Hearing these questions put forth, Suta Maharishi, son of Romaharshana Maharishi, was extremely pleased. He said:

“yaṁ pravrajantam anupetam apeta-kṛtyaṁ

dvaipāyano viraha-kātara ājuhāva

putreti tan-mayatayā taravo ‘bhinedus

taṁ sarva-bhūta-hṛdayaṁ munim ānato ‘smi

On account of being a jnani (highly knowledgeable being), Maharishi Śuka was freed from all karmic bondages. Even before he had undergone the sacred thread ceremony he renounced everything and was leaving home to proceed alone. At that time his father Maharishi Vyasa, being afraid of this separation called out to him, “My son”. All the trees, that were the form of Śuka’s Self (ātma), echoed with the same feelings in response. I offer my obeisance to that Śuka Maharishi who shines within every living being in the form of the Self (ātma)”.

The moment the word ‘Śuka Mahamuni’ is uttered all the trees, rocks, mountains, birds and all other entities become like a single Self (ātma).

Bhāgawatam, which is kept secretively in the Purāṇās, contains unimaginable and extra-ordinary power! This Bhagawata-purāṇa which contains the essence of all Vedas is like a lamp that illumines Self-knowledge amongst those who are desirous of crossing this utter darkness called samsara (repeated cycle of re-births). “I seek Self-realization, I want to see my ‘Self’, I seek to know what is the meaning of Self” – to those who seek answers to such questions Bhāgawatam is a lamp!

People struggle in this darkness called repeated re-births (samsara) and feel desolate that they are not able to attain Self-realization or that they have not been able to have the vision of their inner Self. “I still remain an ignorant fool, I am unable to understand principle/ nature of the Supreme Lord”- to everyone who feels lost in this manner, Bhagawatam is a lamp!

This life filled with afflictions and this repeated cycle of re-births is nothing but utter darkness. This body is full of diseases. Grief is seen at every step. Happiness is nowhere to be found. True happiness is attained only when knowledge of the Self or Self-realization is had. That is when light is seen. This light itself is Paramātma! If you want to see this light called Paramātma, you must listen to Bhāgawatam! You should read this text! You should try to know its greatness and significance!  

What a profound declaration is being made here! Bhāgawatam has been addressed as a lamp when everything is enveloped by utter darkness. Out of supreme compassion Maharishi Śuka, the son of Maharishi Vyasa, preached it. Śuka Maharishi is the one who can bestow ‘Self-realization’! This is because the Bhāgawatam that He has preached contains such immense significance! This Bhāgawatam will bless with Self-realization.

If Śuka Maharishi had not preached Bhāgawatam, perhaps we would continue to live in darkness. That is why it is said that due to his limitless compassion he preached this. I surrender to this Maharishi Śuka, who is an ocean of compassion and who is the Guru to many great saints. This is the meaning of the verse.

Nārāyanaṃ namaskṛtya naraṃ caiva narottamam

Deveem Saraswateem vyāsam tato jayamudeerayet ǀǀ

Nārāyaṇa Maharishis, the greatest among humans, Mother Goddess Saraswati and Maharishi Vyasa should be worshipped at first and then reading of Srimad Bhāgawatam, the holy book which grants victory (jaya) to the Self, should be begun.

Bhagawatam is also known as ‘jaya’. Even Mahabharata has the same name. The word ‘Jaya’ is symbolic of the numeral 18. Mahabharata has 18 chapters. Srimad Bhāgawatam has 18000 verses. Therefore both are addressed as Jaya.

In this manner after offering reverential respects to Maharishi Vyasa, Maharishi Śuka and to the holy text Srimad Bhāgawatam, Maharishi Suta began as follows.

“O Maharishis! You have asked a very auspicious question about Lord Sri Krishna, which will cause the welfare of the world. By just hearing your question, my mind feels at peace.

Sa vai puṁsāṁ paro dharmo yato bhakti radhokṣaje

Ahaituky apratihatā yayātmā suprasīdati

Vāsudeve bhagavati bhakti-yogaḥ prayojitaḥ

Janayatyāsu vairāgyaṁ jñānaṁ ca yadahaitukaṃ

That dharma which causes devotion (bhakti) towards the Supreme is itself the most supreme one. This is because selfishness, obstacles and fear are absent in it. The mind attains supreme happiness with such devotion. Devotion towards Vāsudeva, the Lord of the universe, causes detachment towards material world among people. It bestows the knowledge of the Self that knows no limitations.

Where the righteous deeds (dharmic activities) of people do not cause increased love towards divine stories/ glories, then such righteous deeds are merely a waste of resources. It is nothing but bodily exhaustion. It is a waste. That’s all.

During the period of this Satra Yāga, one morning, the saints completed the morning yāga rituals and then approaching Maharishi Suta, offered obeisance to Him, seated Him reverentially and with total devotion enquired, “O meritorious sinless being! Not only have you studied all the historical records, purāṇās, dharma- shastras (scriptures pertaining to righteousness), but in addition you have also authored commentaries about them.

Due to the grace of Maharishi Vedavyasa, the most supreme amongst all greatest scholars of Vedas and Vedangas (limbs of Vedas), everything is known to You. Please decisively teach us that knowledge, which contains the essence of all the scriptures and which causes utmost welfare”.

They beseeched in this manner because it is said- brūyuḥ snigdhasya shiśyasya guravo-guhyamapyuta, which means- due to love towards devotees who are extremely devoted towards them, Gurus impart even the most secretive knowledge.

“In this Kali-yuga most people are lazy, misguided, dull-witted, unlucky, having short span of life and above all are suffering due to diseases and many related factors. Vedas and Shastras explain the greatness of karma (action). Even listening to a small fraction of that however becomes very difficult. Therefore, with your wise intellect, please squeeze the essence of all these scriptures and impart that knowledge to us.

What is it that will cause the welfare of this world? What is it that will bestow contentment to our inner mind (antaḥkaraṇa)? Please teach us that knowledge.

O Suta Maharishi! You are all knowing. Devakyāṁ vasudevasya jāto yasya cikīrṣayā – What was the intention with which the Lord of all Lords, the Supreme Lord Sriman Nārāyaṇa, who protects devotees in the form of their leader and who is an embodiment of all good traits, took birth from the womb of Devaki as the son of Vasudeva? We are desirous of listening to this tale. Please be kind enough to teach us in detail. The Supreme Lord incarnates solely for the welfare of all beings.

Āpannaḥ saṁsṛtiṁ ghorāṁ yan-nāma vivaśo gṛṇan

Tataḥ sadyo vimucyeta yad bibheti svayaṁ bhayam

Meaning: By uttering the divine names of that Supreme Lord, fear runs away and frees the helpless living beings who are caught in this extremely fearful samsara (repeated cycle of births and deaths).

Fear is afraid of God and runs away. Simply by associating with great Maharishis who have totally controlled their mind and placed it at the feet of the Lord, living being instantaneously becomes pure!Purification from drinking the water of Ganga can be attained only after some time. But association with holy souls bestows instant purity.

Can any living being who is desirous of purifying his inner mind, not be desirous of listening to the wondrous glories of that Supreme Lord whose fame is unlimited and who is extolled profusely by his devotees? Listening to His glorious tales instantaneously washes away all sins of this Kali Yuga. Learned souls eternally sing the specialities of His incarnations. We seek to hear them. Please be kind enough to teach us.

The Lord with his own power of illusion (māya śakti), and out of his own will, sports incarnations. Please explain to us the details of these incarnations. We are not satisfied in the aspect of hearing divine stories. Those who delight in listening to divine stories find every word in that story as nectarous. Every word will be sweet and delicious in taste. In the guise of a human being, the Supreme Lord, together with Balarama, accomplished innumerable deeds that are far beyond the capacity of human beings.

Coming to know that Kali-yuga (the fourth eon) has begun, we are frightened and hence have begun this very long Satra Yāga in Naimiśāranya forest, a place very dear to Lord Vishnu. O Maharishi Suta! Our meritorious deeds have turned fruitful. We are blessed with your divine darshan. We have been blessed with this chance to listen to the glories of that Supreme Lord. It is very difficult to cross this Kali-yuga which robs the mind of purity and energy. Just as a person desirous of crossing the ocean seeks the help of a boatman, the Divine Lord has, in order to help us cross this ocean of samsara, shown You as our guide.

In whom did righteousness (dharma) seek shelter after Śri Krishna, the Lord of Yoga and who like a shield zealously protected righteousness, left this human body and returned to his original form? You alone are capable of teaching us this.” In this manner Śounaka and other saints beseeched Maharishi Suta.

From the questions of Śounaka and other saints it is clear that by that time, Sri Krishna had completed his incarnation and returned to his divine abode.

With this the first chapter of the first Canto comes to an end. In this chapter the greatness of that Supreme Lord, the reasons for His incarnation and the qualities of a supreme devotee, the method of questioning are clearly brought out. It is also clarified that if we have the deep inclination, Gurus impart to us even the most secretive knowledge. 

Nārada Maharishi propagated devotion (bhakti) and established it all over the world. The celestial prophecy turned out to be true. Jnana and Vairāgya (supreme knowledge-dispassion), the sons of bhakti-devi were rejuvenated and regained their youth. Bhakti, Jnana and Vairāgya continued to live comfortably and happily. This is from the Srimad Bhāgawata māhatyam chapter of Pādma purāṇa.

One shudders to think of a society that is lacking in devotion (bhakti), knowledge (jnana) and dispassion (vairāgya). With the goal that the entire world should be happy and blissful, let us listen to the entire Srimad Bhāgawatam. Let us obtain the grace of the Supreme Lord.

Before beginning to understand Srimad Bhāgawatam, let us at first chant the Dhyāna ślokas.

Vyāsāya Viśnu rūpāya vyāsa rūpāya viśṇavē

Namovai Braḥma-nidhaye vāśisṭāya namōnamaḥ ǀǀ

Yogindrāya namas tasmai śukāya Braḥma-rūpiṇe

Samsāra darpa dasṭam yo viśṇurāta mamūmucat ǀǀ

Kāla-vyāla mukhā-grāsa-trasa-nirnāśā hētave

Srimad Bhāgawatam śāśtraṃ kalou keereṇa bhāśitaṃ ǀǀ

Sacchidānanda rūpāya viśwotpatyādi hetave

Tāpatraya vināśāya śri kriśnāya vayaṃ nu maḥ ǀǀ

Janmady asyā yato ‘nvayad itaratas carthesv abhijnah svarāt 

tene brahma hrda ya ādi-kavaye muhyanti yat surayah 

tejo-vāri-mrdam yatha vinimayo yatra trisargo’mrśa
dhāmna svena sadā nirasta-kuhakam satyam param dhimahi ǀǀ

Every object in this creation is in the state of existence (sat). But one object does not reside within another. We understand that this world was born out of Parabrahma who inherently is the form of existence (sat). It dwells (sthiti) in Him and once again merges back into Him.

On His own will the omniscient Paramātma, who Self-illumines without any expectation, taught the knowledge of the Vedas to four faced Brahma. Even great souls get stupefied in matters pertaining to this Supreme Lord.

Just as fire, water, earth emerged from Him whose inherent form is existence only (sat), this world too which is their effect form (kārya roopa) and which in reality does not exist, becomes apparent (visible). Māya (illusion) and its defects cannot touch that Lord who is a form of pure consciousness.  In other words, He destroys those defects. I contemplate upon such Parabrahma who is a form of truth.

dharmaḥ projjhita-kaitavo ‘tra paramo nirmatsarāṇāṁ satāṁ

vedyaṁ vāstavam atra vastu śivadaṁ tāpa-trayonmūlanam

śrīmad-bhāgavate mahā-muni-kṛte kiṁ vā parair īśvaraḥ

sadyo hṛdy avarudhyate ‘tra kṛtibhiḥ śuśrūṣubhis tat-kṣaṇāt

In this Srimad Bhāgawatam, which has been composed by eminent Maharishi Vedavyasa, the profound dharma (rule of righteousness) called karma-phala-tyāga (giving up the fruits of action) is being taught!The Supreme knowledge as taught by great saints who are non-envious; that Supreme Knowledge which is the eternal truth; which causes welfare and which drives away afflictions, is being taught in this text. By reading other Scriptures, the Supreme Lord does not remain permanently seated in the heart. However upon listening to Bhāgawatam with deep interest, dedication and desire, Paramātma firmly and instantaneously seats himself in one’s hearts!

Nigama-kalpa-taror galitaṁ phalaṁ śuka-mukhād amṛta-drava-saṁmitam

Pibata bhāgavataṁ rasam ālayaṁ muhur aho rasikā bhuvi bhāvukāḥ

How astonishing! The fruit called Bhāgawatam, which is filled with the essence called Supreme Bliss, emerged from the wish fulfilling tree called Veda.  It was thrown to the ground through the parrot beak of Maharishi Śuka. Those humans who understand the importance of this essence, who have deep inclination and deep devotion towards it must chew this fruit filled with essence, again and again until they attain the essence called liberation!

Until here we have understood the significance of Bhāgawatam through these auspicious verses that bring out its glory. We have also discussed that this Bhāgawatam has emerged from the parrot beaked Maharishi Śuka. It is a well known fact that a fruit which has been tasted by a parrot is always sweet. In this case Maharishi Śuka experienced the essence of this fruit called Bhāgawatam. In those who hold on to it, the five sense organs attain contentment and experience inherent bliss. The homes and the surroundings where Bhāgawatam is recited always remain peaceful. The radiance of Goddess Lakshmi flows greatly there. 

Sri krishnāya Paramatmane namah.

First Canto Chapter 1    

In this 1^st Canto, there are 19 chapters (adhyaya). First chapter covers the story wherein Śounaka and other Maharishis, seated in the Naimiśāranya forest, enquire about Srimad Bhāgawatam from Śuka Maharishi.

Naimiśaranaya is the sacred forest where Sri Mahavishnu and the Devatas, who exist in the form of consciousness (chaitanya), eternally reside! Maharishi Śounaka and other saints wanted to know about Sri Mahavishnu whose glories are sung eternally in heaven and who is sought after by worthy people on earth capable of contemplating upon Him. With this intent they began a Satra Yaga ritual which would go on for a 1000 years.

Nārada Maharishi thought, “This celestial voice appears secretive. There is no clarity in it. By adopting which method can devotion be spread across this world? How can devotion (bhakti) travel throughout the world? What is to be done by me in this regard?” Unable to find a solution to these doubts of his, Nārada Maharishi asked bhakti and her sons to remain seated there while he set off on a pilgrimage.

There was no sacred place (kshetra) that Nārada Maharishi did not visit during this pilgrimage. There was no great saint whom he missed out. At every place he visited people were with total attention listening to his tales about bhakti and her children, but none seemed to have a solution to the problem. Everyone was clueless. In fact some decisively told him that it was impossible to spread devotion across the entire universe. Some applauded him for this task. Some ridiculed him. Some were wonderstruck, some remained silent.

How could others understand that, which could not be grasped even through the medium of Vedas and Vedantas and which was beyond the understanding of even Sage Nārada? You think.

Nārada who was totally dejected and worried about his helplessness in spreading devotion across the entire globe, at last reached Badarivana. He resolved to undertake penance at this place. While he was thus engaged in severe austerities, one day he was blessed with the vision of Sanaka and other great sages. Nārada was ecstatic with this darshan. He begged these sages to show him the way by which he could reduce the sufferings of Bhakti devi and her sons Jnana and Vairagya (spiritual knowledge- dispassion).

The saints then said, “Nārada, do not grieve. We have already thought of a solution to this problem. Only a great devotee of your cadre can accomplish the task of propagating devotion across the globe. The saints have shown various paths by which sadhana (spiritual practices) can be performed but all of them are hard and difficult to follow. The sadhana called devotion, which can bless the aspirant with the vision of Lord Srihari, however has remained a secret. Only a few like you could understand about its greatness. As a result, the celestial voice entrusted you with the task of spreading devotion everywhere. Yagnas (a ritual of sacrifice) are of many types such as dravya-yajna, tapo-yajna, yoga-yajna, swadhyāya (study of the Self), jnana- yagna etc.

Sat-karma sūcakō nūnaṃ jnana-yajnaḥ smrto budhaih
Srimad-bhāgavatālāpah sa tu gitaḥ śukādibhih

Amongst all these sacrifices (yajnas), Jnana-yagna is the most supreme. This Jnana-yajna called singing Srimad Bhāgavatam has been performed by Maharishi Śuka and other eminent sages. You propagate Bhāgawatam in this world.

Praḷayaṃ hi gamiśyanti Srimad-bhāgavatā-dhvanēh
Kali-dośa ime sarve simha-sabdād vrka iva

Just as the wolf runs in fear upon hearing a lion’s roar, all the difficulties and sorrows of Kali Yuga will be destroyed if the devotee sings Bhāgawatam”.

Maharishi Nārada then enquired, “O great Saints! Even after I initiated Jnana and vairagya into Vedas and Vedangas, their sufferings could not come to an end. All my efforts were in vain. How then can their sufferings be mitigated with the singing of Bhāgawatam? Please explain this to me.”

Sanaka and other sages then answered, “O Nārada, Bhāgawatam is nothing but the cream of all Vedas and Upanishads. It thus contains supreme essence. Yoghurt is present in milk. Even then unless a few drops of yoghurt are added to milk, it will not convert into yoghurt. In the similar manner Bhāgawatam emerged. Sugar inherently exists in sugarcane. But only upon separation it actually converts to sugar particles. Bhāgawatam is the essence of all the Vedas.

Idaṃ bhāgavataṃ nāma purāṇaṃ braḥma-sammitaṃ

Bhakti -jnāna virāgāṇāṃ sthāpanāya prakāsitaṃ 

This sacred Maha-purāna called Bhāgawatam is equivalent of the Vedas. In order to establish devotion (bhakti), supreme knowledge (jnana) and dispassion (vairagya) in this world, this has been lit/ illumined by the Supreme Lord himself. 

Previously when Bhagavan Vyasa was sorrowful, you personally initiated him into the catus-śloki Bhāgawatam (Bhāgawatam in four verses, which contains the entire core of the text) which was at first taught by the Supreme Lord Mahanarayana to Lord Brahma and which you had learnt from Brahma. Vyasa expanded this and compiled it into a Maha-purana comprising of 18000 verses. He taught this to Maharishi Śuka. Maharishi Śuka in turn taught this to Emperor Parikshit. Due to this initiation, in just 7 days Parikshit could attain liberation. Taking the help of such Supreme Bhāgawatam, you spread devotion (bhakti) in this world. By doing so, you will be successful in dispelling the sorrows of bhakti, jnana and vairagya.

Srimad Bhāgawata śrāve śoka duḥkha vināśanaṃ –By listening to Srimad Bhāgawatam, all forms of suffering and grief is dispelled.”

After hearing this message of the great sages, Nārada Maharishi said, “O great saints! All my doubts have now been cleared. My difficulties have been washed away. I will henceforth propagate Bhāgawatam in this world. I will ensure that it is heard in every household.” Thus making a firm determination, Nārada offered obeisance to the four great sages and received their blessings.

Nārada Maharishi continued, “Forget about Jnana and vairagya (supreme knowledge, dispassion) in this Kali Yuga, even devotion has diminished in people. This is the reason why the three of you turned old. It is your great fortune that you have reached Brindavan. Due to the merit of this land, O bhakti, you could regain your youth. In this Brindavan, devotion (bhakti) reigns.

But no one is bothered about attaining Supreme Knowledge and dispassion (jnana, vairagya). As a result, even though you regained your youth your sons continue to remain old. However due to the merit of this sacred land, after a long time at least now they are able to sleep comfortably”.

Hearing this Bhakti devi asked, “O Maharishi, how is it that Emperor Parikshit worshipped the impure Kali (yuga)? How, why did he establish Kali Yuga? What happened to the essence of Dharma (righteousness) when Kali Yuga started? Where did it disappear? Why does the Supreme Lord Hari, the personification of compassion, tolerate this (sinful) Kali? Please be kind enough to explain this to me.”

To this Maharishi Nārada replied, “O young lady, I will tell you something which will dispel your doubts as well as your difficulties. Kali Yuga established itself on earth the moment Lord Krishna left earth to return back to His abode. Emperor Parikshit came across Kali Puruśa (the presiding Lord of Kali Yuga), when he was on his victory tour (digvijay yatra). Kali Puruśa tearfully rushed forward, fell at the emperor’s feet and sought refuge. Initially Parikshit wanted to kill Kali, but then he began to think on the following lines-

‘Yat phalam nāsti tapasā na yōgena samādhi nām

Tat phalam labhate samyak kalou keśava keertanāt

Meaning: That result which penance (tapas), yoga and samādhi could not give in the Kṛta, Treta and Dwāpara (the first three eons) Yugas, can be attained in Kali Yuga merely by chanting the name of Hari.’

Parikshit thought that the benefit of Kali cannot be attained unless Kali, who presently was in a single form and in a single place, is divided into many. This was because essence (sāram) had been eroded from temples, rivers, schools and sacred places. This was happening because the presiding Lord of this Kali Yuga was in a single form. In this however there was no fault of his. This is was Yuga dharma (aspect of righteousness applicable to the particular eon).

‘What was Kali’s fault in all this? Therefore there is no point in killing him, I will just divide him’, thought Parikshit. He immediately divided Kali.” Thus Nārada completed the story of Kali.

Bhakti then extolled Nārada Maharishi and sang his praises. Lord Nārada then said,

“Vrthā kherayase bāle aho chintāturā katham

Sri Krishna caranām bhojam smara duḥkham gamiśyati

Meaning: O young lady, why do you unnecessarily grieve? Think of the lotus feet of Lord Krishna. Your sorrows will be dispelled.

He protected Draupadi from the Kauravas. He protected the Gopikas. O bhakti, you are very dear to Lord Vishnu. He will definitely come if you call out to Him. In the Kṛta, Treta and Dwāpara Yugas, Jnana (supreme knowledge) and vairagya (dispassion) were tools that granted liberation. Kalou tu kevalā bhaktir brahma sāyujya kārini – which means-  in Kali Yuga only bhakti (devotion) can grant liberation.  

With this intention, the Supreme Lord created you. He has also entrusted you the responsibility of nurturing devotees. You have also consented to this. He has made liberation (mukti) your servant. Jnana and vairagya (Supreme Knowledge and dispassion) were given as your sons. Your real form exists in Vaikunṭha (abode of Lord Vishnu). That which exists here is only your shadow. Until Dwāpara Yuga (the third eon) you were always happy. In Kali Yuga, liberation has weakened and diminished. It has gone back to Vaikunṭha. Now, only if you intend, liberation will descend from Heaven.

Until now you have protected these sons of yours called knowledge and dispassion. But people in this Kali Yuga do not respect them. For this reason, they have turned old.

Even then you should not be disheartened. Remember that there is no other period which is equal to Kali in status! In this Kali Yuga, I will establish you in every household. From this day onwards, this is my determined intention (sankalpa).

Through the medium of devotion, people in this Kali Yuga will wash away their sins. Even demons, ghosts etc. will, with devotion, think about Lord Hari. Lord Srihari can be very easily attained through proper devotion. He cannot be as easily attained through any other means as easily as He is attained through devotion. Only devotion (bhakti) can grant liberation (mukti)”. In this manner Nārada Maharishi instilled confidence in Bhakti devi.

Hearing these words of the great saint, bhakti devi was absolved of all sorrows. But the old age of her sons still remained intact. She now prayed that even this sorrow of hers should be washed away.

Nārada Maharishi then held the ears of both her sons and initiated them. Both of them slowly opened their eyes, sat down, feebly looked at Nārada Maharishi and then slipped back into slumber once again. Seeing this, Nārada Maharishi repeatedly initiated them but they did not even move a little. His efforts were in vain. Now Nārada began to get worried.

Just then they heard a celestial announcement from the sky (ākasa vani)- “O Maharishi, do not grieve. Your efforts will be rendered successful. You complete your task of spreading devotion (bhakti) in this world. With this not only will bhakti be extremely happy, but also her sons, spiritual knowledge and dispassion, will be rid of their old age. They will shine in full resplendence once again”.

Hearing this voice from the sky, Nārada Maharishi thought as follows- Om Namo Nārāyaṇāya!