappearance, followed by the terrible fire of dissolution that marks the end of an age. The seven worlds, beginning with the earth, are described in detail, as is the vast measurement of Brahmā’s realm, counted in yojanas. The transformations of all beings are carefully determined, and the upward and downward courses of souls are explained, governed by righteousness and unrighteousness. Countless sufferings are recounted, including the impermanence that even Brahmā must face. The scriptures speak too of the difficulty of attaining liberation, for detachment reveals the faults that bind beings to the world. Yet, when the perception of diversity ceases, one’s pure essence is withdrawn into its source. Having attained the bliss of Brahman, there is no longer any fear. Within these sacred texts, the creations, dissolutions, and transformations of the world are narrated. The creation of the group of sages, a company whose presence destroys sin, is also described. The gathering of Saudāsa’s bones by Viśvāmitra finds mention, as does the birth of the great sage Vyāsa from the daughter of a Pitṛ. The enmity that arose between Parāśara and the sage Viśvāmitra is recounted, and it is revealed that, by the will of the god and for Viśvāmitra’s benefit, these events unfolded. The Lord then divided the single Veda, which had four parts, into four distinct collections. Through the disciples of Vyāsa and their own disciples, countless branches of the Veda were created. The distinguished sages, ever desiring righteousness, questioned further. Sunābha, whose form was like that of a divinity, with seven limbs and auspicious praise, was mentioned. The sages were told that, following in order behind him, they would receive the sacred recitation. The land itself was declared holy, and at that time, the Lord replied to the sages. The Gaṅgā, the Garbha, the Yavāhāra, and the Naimiṣeyas are all remembered. In Naimiṣa, the sages performed a sacrifice according to the prescribed rites, endowed with supreme compassion. They honored the king as a guest, showing him great affection. When the king departed, the other kings and sages also withdrew. Yet again, a great gathering was held by the sages for another sacrifice. During the twelve-year sacrificial session of the sages of Naimiṣa, Tvaraṇya, the son of Yadu, was begotten, along with ten thousand others. Thus, the enumeration of topics and the summary of the Purāṇas have been described. The very essence of this great subject has been indicated here in brief, for ease of understanding. Whoever studies this first section properly, with controlled senses, and whoever knows the four Vedas with their appendages and Upanishads, O twice-born, attains true wisdom and merit.