Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/60

26 Apaddharma, then Those that follow are called respectively   the origin of Durvasa, the disputations with Maya. The next is to be known as Anushasanika. Then the ascension of Bhisma to heaven. Then the 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, (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 come Mahaprasthanika and ascension to heaven. Then comes the Purana which is called In this last are contained  Vishnu's frolics and feats as a child, the destruction of Kansa, and lastly, the very wonderful  (in which are prophesies regarding the future.)"

The Vyasa had composed these hundred parvas of which the above is only an abridgment: 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 Pausya, Pauloma, Astika, Adivansavatara, Sambhava, the burning of the house of lac, the slaying of Hidimva, the destruction of the Asura Vaka, 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  Maya. The Pausya parva treats of the greatness of Utanka, and the Pauloma, of the sons of Bhrigu. The Astika describes the birth of Garada and of the race of the Nagas (Snakes), the churning of the ocean, the incidents relating to the birth of the celestial steed Uchchaisrava, and finally, the dynasty of Bharata, as described in the  of king Janamejaya. The Sambhava parva narrates the births of various kings and heroes, and that of the sage,  the partial incarnations of deities, the generation of Daityas and Danavas and Yakshas of great prowess, and of serpents, Gandharvas,