O Śaunaka, know that Hari, the Supreme Lord, ever wanders this earth in the form of a brāhmaṇa. All that you have inquired about has indeed been fully understood and sought after by the wise. What is revealed here dispels the doubts that arise from the Purāṇas, the Upapurāṇas, and even the Vedas themselves. This sacred knowledge fulfills the desires of those who seek pleasure, and grants liberation to those who seek release from bondage. The Brahma section stands as the very seed of all creation and is the exposition of the Supreme Brahman. Vaiṣṇavas, yogis, and the truly virtuous, O Śaunaka, are of one essence, not different from one another. The virtuous attain their state by associating with the good, and yogis become such through the company of other yogis. Within this Purāṇa, the origins of the gods, goddesses, and all living beings are described. The results of actions for every being, as well as the exposition of the sacred Śālagrāma, are explained in detail. The characteristics of Prakṛti—nature itself—along with its various portions and aspects, are revealed. Here, too, the auspicious and inauspicious destinations awaiting the virtuous and the wicked are set forth. In the section devoted to Gaṇeśa, his wondrous birth is recounted, and in the dialogue between Gaṇeśa and the sage Bhṛgu, all the fundamental principles are explained. Then follows the narration of the birth of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Lord himself. The removal of the earth’s burden by Kṛṣṇa is described as a divine play, a marvel, and an event of great auspiciousness. O sage, this most excellent and supreme Purāṇa has now been told to you. It is cherished by all, bestows prosperity, and fulfills every hope. It stands as the very essence among the Purāṇas, always in perfect accord with the Vedas. For this reason, those learned in the Purāṇas call it the Brahmavaivarta. In Goloka, that realm free from all disease, Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Self, righteously gave this knowledge to his son, with great affection, and also to Nārāyaṇa. Nārada, in turn, imparted it to Vyāsadeva on the banks of the sacred Jahnavi. Vyāsa gave it to me in the holy and delightful land of Siddha. This Purāṇa, composed of eighteen thousand verses, was thus handed down by Vyāsa, and its fruits are surely obtained by those who listen to its chapters. Śaunaka then spoke: “Tell me everything in detail, especially the supreme Brahma section.” Sauti replied: “Having bowed to Hari, to the gods, and to the twice-born, I shall declare the eternal dharmas. I will relate that supreme Brahma section, which I heard directly from the mouth of Vyāsa. At the time of cosmic dissolution, O sage, there existed nothing but a vast and radiant mass of light. That great, resplendent light was the very essence of the Lord, who acts solely by his own will. Above all else lies Goloka—eternal, radiant, and akin to the Lord himself. Its form is one of supreme brilliance, composed of precious gems, and it stands as the highest realm. Goloka is sustained by the Lord through his divine yoga, excellent and situated high in the sky, adorned with countless palaces fashioned from true jewels. Below Goloka, to the south and to the left, stretches Vaikuntha, extending fifty crore yojanas. Vaikuntha itself is circular in form and spans a crore yojanas in breadth, attended by four-armed companions who are free from old age, death, and all such limitations. In the time of dissolution, Vaikuntha becomes void, but in creation, it is adorned by Shiva and his attendants. This realm is supremely delightful, the eternal source of the highest bliss, generating joy that is formless and transcends even the supreme. The Lord there is of the hue of a fresh raincloud, with eyes like red lotuses, radiating beauty and compassion. Thus, O sage, have I begun to recount the supreme truths as preserved in the Brahmavaivarta Purāṇa.