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.