THE PATHWAY TO GOD
BHAKTI Rasamrita Sindhu says chanting aloud the names, forms, qualities, entourages, lilas, etc., of Lord Sri Hari is designated as kirtan or harikatha. Kirtan has been considered as second in number in the nine-fold devotion with "sravana," or the act of hearing, being the first. Prahlada, Dhruva, Ambarisha, Prithu Chakravarti, Bhishma, Draupadi, and a host of others have glorified the efficacy of kirtana, and they have heard and narrated the beautiful harikathas or the pastimes and sports of Sri Hari to thousands of other devotees. God appeared before King Prithu who, feeling the inadequacy of having only two ears to hear His marvelous stories, said to the Lord Sri Hari, "You are not justified in giving me only two ears. At least a thousand ears should be provided to hear Your heart-captivating, wonderful stories."
Prahlada narrated the greatness of the Lord to the children of demons. Bhishma narrated the stories of Lord Sri Krishna in the open assembly which gathered for the Rajasuya sacrifice. Narada, Vyasa, Suka, Suta, Jaimini and Vaishampaayana are the great storytellers through whom Parikshita, Janamejaya, and Saunakadis heard great Puranas.
(Essence of Bhagavad Gita and Bible, p. 73.)