Adhyaya 1
Different editions of the Maha-bharata
Sauti
Vyasa originally compiled the Bharata, exclusive of episodes, in twenty-four thousand verses and this much only is called by the learned as the real Bharata. 101
He subsequently composed an epitome in one hundred and fifty verses, an index of the chapters of contents. 102
He first taught this epitome to his son Shuka and then to others of his disciples who had the same qualifications. 103
Shuka:
Better known as Sukadeva or Sukadeva Gosvami.
He then completed another compilation consisting of six hundred thousand slokas. Of these, thirty hundred thousands are known in the world of Devas. Fifteen hundred thousands in the world of Pitris, fourteen hundred thousands in the world of Gandharvas and one hundred thousands in the world of mankind. 104, 105
Narada recited them to the Devas Devala to Pitris and Shuka to the Gandharvas, Yakshas and Rakshasas. 106
Gandharvas are sons born to the famous Kasyapa of his wife, Aristha (Agni Purana, Adhyaya 19). Both belonged to the race of the Devas.
Rakshasas:
A race of wicked people. The progenitors were sons of Kasyapa and his wife Muni. We find the full story of the Raksasa in the Uttara Kanda of the Valmiki Ramayana.
One of the pupils of Vyasa, Vaishampayana, a man of just principles, the first amongst the learned in the Vedas, recited them in this world of mankind. Know, I have also recited one hundred thousands verses of this great work. 107
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