The Mahabharata
Book 1: Adi Parva
Kisari Mohan Ganguli, tr.
[1883-1896]
SECTION IV
(Pauloma Parva)
'UGRASRAVA SAUTI, the son of Lomaharshana, versed in the Puranas, while present
in the forest of Naimisha, at the twelve years' sacrifice of Saunaka, surnamed
Kulapati, stood before the Rishis in attendance. Having studied Puranas with meticulous
devotion and thus being thoroughly acquainted with them, he addressed them with
joined hands thus, 'I have graphically described to you the history of Utanka
which is one of the causes of King Janamejaya's Snake-sacrifice. What, revered
Sirs, do ye wish to hear now? What shall I relate to you?' The holy men replied,
'O son of Lomaharshana, we shall ask thee about what we are anxious to hear and
thou wilt recount the tales one by one. Saunaka, our revered master, is at present
attending the apartment of the holy fire. He is acquainted with those divine stories
which relate to the gods and asuras. He adequately knoweth the histories of men,
serpents, and Gandharvas. Further, O Sauti, in this sacrifice that learned Brahmana
is the chief. He is able, faithful to his vows, wise, a master of the Sastras
and the Aranyaka, a speaker of truth, a lover of peace, a mortifier of the flesh,
and an observer of the penances according to the authoritative decrees. He is
respected by us all. It behoveth us therefore to wait for him. And when he is
seated on his highly respected seat, thou wilt answer what that best of Dwijas
shall ask of thee.'
"Sauti said, 'Be it so. And when the high-souled master hath been seated I
shall narrate, questioned by him, sacred stories on a variety of subjects." After
a while that excellent Brahmana (Saunaka) having duly finished all his duties,
and having propitiated the gods with prayers and the manes with oblations of water,
came back to the place of sacrifice, where with Sauti seated before was the assembly
of saints of rigid vows sitting at ease. And when Saunaka was seated in the midst
of the Ritwiks and Sadhyas, who were also in their seats, he spake as followeth."
