You foremost of twice-born ones, you all have come to this great sacrifice of Shaunaka. Do you all worship that Eternal and Supreme Lord of the universe in excellent sacrifices, properly pouring libations of clarified butter to the fire with the help of Mantras and dedicating the same to Narayana. As for myself, I heard this excellent discourse which has come down from generation to generation, from my father who recited it to me formerly.
शौनकस्य महासत्रं प्राप्ताः सर्वे द्विजोत्तमाः॥ यजध्वं सुहुतैर्यज्ञैः शाश्वतं परमेश्वरम्। पारम्पर्यागतं ह्येतत् पित्रा मे कथितं पुरा॥