Shaunaka said: Ashvatthama, having approached Brahma's head with great radiance, was killed by the Lord, and the fetus was revived.

His birth, the deeds of that great soul, and his death were as they were; he departed just as he had come.

We wish to hear this; if you think it appropriate to speak, tell us, who are eager to listen, about the knowledge that makes one joyful.

Soot said: The righteous king, like a father, delights his subjects, detached from all desires, by serving the lotus feet of Krishna.

Wealth, sacrifices, worlds, queens, brothers, and the dominion of Jambudvipa, all these have attained glory in the heavens.

What desires do you, O learned ones, have for the Supreme Lord Mukunda? They are like the hunger of a king, who is otherwise satisfied.

Then, the valiant son of Bhṛgu, while in the womb of his mother, saw a person being burned by the power of weapons.

A form as small as a thumb, shining with a crown, with a dark complexion like a cloud, and imperishable like lightning.

The one with long four arms, adorned with golden earrings, with a body marked by scars, holding a mace, wandering in all directions, making the world revolve with his mace.

With the brilliance of his weapon, like a mist, the lord of cows observed the one who was causing disturbance nearby.

Shaking off that immeasurable self, the Lord, the great deity of righteousness, thereupon disappeared, having taken on the form of a fish.

Then, with the rise of all auspicious qualities, the descendant of Pandu was born, shining like the moon.

The king, pleased, performed the birth ceremony with the Brahmins, including Dhaumya and Kripa, and recited auspicious verses.

The king gave gold, land, villages, elephants, and horses to the Brahmins, and also food, for the sake of the people; he was a knower of sacred places.

The pleased Brahmins spoke to the king, who was endowed with humility: 'This is indeed the lineage of the great Puru, the best among men.'

By divine arrangement, when the white moon rises, may you receive the grace of Vishnu, the Supreme Being.

Therefore, in this world, Vishnu is known by the name 'Rata'; there is no doubt that he is a great devotee.

Yudhishthira said: 'Did these great-souled kings of the lineage of the righteous, known for their virtuous deeds, follow the path of the good?'.

The Brahmanas said: Partha, born of the Ikshvaku lineage, is indeed a human being, devoted to Brahman, truthful, and steadfast, just like Rama, the son of Dasharatha.

This giver and protector is like the great sage Shibi, who is renowned for his fame among the sacrificers.

Among archers, he is the foremost, equal to Arjuna; fierce like fire and as difficult to overcome as the ocean.

Like a lion among beasts, he is to be revered like the Himalayas; he is patient like the Earth and tolerant like parents.

He is equal to the grandfather in grace and like Lord Shiva in benevolence; he is the refuge of all beings, just as the deity is the refuge of Rama.

He who is devoted to Krishna, endowed with all good qualities, is like Rantideva, and like Yayati, he is righteous.

With determination, he is equal to the mighty Krishna, like Prahlada, he is a true devotee, and he serves the aged in the Ashvamedha sacrifice.

He is the progenitor and teacher of royal sages, the restrainer of those who wander off the path, for the sake of Dharma in this world.

From the death caused by Takshaka, the son of a Brahmin is liberated, and he attains the abode of Hari, free from attachments.

The sage's son Vyasa, who is inquiring about the self, will go to the Ganges, leaving this world, free from fear.

Thus instructed by the king, the learned Brahmins, skilled in astrology, having received their due honor, all returned to their own homes.

He is known in this world as Parikshit, for the Lord, contemplating the womb, tests him among men here.

That prince grew quickly, like the white cloud, being filled daily by his fathers, like wood is filled continuously.

Being afflicted by the Ashvamedha sacrifice and desiring to betray his relatives, the king, having acquired wealth, thought of other means.

Seeing that intention, the brothers, urged by Achyuta, took away the wealth in the eastern direction in abundance.

Thus, the son of Dharma, Yudhishthira, was fearful of the three sacrifices, having gathered the offerings, and was engaged in the rituals to please the Lord.

Summoned by the king, the Lord stayed for a few months with the Brahmins, having performed the sacrifice.

Then, with the permission of the king and accompanied by Krishna and relatives, Arjuna went to Dwaraka, surrounded by the Yadavas.