Saunaka said: -
1. O child, O Souti, you have narrated to me this great and extensive history of the Brigu race from the birth of Brigu. I am much pleased with you.
2-3. O son of Suta, I ask you now to recite to me that wonderful and varied narrations composed by Vyasa, which were recited by the illustrious Sadashyas in the intervals of the long-extending ceremony (Snake-sacrifice).
4. O son of Suta, I wish to learn from you the object of those narrations. Therefore, recite them to me in full.
Souti said: -
5. The Brahmanas spoke of many things, founded on the Vedas, in the internals of their duties, but Vyasa recited the wonderful and great history, called the Bharata.
Saunaka said: -
6-7. I desire to hear that sacred history, called Mahabharata, that spreader of the fame of the Pandavas, which Krishna Dwaipayana, asked by Janamejaya, caused to be duly recited in the intervals of the sacrifice.
8. It was born in the ocean-like mind of the great Rishi of purified soul. O best of men, recite it to me, for, O son of Suta, my thirst has not been appeased by all that you have narrated.
Souti said: -
9. I shall recite from the beginning the great and excellent history, called Mahaharata, composed by Krishna Dwaipayana.
10. Listen to it in full, O Brahmana, as I recite it. I myself feel a great pleasure in reciting it.
Thus ends the fifty-ninth chapter, Adivansabatarna, in the Adi parva.