01.054
Library: Requested, Vyasa asks Vaishampaya to narrate Mahabharata.
Sūta said:
Upon hearing that Janamejaya was consecrated for the snake sacrifice, the wise sage Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana approached him.
Kali gave birth to the grandfather of the Pandavas, whom she bore from Parashara, the son of Shakti, as a daughter in the Yamuna island.
The one who, just after being born, immediately grew his body through sacrifice, and mastered the Vedas along with their limbs and histories, is greatly renowned.
Whom no one can know by excessive austerity, study of the Vedas, vows, fasting, birth, or anger.
Vyasa, the sage, divided the single Veda into four parts. He is the best among those who know the Vedas, a knower of past and future, a sage among Brahmins, a poet, and one who is pure and truthful in his vows.
He who begot Pandu, Dhritarashtra, and Vidura, extending the lineage of Shantanu, was of virtuous fame and great renown.
The royal sage Janamejaya, accompanied by his disciples who were proficient in the Vedas and Vedangas, entered the sacrificial assembly at that time.
There, King Janamejaya was seen seated, surrounded by many members, like Indra among the gods.
Thus, the sacrificial session was attended by various regional lords who were anointed on the head, along with god-like priests and skilled individuals.
Janamejaya, the royal sage, upon seeing the sage arrive, quickly went forth with his retinue, filled with affection, O best of the Bharatas.
The lord, with the assembly's consent, arranged a golden seat for him, just as Indra did for Brihaspati.
There, the king worshipped the boon-giver, who was seated and revered by the sages, following the scriptural rites.
He presented the ceremonial offerings, including water for washing feet, sipping water, an offering, and a cow, to the grandfather and Krishna, following the prescribed rituals.
Vyasa was pleased after accepting the worship from Janamejaya, the Pandava, and granting permission for the cow.
Thus, having worshipped his great-grandfather with great care, he sat nearby with a pleased heart and inquired about his well-being.
The Lord, upon seeing him, inquired about his well-being and after being honored by all the members, he honored them back.
Then, after being honored by all the members, Janamejaya respectfully asked the best of the Brahmins with folded hands.
You have directly witnessed the events of the Kurus and the Pandavas. I wish for you to narrate their story, O Brahmin.
How did the division occur among those with unwearied actions? And how did that great battle, destructive to beings, take place?
O Lord, you are indeed skilled to explain this completely, as the minds of all ancestors are possessed by fate.
Upon hearing those words, Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana instructed his disciple Vaiśampāyana, who was seated nearby.
Tell him everything about how the division between the Kurus and the Pandavas happened in the past, as you have heard it from me.
Upon understanding the teacher's instruction, the eminent Brahmin then narrated the entire ancient history.
Then, to the king, the members, and the warriors, the division and destruction of the kingdom of the Kuru and Pandavas was revealed.
