Merit

In the Vedas, in the Ramayana, and in the sacred Bharata,

https://freeglobaluniversity.blogspot.com/search/label/Veda

O chief of Bharata’s race, Hari is sung in

1. the beginning, 
2. the middle, and at 
3. the end. 

http://harekrishnainfo.blogspot.com/search/label/Hari

That in which occur excellent statements relating to Vishnu, and the eternal Srutis, should be listened to by men desirous of attaining to the highest goal. This treatise is sanctifying. This is the highest indicator as regards duties; this is endued with every merit. One desirous of prosperity should listen to it.


Sins committed

1. by means of the body, 
2. by means of words, and 
3. by means of the mind, are all destroyed (through listening to the Bharata) as Darkness at sunrise. 

One devoted to Vishnu acquires (through this) that merit which is acquired by listening to the eighteen Puranas.

http://pac8.blogspot.com/search/label/18MajorPuranas

Source
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/m18/m18006.htm