In order to extend the fame of the highsouled Pandavas and other Kshatriyas, learned in all branches of knowledge, high-spirited and already famous in the world for their great deeds, Krishna Dvaipayana, moved by the desire of benefiting the world, has composed this excellent, sacred and big work which spreads one's fame and gives one a long life. He who, from the desire of acquiring virtue, causes this history to be heard in this world by holy Brahmanas, gains inexhaustible virtue. He who recites the history of the Kurus, becomes immediately pure and holy.
धन्यं यशस्यमायुष्यं पुण्यं स्वयं तथैव च। कृष्णद्वैपायनेनेदं कृतं पुण्यचिकीर्षुणा॥ कीर्ति प्रथयता लोके पाण्डवानां महात्मनाम्। अन्येषां क्षत्रियाणां च भूरिद्रविणतेजसाम्॥ सर्वविद्यावदातानां लोके प्रथितकर्मणाम्। य इदं मानवो लोके पुण्यार्थे ब्राह्मणाञ्छुचीन्॥ श्रावयेत महापुण्यं तस्य धर्मः सनातनः। कुरूणां प्रथितं वंशं कीर्तयन्सततं शुचिः॥