Srimad Bhagavatam


Srimad Bhagavatam
(Bhagavata Purana)

The Bhagavata Purana, also known as Srimad Bhagavatam, is considered as “the ripe tree of Vedic Literature”. Srimad Bhagavatam conveys the selfless devotion to Lord Shri Krishna, which ensures liberation from all the pains and miseries of the world. The Bhagavatam is like a crown jewel among all Sanatana Dharma scriptures.

Srimad Bhagavatam is the most unique and transcendental literature containing many stories glorifying the pure devotional service “Bhakti” to Supreme Personality of GodHead and His all incarnations including Lord Rama (Canto 9) and Lord Shri Krishna (Canto 10). In Kali Yuga, devotional service and chanting the Lord’s name in love; is the only way to be freed from the clutches of the evil nature of Kali Yuga.

The Srimad Bhagavatam declares itself as the essence of Vedanta:

The Srimad Bhagavatam is the very essence of all the Vedanta Literature.
One who has enjoyed the nectar of its rasa never has any desire for anything else.
(Canto 12)

Srimad means “beautiful(as Shrimati RadhaRani) and Bhagavatam means “related to Lord Hari”, thus Srimad Bhagavatam can be translated as “The Beautiful Story of Lord Hari”. The purest form of Bhakti described in the Bhagavatam is directed toward Shri Krishna as Supreme Personality of Godhead in human form. The 10th Canto, which is dedicated to Shri Krishna, takes up about one quarter of the entire Bhagavatam, includes the most comprehensive collection of stories about the life of Shri Krishna and, His Lilas.

“From beginning to end, the Srimad Bhagavatam is full of narrations that encourage renunciation of material life, as well as nectarean accounts of Lord Hari's transcendental pastimes, which give ecstasy to the saintly devotees and demigods. This Srimad Bhagavatam is the essence of all Vedatna philosophy because its subject matter is the Absolute Truth, which, while non-different from the spirit soul, is the ultimate reality, one without a second. The goal of this literature is exclusive devotional service unto that Supreme Truth”.
                             (SB Canto 12 Chapter 13: Translation by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada)

Statistically, Srimad Bhagavatam comprises Twelve Skandas (Cantos or Books), 335 Chapters and has some 18,000 verses; containing detailed account of Lord’s names, forms, nature, personality, devotees, activities, residences, and much more; all describing Supreme Personality of Godhead and our relation with Him. 

Srimad Bhagavatam credits to Sage Veda Vyasa with its authorship and was taught by his son Saint Shukdev Goswami, to King Parikshita