Book 1. Ädi-parva–The Beginning 
Süta Gosvämé continued: 
[The first section of the Ädi-parva, known as] Pauñya, narrates the glories of Uttaìka, and the Pauloma section fully describes the expansion of the Bhågu dynasty. Next, the Ästéka section explains the origin of all snakes and of the great Garuòa, the churning of the milk ocean, the birth of the celestial steed Uccaiùçravä, tales of the great Bhärata kings related at Janamejaya's snake sacrifice, and the origin of various kings and sages and the great sage Vyäsa. 
The section entitled Descent of the First Created Beings describes the origin of demigods, Daityas. Dänavas,à and Yakñas. This section also tells of the origin of Näga serpents, snakes, Gandharvas, birds, and various other creatures. The story of the Vasus tells how these great souls were forced to take birth from the womb of Goddess Gaìgä in the house of King Çantanu and how they regained their position in heaven. All the Vasus invested a portion of their potency in a single Vasu, and that one took birth as Bhéñma, who later renounced his father's kingdom, taking the difficult vow of celibacy, which he kept with great determination. Bhéñma's younger step-brother Citräìgada assumed the Kuru throne under Bhéñma's guidance, but when the young monarch was killed, Bhéñma installed Citräìgada's younger brother Vicitravérya as king and took care of him. 
The first book also tells how Çréla Vyäsa, to keep his promise to his mother, begot Dhåtaräñöra, Päëòu, and Vidura, who was actually Dharma, lord of justice, forced to take birth as a human being by the curse of the sage Mäëòavya-of-the-lance. Also described are the births of Päëòu's sons, their journey to Väraëävata, the wicked plotting of their cousin Duryodhana to kill them, and their effort to escape, based on Vidura's wise counsel, through a secret underground tunnel. 
The first book also narrates the meeting of the Päëòavas with the demoness Hiòimbä in the frightful forest; the birth of Ghaöotkaca from that forest encounter, the Päëòavas' activities while living incognito in the house of a brähmaëa, and the slaying of the monstrous Baka, which amazed the brähmaëa and all the inhabitants of his city. 
Also described in this book are the births of lovely Draupadé and her fiery twin brother, Dhåñöadyumna. Hearing about her from a brähmaëa and encouraged as well by the words of Çréla Vyäsa, the Päëòavas decided to win Draupadé's hand in marriage. They eagerly set out for the kingdom of Päïcäla, which was ruled by Draupadé's father, to compete at her svayaàvara ceremony, where she was to choose her husband. 
On the way, Arjuna defeated the Gandharva king Aìgäraparëa on the banks of the Ganges. Having formed a lasting friendship with him, and having heard many stories from him, Arjuna then traveled on with all his brothers towards the kingdom of the Päïcälas. Narrated in this section are the excellent stories of Täpatya, Vasiñöha, and Aurva. 
In the city of Päïcäla, Arjuna alone among all the kings of the earth could pierce an exceptionally difficult target with his arrow, thus winning Draupadé's hand. The losing kings, headed by Karëa and Çalya, were furious, but Bhéma and Arjuna defeated them in a great battle. Seeing the unfathomable, superhuman prowess of Bhéma and Arjuna, and assuming them to be sons of Päëòu [even though they were carefully disguised], the great-minded Lord Kåñëa and His elder brother, Lord Balaräma ,then went to visit the sons of Päëòu at their lodgings in the house of a potter. The amazing story of the five Indras is also told. 
King Drupada puzzled over the fact that his daughter Draupadé was to marry all five Päëòava brothers, but Lord Çiva had blessed her to enjoy an extraordinary marriage. 
Dhåtaräñöra sent Vidura to see the Päëòavas, and upon his arrival Vidura also met with Lord Kåñëa. To prevent a quarrel between the Päëòavas and the Kurus, the kingdom was divided, and the Päëòavas went to live in the land of Khäëòava-prastha. Thereafter comes the story of Sunda and Upasunda. By the order of Närada Muni the five brothers agreed to spend equal time alone with their lovely wife Draupadé. [Each brother swore that if he ever intruded when another brother was with Draupadé, the intruding brother would voluntarily accept banishment.] 
Soon thereafter, when the eldest brother, Yudhiñöhira, was alone with Draupadé, Arjuna unavoidably entered their room to get a weapon that he needed to help a saintly brähmaëa. After rescuing the stolen property of the brähmaëa, Arjuna, determined to honor the Päëòavas' mutual pact, left the royal palace and went alone to the forest. 
Next comes the story of Arjuna's union with the princess Ulüpé, whom he met on his path while dwelling in the forest. After that, Arjuna's pilgrimage to many sacred spots and the birth of Babrüvähana are described. During that time Arjuna saved five Apsaräsö who had been cursed by an ascetic brähmaëa to take birth as crocodiles. 
Arjuna then met with Lord Kåñëa at the holy land of Prabhäsa-kñetra and went with Him to His capital of Dvärakä, [a fabulous city built on the surface of the ocean]. While there, Arjuna fell in love with Kåñëa's lovely young sister, Subhadrä, and Subhadrä also fell in love with Arjuna. Taking Lord Kåñëa's permission, Arjuna eloped with her, and Lord Kåñëa, son of Devaké, brought a dowry for His new brother-in-law. Upon arriving at the Päëòavas' capital [Khäëòavaprastha, also known as Indraprastha], Çré Kåñëa acquired His famous whirling weapon, the Sudarçana disc, and Arjuna acquired his famous Gäëòéva bow. The Khäëòava forest was burned to ashes, and Subhadrä gave birth to mighty Abhimanyu. Arjuna saved a great mystic named Maya from the fiery forest, while a special serpent escaped. The great sage Mandapäla begot offspring in the womb of the bird Çärìgé. All these and many other stories are elaborately explained in the Ädi-parva, the first book of the Mahäbhärata. 
The liberated sage Çréla Vyäsadeva affirms that this book contains 218 chapters, composed of 7,984 verses. 
Book 2. Sabhä Parva–The Great Assembly 
The second book, Sabhä-parva, describes many events: The Päëòavas establish their magnificent assembly hall and meet with their servants. The sage Närada, who can see God, describes the assembly hall of the demigods. Preparations begin for the great Räja-süya sacrifice, and wicked Jaräsandha is killed. All the kings whom Jaräsandha had cruelly imprisoned in a mountain cave are released by Çré Kåñëa. The Päëòavas' extraordinary wealth, visible in the Räja-süya sacrifice, frustrates and angers Duryodhana. Bhéma laughs when Duryodhana slips on the assembly hall floor, and the enraged Duryodhana plots to ruin the Päëòavas in a gambling match. Crooked Çakuni defeats Yudhiñöhira in a dishonest gambling match. When the Päëòavas are drowning in the sea of gambling, Draupadé, like a sturdy boat, pulls them out of that ocean. King Duryodhana, seeing that the Päëòavas have been saved, calls them to participate in yet another false game of chance. 
The great soul Vyäsa has elaborately explained all these incidents in the Mahäbhärata's second book, which contains 72 chapters and 2,511 verses. 
Book 3. Äraëyaka Parva–Life in the Forest 
The auspicious third book contains the following stories: The faithful citizens follow the wise Yudhiñöhira to the forest. All the Våñëis and Päïcälas come to see the Päëòavas in exile. Çaubha is slain. Kirméra is slain. Hearing that Çakuni has cheated the Päëòavas in a game of dice, Lord Kåñëa is furious, but Arjuna calms His anger. Draupadé laments before Lord Kåñëa, and Lord Kåñëa consoles her with encouraging words. Arjuna goes off in search of weapons. Lord Kåñëa escorts His sister, Subhadrä, and her young son to Dvärakä, and Dhåñöadyumna similarly escorts the sons of Draupadé. The Päëòavas enter theöenchanting Dvaita forest. King Yudhiñöhira converses with Draupadé. Yudhiñöhira converses with Bhémasena. Çréla Vyäsa comes to see the sons of Päëòu and reveals to King Yudhiñöhira a special science of recollection. Vyäsadeva leaves and the Päëòavas travel to the Kämyaka forest. Arjuna fights with Lord Çiva, who appears in the guise of a hunter. Arjuna ascends to the heavenly planets and meets the leaders of the universe. 
The third book also describes the following: King Yudhiñöhira, grieving over his misfortune, meets the great and enlightened sage Båhadaçva and pours out the story of his suffering. In response, Yudhiñöhira hears the most pious and moving story of King Nala, whose wife Damayanté remained steadily devoted during King Nala's severe tribulations. The sage Lomasa descends from the heavenly planets to the Päëòavas, who are living in the forest, and brings them news that Arjuna has reached the heavenly region. The sage delivers a message from Arjuna. Based on this message sent from the higher planets, the Päëòavas begin to visit sacred places to purify themselves and acquire the power of righteousness. The great sage Närada goes on pilgrimage to the hermitage of Pulastya. The demon Jaöa is killed. 
Draupadé engages Bhémasena, who goes to Gandha-mädana and there violates a lotus pond in order to acquire a Mandära flower. He also fights a great battle there with the bold and mighty Räkñasas and Yakñas, who are led by Maëimän. Next comes the narration of the sage Agastya, who eats up Vätäpi and then has union with Lopämudrä to beget a son. Then is told the story of the hawk and the pigeon, wherein Lords Indra, Agni, and Dharma test King Çibi. 
The stories are told of the young celibate student Åçyaçåìga and of the son of Jamadagni, Lord Paraçuräma, of awesome and fiery strength. In this context the death of Kärtavérya and the Haihayas is described, then the story of Sukanyä and Cyavana, son of Bhågu, who at the sacrifice of Çaryäti awards the twin Açvins the right to drink the Soma beverage when he regains from them his lost youth. 
In this section is the story of Jantu, wherein King Somaka sacrifices his son to obtain more sons and thus acquires one hundred sons. Then the story of Añöävakra is told. He defeats Bandé in a logical debate and regains his father, who has fallen into the ocean. 
Ambidextrous Arjuna acquires divine weapons for his venerable elder brother and then battles with the Niväta-kavacas, who dwell in the City of Gold, Hiraëya-pura. Arjuna rejoins his brothers in Gandha-mädana and battles with the Gandharvas during an excursion to pasturing lands. The brothers return to Lake Dvaitavana, Jayadratha steals away Draupadé from within the äçrama, and Bhéma pursues him with the speed of the wind. Then the meeting with Märkaëòeya and the stories that ensue are told. 
Next comes the narration of Draupadé's meeting and conversation with Satyabhämä, the tale of the measure of rice, the story of Indradyumna, the histories of Sävitré, Auddälaki, and Vaiëya, and the elaborate telling of the Rämäyaëa, the history of Lord Rämacandra. Then is told the story of Lord Indra's stealing Karëa's two earrings, along with the stories of the fire-sticks, the demigod Dharma's in-struc-ting his son, and the Päëòavas' obtaining their boon and heading west. 
These are the topics of the Äraëyaka-parva, the third division of the Mahäbhärata. The great sage Vyäsadeva declares that this section contains a total of 269 chapters, comprising 11,664 verses. 
Book 4. Vairäöa Parva–Living in the City of Viräöa 
Dear sages, the fourth book of the Mahäbhärata describes at length the events that take place while the Päëòavas live in the city of Viräöa. As the five brothers approach the city of Viräöa, they spy a large Çamé tree growing in a cemetery and decide to hide their weapons within the tree. Thereafter they enter the city, having disguised their identities in various ways. 
In this section, Våkodara (Bhéma) kills the wicked Kécaka, Arjuna defeats the Kurus in battle, and the king's valuable herd is saved. The Viräöa king bestows his daughter Uttarä upon Arjuna, who accepts her for his son Abhimanyu, a destroyer of his enemies in combat. 
These are the contents of the extensive fourth book. The great soul Vyäsadeva states that there are 67 chapters and 2,050 verses in this section. 
Book 5. Udyoga Parva–Trying for Peace, Preparing for War 
During the time that the Päëòavas are living in Upaplavya, both Duryodhana and Arjuna approach Lord Kåñëa, each seeking victory for his side. Both say to Çré Kåñëa, «My Lord, You should help our side in the coming battle,» and with great wisdom Lord Kåñëa replies, «Both of you are very important men, so I will do the following: I will assist one side as a noncombatant advisor, and I will give one akñauhiëé, an entire army, to the other side. Now tell me, which shall I give to whom?» 
Dull-witted Duryodhana, crooked as he was by nature, chooses Kåñëa's armed forces, and Arjuna chooses Lord Kåñëa Himself, even though the Lord will only assist Arjuna, without directly fighting. Mighty Dhåtaräñöra then sends his secretary Saïjaya to negotiate peace with the sons of Päëòu. Hearing that Lord Kåñëa is leading the Päëòavas, Dhåtaräñöra is filled with anxiety and cannot sleep at night. Vidura then speaks eloquent and beneficial words to the troubled king. Sanatsujäta also speaks elevated spiritual knowledge to the king, whose mind is burning, his heart tormented with grief. 
The next morning Saïjaya openly declares at Dhåtaräñöra's court that Lord Kåñëa is actually the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and that Arjuna, as the Lord's surrendered devotee, is not different from the Lord. 
The illustrious Lord Kåñëa, feeling great compassion for the ill-fated warriors and desiring to settle the conflict between the Kurus and Päëòavas, comes to Hastinäpura and tries to make peace. Duryodhana rejects Lord Kåñëa, who is pleading for peace for the benefit of both parties. Understanding that Karëa and Duryodhana are scheming with impure intelligence, Lord Kåñëa demonstrates to the Kuru kings that He is the Lord of all mystic power. The Lord then takes Karëa onto His chariot, gives him proper advice, and explains how the escalating conflict can be resolved. Karëa, intoxicated with pride, rejects the Lord's sincere advice. Lord Kåñëa then leaves Hastinäpura and meets the Päëòavas at Upaplavya, informing them of all that has transpired. Hearing His words and discussing with Him the best course of action, those punishing heroes realize that war is inevitable and therefore begin to make final preparations. [Their analysis is correct, and within a short time] chariots, cavalry, and infantry begin to pour out of the imperial capital of Hastinäpura. A precise analysis is then given of the Kuru military strength. 
On the day before the great war is to begin, Duryodhana has a messenger named Ulüka deliver to the Päëòavas a harsh and insulting message. A description is then given of the regular and extraordinary chariot fighters taking part in the battle. These many events make up the fifth book of the Mahäbhärata, which tells of the endeavors for reconciliation and war. 
Dear ascetics, whose very wealth is austerity, the pure soul Vyäsa, that great-minded sage, states that there are 186 chapters and 6,698 verses in this section. 
Book 6. Bhéñma Parva–Bhéñma Leads the Kuru Army 
The sixth book contains a rich variety of topics: Saïjaya describes the creation and dimension of the earthly region known as Jambükhaëòa. The frightful war begins with unusual ferocity, continuing unabated for ten full days, and Yudhiñöhira's army falls into a dangerous state of despondency. It was on that battlefield that Arjuna fell into illusion and wanted to abandon the fight. But the wise Lord Kåñëa drove away his grief by logically explaining the path of liberation. 
The great bowman Arjuna keeps Çikhaëòi in front of him as a shield and, striking repeatedly with his sharp arrows, knocks Bhéñma down from his chariot. All these events are fully described in this sixth book of the Mahäbhärata, in which Çréla Vyäsa, a knower of the Vedas, has counted 117 chapters and 5,884 verses. 
Book 7. Droëa Parva–Droëa Leads the Army 
The amazing Droëa Parva tells of many important events: Herein the warriors known as the Saàçaptakas succeed in driving Arjuna away from the battlefield. The mighty king Bhagadatta, who is equal to Indra in battle, and his famous war-elephant Supratéka are cut down by Arjuna. 
In this section many of the world's greatest chariot fighters, headed by Jayadratha, combine to kill heroic Abhimanyu, who has not yet reached his full youth. Seeing his young son unfairly killed by many older warriors, Arjuna furiously destroys seven armies and kills Jayadratha. By King Yudhiñöhira's command, the mighty-armed Bhéma and Sätyaki search for Arjuna and enter the ranks of the Kuru army, which is impenetrable even to the demigods. Arjuna then kills all who remain of the powerful Saàçaptakas. Ninety million Saàçaptakas suffer Arjuna's wrath, and he sends all of those exalted warriors to the lord of death. 
In the Droëa Parva the warriors Alambusa; Çrutäyu; the mighty Jalasandhi; Saumadatti; Viräöa; Drupada, the master of chariot warfare; Ghaöotkaca, and others are all slain. When Droëa himself is struck down in battle, his raging son unleashes the terrible Näräyaëa weapon. 
This section also describes the glorious fire weapon of Lord Çiva and tells of the arrival of Vyäsadeva, who reveals the glories of Lord Kåñëa and Arjuna. Thus in the powerful seventh book, most of the world's leaders, who are heroes among men, meet their death. The learned philosopher Vyäsa, son of Paräçara, after meditating on the Droëa Parva, lists for this section 170 chapters, comprising 8,909 verses. 
Book 8. Karëa Parva–Karëa Takes the Army 
Then comes the most amazing Karëa Parva, in which in a moment of crisis the skillful King of Madra is deputed to serve as Karëa's charioteer. The old history is told herein of the fall of demonic Tripura and the harsh exchange between Karëa and Çalya as they set out together for battle. The tale of the swan and the crow is recited in an insulting manner, Yudhiñöhira and Arjuna become angry at each other, and then, in a chariot duel, Arjuna kills the great chariot fighter Karëa. 
Those who seriously study the Mahäbhärata recognize these and other powerful events as composing the eighth book, known as the Karëa Parva, which is said to include 69 chapters and 4,900 verses. 
Book 9. Çalya Parva–Çalya Leads 
Next is the captivating narration known as the Çalya Parva. After the greatest warriors have been slain, Çalya, king of Madra, takes command of the Kuru forces. A succession of fierce chariot engagements finishes the best warriors who remain among the Kurus. Then Yudhiñöhira, king of justice, ends the life of King Çalya. 
Also described is a tumultuous club fight and the death of Çakuni at the hands of Sahadeva. When most of his army is slain and only a few soldiers remain, Duryodhana enters a lake and by controlling its waters is able to remain there for some time. Bhéma receives information from some hunters of Duryodhana's location. Speaking insulting words, intelligent Yudhiñöhira provokes Duryodhana, who never tolerates an insult, to come out of the lake and engage in a club fight with Bhéma. As the fight is going on, Lord Kåñëa's older brother, Lord Balaräma, arrives at the scene. 
The holiness of the Sarasvaté River, even among holy places, is explained. The club fight continues and Bhéma, with his awful, devas-tating club blows, deliberately breaks the thighs of King Duryodhana. 
From its very beginning, the amazing ninth book narrates many significant events. According to authorities, Çréla Vyäsa composed this section in 59 chapters and 3,220 verses, which reveal the history of the famous Kuru dynasty. 
Book 10. Sauptika Parva–The Murder of the SleepingPrinces 
I shall next describe the frightening events of the tenth book: In the evening, after the Päëòavas have retired from the day's fighting, Kåöavarmä, Kåpa, and Drauëi (Açvatthämä) journey on their chariots to see the angry King Duryodhana, who lies covered with blood on the battlefield, his thighs broken. The son of Droëa is enraged at the sight, and that great chariot fighter swears, «I shall not take this armor off my body until I have killed every last Päïcäla, headed by Dhåñöadyumna, and every one of the Päëòavas and their ministers!» 
Those three powerful men, headed by Drauëi, then enter the Päëòava camp in the dark of night and cruelly murder the Päïcälas, their retinue, and all the sons of Draupadé as they sleep unsuspecting in their camp. Only the five Päëòavas, who depend fully on Lord Kåñëa, are saved, along with Sätyaki the great archer. All the other warriors of the Päëòava army are killed in their sleep. 
Stunned by the loss of her sons and agonizing over the sudden deaths of her father and brother, Draupadé sits down before her five husbands, resolved to fast until death. Moved by Draupadé's words and determined to please her, Bhéma, whose name indicates his frightening power, takes up his club and furiously sets out behind the fleeing Açvatthämä, the son of his beloved guru. Frightened by Bhémasena and impelled by destiny, Drauëi angrily releases his horrible weapon, bent on ridding the world of the Päëòavas. 
But Lord Kåñëa, seeing His beloved devotees in danger, then says, «It shall not be so!» and all of Açvatthämä's curses and threats lose their power. Following Lord Kåñëa's instruction, Arjuna throws a counter-missile, which neutralizes the enemy's missile. 
Çréla Vyäsadeva and others condemnöthe son of Droëa, [but so blinded is he by pride and anger that] he tries to countercurse such exalted personalities. The Päëòavas then capture the son of Droëa, although he is a great chariot fighter, and violently cut the jewel from his head, robbing him of his splendor. They gladly present it to Draupadé as tribute. Funeral rites are then performed for all the slain kings 
with offerings of sacred water. 
Also in this section Påthä reveals the mystery of Karëa's secret birth as her child. These incidents make up the tenth book of the Mahäbhärata, called the Sauptika Parva, in which the great soul Vyäsa has enumerated 18 chapters, containing a total of 870 verses. In this section the learned sage has combined two Parvas, the Sauptika and the Aiñéka. 
Book 11. Stré Parva–The Women 
Pity and sympathy are aroused in this section, which tells of the heart-rending lament of the female kin of the fallen warriors. As Dhåtaräñöra and Gändhäré struggle with the death of their sons, they are sometimes forgiving, but at times anger and bitterness overwhelm them. Many women of the royal families see those who will never return–sons, brothers, and fathers, all brave warriors–lying dead on the battlefield. Lord Kåñëa calms the fury of Gändhäré, who is sorely afflicted at the killing of her sons and grandsons. 
Then the very wise King Yudhiñöhira arranges for the bodies of all the slain monarchs to be cremated with full religious rites, following the scriptural injunctions. These are the powerful and most piteous events of the eleventh book of the Mahäbhärata. This section provokes compassion and tears when read by people of good and noble character. According to the author, the great soul Vyäsa, this section contains 27 chapters and 775 verses. 
Book 12. Sänti Parva–Peace 
The twelfth book of the Mahäbhärata stimulates our intelligence with its profound discussion of ethical and spiritual principles. King Yudhiñöhira, having taken part in a war that caused the death of many of his elders, brothers, and sons, along with other relatives and intimate friends, is plunged into grief. But his grandfather Bhéñma, lying 
undisturbed on a bed of arrows, fully enlightens his tormented grandson with a unique discourse on the material and spiritual principles of life. Kings and other leaders of nations who truly wish to govern their people well must seriously study these principles. 
Enunciated herein are special instructions for emergency situations, with careful reasoning in regards to the specific time and circumstances. By thoroughly understanding these teachings a man acquires complete knowledge of how to act in this world. This section also provides an elaborate and attractive discussion of the principles that lead to spiritual salvation. 
The wise and learned are especially fond of this twelfth book of the Mahäbhärata. My dear sages, whose wealth is austerity, in this book there are 339 chapters and 14,525 verses. 
Book 13. Anuçäsana Parva–Lessons 
In this most elevated book, Yudhiñöhira, now the undisputed king of the Kuru dynasty, overcomes his despondency by hearing Bhéñma's conclusive analysis of spiritual principles, and he is thus restored to his original nature. Bhéñma, son of Gaìgä, thoroughly explains human affairs in terms of material and spiritual needs. He also explains the various results to be achieved by various kinds of charity. The recipients of charity and the ultimate principle that governs all types of charity are then described. 
Bhéñma further discusses the rules of human conduct, their practical applications, and the highest goal of truth. This very extensive discourse constitutes the Anuçäsana Parva, which concludes with Bhéñma's attainment of the spiritual world. This thirteenth book, with its conclusive knowledge of religious principles, is composed of 146 chapters and 6,700 verses. 
Book 14. Açvamedhika Parva–The Great Offering 
The next book, the fourteenth, relates the superb story of Saàvarta and Marutta, how the Päëòavas secure a treasury of gold needed to perform a sacrifice, and the birth of Parikñit, whom Lord Kåñëa brings back to life after his body is destroyed by a fiery weapon while he is still in his mother's womb. 
[When the Päëòavas become the most powerful rulers of the earth, they follow the ancient custom of inviting all other rulers to accept their authority or to challenge it through a personal duel.] The traditional challenge horse is released to roam freely all over the world, followed by Arjuna. [If a local ruler allowed the horse to pass, he thereby accepted the Päëòavas' authority and agreed to pay taxes to the central Kuru government at a standard rate. In return the local ruler and his kingdom would be fully protected from hostile forces and receive economic subsidies in time of scarcity. A leader who wished to challenge the Päëòavas would seize the challenge horse, and a personal duel would ensue.] Thus Arjuna accepts the challenges of many proud and angry princes and defeats them in battle, bringing their states under the unified Kuru administration. 
Arjuna is put into danger when he fights, unknowingly, with his own son Babrüvähana, whom he had begotten with the Princess of Maëipur, Citräìgadä. This section also narrates the story of the great Açvamedha sacrifice, and therein the story of the mongoose is told. The great sage Vyäsa, a seer of the truth, has spoken this great and wonderful book, in which there are 133 chapters and 3,320 verses. 
Book 15. Äçrama-väsa Parva–Life in the Äçrama 
Next is the fifteenth book, which relates how Dhåtaräñöra finally gives up all interest in political affairs and goes with his wife, Gändhäré, and step-brother Vidura to spend his last days in an äçrama, a saintly hermitage dedicated to spiritual progress. Seeing him about to depart, the saintly Påthä decides to give up living in the opulent kingdom of her son and to follow along. In the last part of her life she wants to fully dedicate herself to serving the self-realized devotees of the Lord, whom she accepts as her spiritual masters. 
By the mercy of saintly Vyäsa, King Dhåtaräñöra's sons and grandsons and other heroes and kings who have died and gone to the next world all briefly return to earth, and Dhåtaräñöra is able to see them. After this astonishing experience, the old king gives up his grief and, understanding his soul to be eternal, achieves spiritual perfection with his faithful wife. Vidura, fixed in his spiritual principles, achieves the goal of life, along with the exalted Saïjaya, the learned and self-controlled son of Gavalgaëa. Yudhiñöhira then sees Närada Muni and hears from the sage about the extinction of the Våñëi dynasty. 
These are the topics of this most excellent and extraordinary book, called the Äçrama-väsa Parva. Çréla Vyäsa, who is a seer of the truth, has composed this section in 42 chapters and 1,506 verses. 
Book 16. Mauñala Parva–The Story of the Club 
Next is the shocking story of how the princes of Lord Kåñëa's Yadu dynasty, all tigers among men, suffer a devastating curse by brähmaëas and perish near the ocean shore. These same mighty warriors have withstood the attacks of many weapons on the battlefield, but impelled by destiny, they lose themselves in drink after a religious celebration and strike each other down with stalks of cane that turn into thunderbolts in their hands. 
Çré Kåñëa and His brother Balaräma, [playing like ordinary human beings,] do not counteract the force of time, which takes away all things. Thus when Arjuna arrives at Lord Kåñëa's capital, he sees not a single man of the Lord's family alive. 
Seeing that the Yadu warriors have come to a violent end, having beaten each other to death in a drunken rage, Arjuna, that best of men, experiences the greatest anguish. Lord Kåñëa, the heroic Yadu chief, has appeared in this world as his maternal cousin, and therefore Arjuna, [respecting Lord Kåñëa's desire to demonstrate the ideal human life,] arranges conventional funeral rites for the material bodies [that Lord Kåñëa and Lord Balaräma leave behind as They depart from this world in Their eternal spiritual forms]. Arjuna performs similar rites for all the slain warriors, especially those of the Våñëi dynasty, who are very close to Çré Kåñëa. 
Arjuna then departs Dvärakä, taking with him the ladies, children, and elderly men of the Yadu dynasty, whom he escorts to the Kuru capital, where the Päëòavas will take care of them. But he suffers grievous misfortune on the way and has to witness the defeat of his fabled Gäëòéva bow. In fact, all the celestial weapons he has used to assist Çré Kåñëa in His earthly mission no longer favor him. The wives of the Våñëi heroes, whom Arjuna is to protect, are taken away, and he is unable to help them. [Arjuna can then understand that all his legendary power has been granted him by the Lord, and now that the Supreme Godhead is winding up His activities in this universe, the time has also arrived for the Lord's associates to depart with Him.] 
Encouraged by the words of Çréla Vyäsa, Arjuna understands the temporary nature of this world, and his heart becomes peaceful through detachment. Arriving in Hastinäpura, he convinces his elder brother Yudhiñöhira that it is time to leave this world, and Yudhiñöhira, king of virtue, peacefully sets his mind on complete renunciation. 
These are the events of the Mauñala Parva, the sixteenth book of the Mahäbhärata. In this section, there are 8 chapters and 300 verses. 
Book 17. Mahä-prasthänika Parva–The Great Departure 
In the seventeenth book, known as «The Great Departure,» the Päëòavas, pure devotees of the Lord, renounce their opulent kingdom, and together with their godly wife, Draupadé, attain the supreme perfection of life. Çréla Vyäsa, who is a seer of the truth, states that in this section there are 3 chapters and 120 verses. 
Book 18. Svarga Parva–Heaven and the Spiritual World 
The eighteenth book describes the ascent to the heavenly planets and beyond, to the spiritual sky. This final parva provides information exceeding the range of ordinary human knowledge. 
My dear ascetics, whose treasure in life is austerity, there are 5 chapters in this eighteenth book of the Mahäbhärata, with a total of 200 verses. 
I have now given a complete summary of all eighteen parvas. There is also a supplementary work called the Harivaàça, which explains the birth and activities of Lord Kåñëa, and another book, which explains the future. All of these books constitute the Mahäbhärata with its various divisions. Eighteen akñauhiëé armies assembled together, desiring to fight, and a terrible war took place that lasted for eighteen days. 
A brähmaëa who knows the four Vedas with their various topical divisions and philosophical treatises, the Upaniñads, but who does not know the Mahäbhärata is not considered a truly learned man. Indeed, one who faithfully hears this narration is no longer attracted to ordinary literature, just as one who hears the sweet song of the male kokila bird can find no pleasure in the screeching of a crow. 
Just as the three planetary systems are created from the five physical elements, so virtually all poetic inspiration finds its source in this exalted narration. As all creatures, whether born of sperm, eggs, seeds, or sweat, always function within space, similarly the ancient history of this world as found in the Puräëas must be understood within the context of this great work called Mahäbhärata. 
As the attractive workings of the mind are the foundation of all sensory activity, so this epic is the foundation of mankind's duties and virtues. As the body cannot be maintained without food, so in this world truly meaningful conversation cannot be sustained without reference to this work. As a servant lives well by working for a noble master, so the best of poets have prospered by drawing upon this narration. 
The Mahäbhärata is immeasurable, pure, and sacred, for it flows from the lips of Dvaipäyana Vyäsa. Because it destroys one's sins it is most auspicious. Indeed, one who hears this history as it is being recited and understands its message has no need to bathe in the holy waters of Puñkara Lake. This most excellent work, great of purpose and meaning, is like a blissful literary ocean, easily traversed if first we hear this chapter with its summary of the entire epic, just as one can cross the vast salt-water ocean with the help of a good boat.