Ugrashravas

[7] The entire Mahābhārata epic is structured as a dialogue between Ugrasravas Sauti (the narrator) and sage Saunaka (the narratee).

Kisari Mohan Ganguli's English translation of the Mahābhārata begins by introducing Ugrasravas thus: "Ugrasrava, the son of Lomaharshana, surnamed Sauti, well-versed in the Puranas, bending with humility, one day approached the great sages of rigid vows, sitting at their ease, who had attended the twelve year sacrifice of Saunaka, surnamed Kulapati, in the forest of Naimisha."

(Mahabharata 1:1)[8]The Bhagavata Purana gives an account of the conflict of Sauti's father Romaharṣaṇa with Balarama.

During the Kurukshetra war, Balarama is performing a pilgrimage by visiting various sacred spots.

Balarama offered to revive Romaharshana, but the sages asked, "Please see to it, O Rāma, that Your power and that of Your kuśa weapon, as well as our promise (of long life, etc.