O revered sage, you have inquired deeply into the mysteries of birth and wandering within this vast universe, and especially within the sacred land of Bhārata. You wish to know in which house the great souls took birth, in holy and virtuous places, and from what noble lineage they arose. You ask, too, where these beings journeyed after their appearance in the world, and for what reasons they set out upon their paths. It is your wish to learn by whom the descent to lighten the burden of the earth was requested, and what was accomplished for the sake of the divine cow. Thus, you seek to hear this ancient and rare tale, a story seldom found even in the Vedas themselves. Whether you have asked about these things or not, and whether I know them fully or only in part, it is my duty to explain all that I can. For one who gives such an explanation to a disciple, whether prompted by questions or not, fulfills a sacred responsibility. Sūta then spoke, saying: “I have come from the holy field and am now journeying to the hermitage of Nārāyaṇa. Upon seeing the assembly of brāhmaṇas gathered here, I have come to offer my respects. For one who, upon beholding a deity, a brāhmaṇa, or a guru, does not bow due to confusion or ignorance misses a great opportunity for reverence. Know, O Śaunaka, that Hari himself ever wanders the earth in the form of a brāhmaṇa. O blessed sage, all that you have asked is fully known and cherished. This narrative dispels the doubts found in the Purāṇas, the Upapurāṇas, and even the Vedas. It grants desires to those who seek enjoyment and liberation to those who yearn for release. The Brahma section is the very seed of all, the exposition of the Supreme Brahman. Vaiṣṇavas, yogis, and the virtuous, O Śaunaka, are in truth not different from one another. The virtuous become so through the company of the good, and yogis through the association of other yogis. Within this Purāṇa is described the origin of gods, goddesses, and all living beings. The results of actions for all creatures are explained, as well as the exposition of the sacred Śālagrāma. Therein are described the characteristics of Prakṛti, its portions, and its manifold aspects. The auspicious and inauspicious destinies of the virtuous and the wicked are laid out. Then, in the section on Gaṇeśa, his birth is recounted, and in a dialogue between Gaṇeśa and Bhṛgu, all the fundamental principles are explained. Following this, the tale of the birth of Śrī Kṛṣṇa is told, and the wondrous and auspicious event of the removal of the earth’s burden is recounted—a divine play and a marvel. O sage, this most excellent and supreme Purāṇa has thus been narrated to you. It is desired by all, it bestows prosperity, and fulfills every hope. It is the very essence among the Purāṇas, composed wholly in accordance with the Vedas. For this reason, those who truly know the Purāṇas call it the Brahmavaivarta. In Goloka, that realm free from all disease, Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Self, righteously gave this Purāṇa to his son with great affection, and also to Nārāyaṇa. Thereafter, Nārada bestowed it upon Vyāsadeva on the banks of the sacred Jahnavi. Vyāsa, in turn, gave it to me in the holy and delightful land of Siddha. This Purāṇa, consisting of eighteen thousand verses, was given by Vyāsa, and those who listen to its chapters surely obtain its fruit. Śaunaka then said: “Tell me everything in detail, especially about the supreme Brahma section.” Sauti replied: “Having bowed to Hari, to the gods, and to the twice-born, I will declare the eternal dharmas. This is the supreme Brahma section as I heard it from the mouth of Vyāsa himself. Listen, O sage: at the time of dissolution, there was only a mass of radiant light. That great, shining light belonged to the Lord, who acts solely by his own will. Above all that exists is Goloka, eternal and as resplendent as the Lord himself, O sage.