It is called Mahabharata from this superiority in substance and gravity of import. He who understands its real meaning, is freed from all sins.
महत्त्वाद्धारवत्त्वाच्च महाभारतमुच्यते। निरुक्तमस्य यो वेद सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते॥