SRIMAD MAHABHARATA - AADI PARVA - PAULOMA (UPA) PARVA - PART 4

'UGRASRAVA SOOTA, the son of Lomaharshana, versed in the Puranas, while present in the forest of Naimisha (Naimishaaranya in Sanskrit), at the twelve years' yajna of (Rishi) Saunaka also known as Kulapati, stood before the Rishis in audience. Having studied Puranas with great devotion and thus being thoroughly familiar with them, he (Soota) 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 Naga Yajna. O respectful Sirs, what do you wish to hear now? What shall I narrate to you?'

"The holy men replied, 'O son of Lomaharshana (Soota), we shall ask you about what we are anxious to hear and you will narrate the tales one by one. Our respectful master, (Rishi) Saunaka, is at present attending the apartment of the holy Agni. He is familiar with those divine stories which relate to Devas and Asuras. He adequately knows the histories of men, Nagas and Gandharvas. O Soota, further in this yajna that learned Brahmana (Rishi Saunaka) is the chief. He is capable, faithful to his vows (Sankalpa in Sanskrit), wise, a master of Shastras and the Aranyaka, a speaker of truth, a lover of peace, a person who controls the flesh (senses), and an observer of Tapas according to the authoritative Vedas. He is respected by us all. It is your responsibility for us therefore to wait for him. When he is seated on his highly respected seat, you will answer what that best of Dwijas (Rishi Saunaka) (Dwija means twice-born, while the first-birth is natural, the second birth occurs upon the realisation of the Supreme Soul) shall ask of you.'

"Soota said, 'Be it so. When the high-souled master (Rishi Saunaka) has been seated I shall narrate, questioned by him, sacred stories on a variety of subjects." 

"After a while that excellent Brahmana (Rishi Saunaka) having duly finished all his duties, and having satisfied Devas with prayers and Pitris (ancestors) with oblations (Arghya in Sanskrit) of water, came back to the place of yajna, where with Soota seated before was the assembly of saints of rigid vows (Sankalpa in Sanskrit) sitting at ease. When (Rishi) Saunaka was seated in the middle of the Ritwiks and Sadhyas, who were also in their seats, he (Rishi Saunaka) spoke as follows."