The Mahabharata/Book 1: Adi Parva/Section LIX
Section LIX.
( Adivansavatarana Parva. )
Saunaka said, "O child, thou hast narrated to me this extensive and great history commencing from the progeny of Bhrigu! O son of Suta, I have been much gratified with thee! I ask thee again, recite to me, son of Suta, the history composed by Vyasa! The varied and wonderful narrations that were recited amongst those illustrious Sadasyas assembled in the sacrifice, in the intervals of their duties in that long-extending snake-sacrifice, and the objects also of those narrations, I desire to hear from thee, O son of Suta! Recite then, therefore, all those to me fully!"
Sauti said, "The Brahmanas, in the intervals of their duties, spake of many things founded on the Vedas. But Vyasa recited the wonderful and great history called the Bharata."
Saunaka said, "That sacred history called the Mahabharata, spreading the fame of the Pandavas, which Krishna Dwaipayana, asked by Janamejaya, caused to be duly recited after the completion of the sacrifice, I desire to hear duly! That history hath been born of the ocean-like mind of the great Rishi of soul purified by yoga. Thou foremost of good men, recite it unto me, for, O son of Suta, my thirst hath not been appeased by all thou hast said."
Sauti said, "I shall recite to thee from the beginning that great and excellent history called the Mahabharata composed by Vyasa. O Brahmana, listen to it in full, as I recite it! I myself feel a great pleasure in reciting it!"
And so ends the fifty-ninth Section in the Adivansavatarana of the Adi Parva.