Ugrasrava Sauti, the son of Lomaharshana, versed in the Puranas, while
present in the forest of Naimisha, at the twelve years' sacrifice of
Saunaka, surnamed Kulapati, stood before the Rishis in attendance. Having
studied Puranas with meticulous devotion and thus being thoroughly
acquainted with them, he addressed them with joined hands thus, "I have
graphically described to you the history of Utanka which is one of the
causes of King Janamejaya's Snake-sacrifice. What, revered Sirs, do ye
wish to hear now? What shall I relate to you?" The holy men replied, "O
son of Lomaharshana, we shall ask thee about what we are anxious to hear
and thou wilt recount the tales one by one. Saunaka, our revered master,
is at present attending the apartment of the holy fire. He is acquainted
with those divine stories which relate to the gods and asuras. He
adequately knoweth the histories of men, serpents, and Gandharvas. Further,
O Sauti, in this sacrifice that learned Brahmana is the chief. He is able,
faithful to his vows, wise, a master of the Sastras and the Aranyaka, a
speaker of truth, a lover of peace, a mortifier of the flesh, and an
observer of the penances according to the authoritative decrees. He is
respected by us all. It behoveth us therefore to wait for him. And when he
is seated on his highly respected seat, thou wilt answer what that best of
Dwijas shall ask of thee."

Sauti said, "Be it so. And when the high-souled master hath been seated I
shall narrate, questioned by him, sacred stories on a variety of subjects."
After a while that excellent Brahmana (Saunaka) having duly finished all
his duties, and having propitiated the gods with prayers and the manes
with oblations of water, came back to the place of sacrifice, where with
Sauti seated before was the assembly of saints of rigid vows sitting at
ease. And when Saunaka was seated in the midst of the Ritwiks and Sadhyas,
who were also in their seats, he spake as followeth.