The English summary below is in large part a translation of Berg's Dutch summary which precedes the Middle Javanese text published by C.C. Berg (Kidung Harsa-Wijaya. Tekst, inhoudsopgave en aanteekeningen door C.C. Berg. ‘s-Gravenhage: Martinus Nijhoff, 1931). I have omitted and condensed a few passages, and incorporated additional material taken — sometimes directly — from Zoetmulder's English summary (in Kalangwan: a survey of Old Javanese literature, pp. 409–15).

Over Java and the surrounding lands there ruled king Narasingha of Singhasari from the family of Hari. This king had a relative who held the rank of arya, named Kertanagara. His Prime Minister was mpu Raganatha, his demang (Chamberlain) Wiraraja, his tumenggung (Commander-in-chief) Wirakrti, and his chief brahmin was Cantasmrti.

To Narasingha and his prameswari (first wife and queen) a son is born, who receives the name of Harsawijaya. The dignitaries sent their sons to the court and these became the inseparable friends of Harsawijaya: Lawe, Nambi, Sora, Pedang, Dangdi, Gajah-Pagon and Lembu-Peteng.

When Narasingha felt his end was near Cantasmrti, Harsawijaya, Kertanagara and the other ministers came to his sick bed. The king asked Kertanagara to take Harsawijaya as his son; Kertanagara did, since he was sure that he would succeed him as king and rule over Harsawijaya himself. The king died and was cremated with his consort who followed him in death. Kertanagara now became king. Under his rule Wijaya grew up, and when he got older he received his own residence together with his companions. Harsawijaya is especially handsome in appearance; all the women fall in love with him. He grows up as the personification of every quality required in a prince, being handsome, clever and valiant, and excelling in every branch of art.

The new king did not pay much attention to the words of his Prime Minister; the latter therefore quit his office; he was succeeded by Rangga Nengah. Also, Wirakrti quit his office, as did the Chamberlain who was appointed to the governour of East Madhura.