One lakh is current among human beings. Narada recited the Mahabharata to the gods; Asita-Devala to the Pitris; Shuka to the Rakshasa and the Yakshas; and Vaishampayana to human beings. This history is sacred, and of deep significance, and considered as equal to the Vedas.
एकं शतसहस्रं तु मानुषेषु प्रभाषितम्॥ नारदोऽश्रावयद् देवानसितो देवलः पितॄन्। रक्षोयक्षाशुको मान् वैशम्पायन एव तु॥ इतिहासमिमं पुण्यं महार्थं वेदसम्मितम्।