O sage, listen as I recount the wondrous and secret stories of the births of gods and goddesses, veiled in mystery since ancient times. Within these tales are revealed who among the divine are mere portions, who are aspects of Prakriti—the primal Nature—and what are their further sub-aspects. There is a vivid description of the great goddesses: Durgā, Sarasvatī, Lakṣmī, and Sāvitrī, each resplendent in her own glory. The results of actions performed by living beings are explained in detail, as well as the descriptions of the various hells that await those bound by karma. The destinies that living beings attain—whether auspicious or inauspicious—are carefully described, so that one may understand the fruits of their deeds. From each action, one learns what disease or suffering may arise in this world. The stories of Tulasī, Kālī, Gaṅgā, Pṛthvī, and Vasundharā are recounted, stirring the mind with their holiness. There is also an explanation of the sacred Śāligram stones and the merits of giving gifts. The deeds of Lord Gaṇeśa, his miraculous birth, and his wondrous actions are narrated in detail. Unprecedented tales, unheard and supremely marvelous, are woven into this narrative. The births and wanderings of beings throughout the universe, and especially in the holy land of Bhārata, are recounted: which soul was born in which house, in what sacred and virtuous place, and, having arisen there, where did he journey and for what purpose. It is explained by whom the descent of the divine was requested to lighten the burden of the earth, and what was done for the sake of the sacred cow. Thus, this ancient and rare tale, seldom found even in the Vedas, is unfolded. O sage, whatever good or bad I have asked or not asked, according to my own knowledge, and whatever has been explained to the disciple, whether questioned or not—this too is included. Sūta then spoke: “I have come from the sacred field and am now going to the hermitage of Nārāyaṇa. Having seen this assembly of brāhmaṇas, I have come here to offer my respects. One who, upon seeing a deity, a brāhmaṇa, or a guru, does not bow due to confusion misses the mark—for Hari himself constantly wanders the earth in the form of a brāhmaṇa, O Śaunaka. O blessed one, all that you have asked has been fully known and desired. This narrative dispels the doubts found in the Purāṇas, Upapurāṇas, and the Vedas. It grants pleasure to those who seek enjoyment and liberation to those who seek release. The Brahma section is the seed of all, the exposition of the Supreme Brahman. Vaiṣṇavas, yogis, and the virtuous, O Śaunaka, are not different from one another. The virtuous become so through association with the good, and yogis through the company of yogis. Here is described the origin of the gods, goddesses, and all living beings. The results of their actions and the exposition of the Śālagrāma are explained. The characteristics of Prakṛti, along with the exposition of its portions and aspects, are described. The various auspicious and inauspicious destinations of the virtuous and the wicked are stated. In the section on Gaṇeśa, his birth is recounted, and in the dialogue between Gaṇeśa and Bhṛgu, all principles are explained. Then, the section on the birth of Śrī Kṛṣṇa is also narrated, along with the removal of the burden of the earth—a divine play, a wonder, and an auspicious event. O sage, this most excellent and supreme Purāṇa has been told to you. It is desired by all, bestows prosperity, and fulfills every hope. It is the very essence among Purāṇas, composed solely in accordance with the Vedas. Therefore, those who know the Purāṇas call it the Brahmavaivarta. And in Goloka, free from all disease, by Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Self, this sacred tale was first revealed.