next is to be known as 'Anusasanika'. Then the ascension of Bhishma to
heaven. Then the horse-sacrifice, which when read purgeth all sins away.
The next must be known as the 'Anugita' in which are words of spiritual
philosophy. Those that follow are called 'Asramvasa', 'Puttradarshana'
(meeting with the spirits of the deceased sons), and the arrival of Narada.
The next is called 'Mausala' which abounds with terrible and cruel
incidents. Then comes 'Mahaprasthanika' and ascension to heaven. Then
comes the Purana which is called Khilvansa. In this last are contained
'Vishnuparva', Vishnu's frolics and feats as a child, the destruction of
'Kansa', and lastly, the very wonderful 'Bhavishyaparva' (in which there
are prophecies regarding the future).

The high-souled Vyasa composed these hundred parvas of which the above is
only an abridgement: having distributed them into eighteen, the son of
Suta recited them consecutively in the forest of Naimisha as follows:

'In the Adi parva are contained Paushya, Pauloma, Astika, Adivansavatara,
Samva, the burning of the house of lac, the slaying of Hidimba, the
destruction of the Asura Vaka, Chitraratha, the Swayamvara of Draupadi,
her marriage after the overthrow of rivals in war, the arrival of Vidura,
the restoration, Arjuna's exile, the abduction of Subhadra, the gift and
receipt of the marriage dower, the burning of the Khandava forest, and the
meeting with (the Asura-architect) Maya. The Paushya parva treats of the
greatness of Utanka, and the Pauloma, of the sons of Bhrigu. The Astika
describes the birth of Garuda and of the Nagas (snakes), the churning of
the ocean, the incidents relating to the birth of the celestial steed
Uchchaihsrava, and finally, the dynasty of Bharata, as described in the
Snake-sacrifice of king Janamejaya. The Sambhava parva narrates the birth
of various kings and heroes, and that of the sage, Krishna Dwaipayana: the
partial incarnations of deities, the generation of Danavas and Yakshas of