"Blessed indeed is the story of Śiva Purāṇa, the holiest of holy stories, the mere hearing of which qualifies even the greatest sinner for salvation. O Sūta, thou art the most blessed and fortunate knower of the greatest Truth. Out of great compassion, thou art narrating to us this divine wonderful tale, Śiva Purāṇa. This wonderful narrative that destroys hosts of sins, purifies the mind, and propitiates Lord Śiva is being heard by us thanks to thy mercy. We have decisively realised that there is nothing so fine and nice as this epic. Who among sinners in the Kali age get sanctified by this story?"