Markandeya said : O king, O foremost of all virtuous men, your this question relates to a great mystery. It is sacred and it is much praised by the Rishis. I shall speak to you about this Dharma.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच सर्वगुह्यतमं प्रश्न पवित्रमृषिसंस्तुतम्। कथयिष्यामि ते राजन् धर्म्य धर्मभृतां वर॥