Srimad Bhagavatam - Summary and Study Guide - First Canto
The Srimad Bhagavatam consists of several conversations; a story within in a story. Srimad Bhagavatam is written by Ganesa and spoken by Srila Vyasadeva. The second conversation, or layer, in the Srimad Bhagavatam is between the sages of Naimisaranya and Suta Gosvami. The third layer or conversation, which is described by Suta Gosvami, is between Pariksit Maharaja (the grandson of Arjuna) and Sukadeva Gosvami (the son of Srila Vyasadeva). Sukadeva Gosvami, describes different stories of devotees who have attained full God or Krsna consciousness.
Chapter 1
Questions by the Sages
Summary
Vyasadeva is describing to Lord Ganesh the assembly at Naimisaranya. The sages, headed by Saunaka Rsi are asking questions to the sage Suta Gosvami.
They want to know what is the most important knowledge, i.e. the meaning of life. The answer: The highest truth is reality distinguished from illusion for the welfare of all.
The sages are asking Suta Gosvami to speak about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krsna, because listening about His pastimes can deliver the conditioned soul from this dark age of quarrel, confusion and hypocrisy, back to Godhead; Goloka Dham.
They want to know what is the most important knowledge, i.e. the meaning of life. The answer: The highest truth is reality distinguished from illusion for the welfare of all.
The sages are asking Suta Gosvami to speak about the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krsna, because listening about His pastimes can deliver the conditioned soul from this dark age of quarrel, confusion and hypocrisy, back to Godhead; Goloka Dham.
[SB 1.1.1 - 1.1.5] Vyasadeva, is speaking to Lord Ganesh, who is transcribing. This invocation is addressing the reader. Srila Vyasadeva establishes that Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who is the son of Vasudeva is in fact The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, and that this Srimad Bhagavatam is sufficient in itself for God realisation. One can conclude that the invocation is written by Lord Ganesh, as he is calling Vyasadeva "Maha-muni" (SB 1.1.2) a great sage, something that Vyasadeva would not say about himself.
SB 1.1.5 – 1.1.23 Sages of Naimisaranya (headed by Saunaka Rsi) asking questions to Suta Gosvami.
SB 1.1.20 Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Personality of Godhead, along with Balarāma, played like a human being, and so masked He performed many superhuman acts.
Comment: Not many persons know Lord Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and that he appeared here, about 5000 years ago in India, because he acted like a human being; a prince, who grew up as a cowherd boy.
According to Srila Prabhupada there are six questions. (SB 1.2.1)
Saunaka Rsi's questions:
1) Question #1: What you have ascertained to be the absolute and ultimate good for the people in general? (SB 1.1.9)
Answer: The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. (SB 1.2.6)
2) Question #2: What are the prescribed duties for the people in general? (SB 1.1.11)
Answer: The highest perfection one can achieve by discharging the duties prescribed for one’s own occupation according to caste divisions and orders of life is to please the Personality of Godhead. (SB 1.2.13)
3) Question #3: For what purpose the Personality of Godhead appeared in the womb of Devakī as the son of Vasudeva? (SB 1.1.12)
Answer: Short Answer: Mother earth was overburdened by hundreds of thousands of military phalanxes of various conceited demons dressed like kings (SB 1.1.17)
Long Answer: The Beginning of the Tenth Canto (SB 10.1)
4) Question #4: We are eager to learn about the Personality of Godhead and His incarnations? (SB 1.1.13)
Answer: The Lord first expanded Himself in the universal form. (SB 1.3.1) And the whole Chapter 3 explains different incarnations of the Lord.
5) Question #5: Speak to us about the adventures He performs in His various incarnations? (SB 1.1.17)
Answer: Short Answer: The whole chapter three (SB 1.3).
Long Answer: The whole Tenth Canto, and the whole Srimad Bhagavatam.
6) Question #6: Please tell us to whom the religious principles have now gone for shelter? (SB 1.1.23) (After Lord Krsna left for His own abode)
Answer: Short Answer: Śrī Vyāsadeva delivered it (this Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam) to his son (Śukadeva Gosvāmī) (SB 1.3.41)
Long Answer: The whole chapter Seventeen: Punishment and Reward of Kali (SB 1.17)
Suta Gosvami explains the Divinity, or Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Personality of Godhead, and the means to please him, Divine Service, or loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. (SB 1.2.6)
He starts by glorifying the great sage Srila Sukadeva Gosvami who recited the Srimad Bhagavatam after having personally assimilated it by experience. (SB 1.2.3)
Suta Gosvami then proceeds to answer the questions of the sages posed in chapter 1
SB 1.2.1 Srila Vyasadeva – here it is confirmed that the so-called invocation was spoken by His Holiness Srila Vyasadeva, as per the sankrit: Vyasa uvaca.
SB 1.2.4 Before reciting this Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, which is the very means of conquest, one should offer respectful obeisances unto the Personality of Godhead, Nārāyaṇa, unto Nara-nārāyaṇa Ṛṣi, the supermost human being, unto mother Sarasvatī, the goddess of learning, and unto Śrīla Vyāsadeva, the author.
SB 1.2.2 – 1.2.34 Suta Gosvami answers the questions of the sages of Naimisaranya
1) Question: What you have ascertained to be the absolute and ultimate good for the people in general? (SB 1.1.9)
Answer: The supreme occupation [dharma] for all humanity is that by which men can attain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. (SB 1.2.6)
Answer: The highest perfection one can achieve by discharging the duties prescribed for one’s own occupation according to caste divisions and orders of life is to please the Personality of Godhead. (SB 1.2.13)
3) Question: For what purpose the Personality of Godhead appeared in the womb of Devakī as the son of Vasudeva (SB1.1.12)
4) Question: We are eager to learn about the Personality of Godhead and His incarnations? (SB 1.1.13)
Answer: The Lord first expanded Himself in the universal form. (SB 1.3.1)
5) Question: Speak to us about the adventures He performs in His various incarnations? (SB 1.1.17)
Answer: The whole chapter three. (SB 1.3)
6) Question: Please tell us to whom the religious principles have now gone for shelter? (SB 1.1.23)
Answer: Śrī Vyāsadeva delivered it to his son (SB 1.3.41)
The answer to all these questions is given in the third chapter and is expanded on throughout the whole Srimad-Bhagavatam.
SB 1.3.36 The six opulences are power, wealth, beauty, fame, knowledge and renunciation. For a further explanation of the six opulences, please read The Six Opulences.
6) Question #6: Please tell us to whom the religious principles have now gone for shelter? (SB 1.1.23) (After Lord Krsna left for His own abode)
Answer: Short Answer: Śrī Vyāsadeva delivered it (this Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam) to his son (Śukadeva Gosvāmī) (SB 1.3.41)
Long Answer: The whole chapter Seventeen: Punishment and Reward of Kali (SB 1.17)
Suta Gosvami explains the Divinity, or Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Personality of Godhead, and the means to please him, Divine Service, or loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord. (SB 1.2.6)
He starts by glorifying the great sage Srila Sukadeva Gosvami who recited the Srimad Bhagavatam after having personally assimilated it by experience. (SB 1.2.3)
Suta Gosvami then proceeds to answer the questions of the sages posed in chapter 1
SB 1.2.1 Srila Vyasadeva – here it is confirmed that the so-called invocation was spoken by His Holiness Srila Vyasadeva, as per the sankrit: Vyasa uvaca.
SB 1.2.4 Before reciting this Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, which is the very means of conquest, one should offer respectful obeisances unto the Personality of Godhead, Nārāyaṇa, unto Nara-nārāyaṇa Ṛṣi, the supermost human being, unto mother Sarasvatī, the goddess of learning, and unto Śrīla Vyāsadeva, the author.
1) Question: What you have ascertained to be the absolute and ultimate good for the people in general? (SB 1.1.9)
srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah
punya-sravana-kirtanah
hrdy antah-stho hy abhadrani
vidhunoti suhrt satam
Sri Krsna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma [Supersoul] in everyone's heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.(SB 1.2.17)
2) Question: What are the prescribed duties for the people in general (SB1.1.11)Sri Krsna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma [Supersoul] in everyone's heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.(SB 1.2.17)
Answer: The highest perfection one can achieve by discharging the duties prescribed for one’s own occupation according to caste divisions and orders of life is to please the Personality of Godhead. (SB 1.2.13)
3) Question: For what purpose the Personality of Godhead appeared in the womb of Devakī as the son of Vasudeva (SB1.1.12)
4) Question: We are eager to learn about the Personality of Godhead and His incarnations? (SB 1.1.13)
Answer: The Lord first expanded Himself in the universal form. (SB 1.3.1)
5) Question: Speak to us about the adventures He performs in His various incarnations? (SB 1.1.17)
Answer: The whole chapter three. (SB 1.3)
6) Question: Please tell us to whom the religious principles have now gone for shelter? (SB 1.1.23)
Answer: Śrī Vyāsadeva delivered it to his son (SB 1.3.41)
The answer to all these questions is given in the third chapter and is expanded on throughout the whole Srimad-Bhagavatam.
Here Suta Gosvami establishes that Lord Kṛṣṇa Is the Source of All Incarnations. And that This Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the literary incarnation of God (SB 1.3.40) It is the answer to the Sages of Naimisaranya's 4th question to Suta Gosvami: 4) Question: We are eager to learn about the Personality of Godhead and His incarnations? (SB 1.1.13)
SB 1.3.1 – 1.3.44 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.3.1 The Sixteen Principles of material action are: the five elements, ether, air, fire, water and earth, and the 11 working instruments or senses, namely, the five sense, ears (hearing, connected to ether), skin (feeling, connected to air), eyes, (sight, connected to fire and the sun), tongue (taste, connected to water), nose (smell connected to earth, the aroma of the earth). The five working senses, namely, the tongue (speech), the arms, the legs, the genitals, and the rectum.
And finally, the so-called sixth-sense, the mind, or subtle body, that also covers the living entity (the soul).
For a more elaborate list read the article: The Twenty-eight Elements and Bhagavad-gita As It Is, chapter Thirteen: Nature, the Enjoyer and Conscoiusness texts 6 and 7.
SB 1.3.28 This is the essence of the Srimad Bhagavatam and one of the most important verses. It establishes Lord Krsna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the origin of all incarnations.
SB 1.3.1 – 1.3.44 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.3.1 The Sixteen Principles of material action are: the five elements, ether, air, fire, water and earth, and the 11 working instruments or senses, namely, the five sense, ears (hearing, connected to ether), skin (feeling, connected to air), eyes, (sight, connected to fire and the sun), tongue (taste, connected to water), nose (smell connected to earth, the aroma of the earth). The five working senses, namely, the tongue (speech), the arms, the legs, the genitals, and the rectum.
And finally, the so-called sixth-sense, the mind, or subtle body, that also covers the living entity (the soul).
For a more elaborate list read the article: The Twenty-eight Elements and Bhagavad-gita As It Is, chapter Thirteen: Nature, the Enjoyer and Conscoiusness texts 6 and 7.
SB 1.3.28 This is the essence of the Srimad Bhagavatam and one of the most important verses. It establishes Lord Krsna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the origin of all incarnations.
SB 1.3.36 The six opulences are power, wealth, beauty, fame, knowledge and renunciation. For a further explanation of the six opulences, please read The Six Opulences.
The named incarnations, in chronological order, are as follows:
1) The four Kumaras (SB 1.3.6)
2) Lord Varaha Deva - the Lord in the form of a boar (SB 1.3.7)
5) Lord Kapila (SB 1.3.10)
6) Dattatreya (SB 1.3.11)
7) Yajña (SB 1.3.12)
8) King Ṛṣabha (SB 1.3.13)
10) Matsya - the Lord in the form of a fish (SB 1.3.15)
SB 1.4.1 Sri VyasadevaSB 1.4.2 – 1.4.13 Saunaka Rsi – here it is confirmed that Saunaka Rsi was speaking for the sages, described (1.2.1) as Brahamanas by Srila Vyasadeva
Saunaka Rsi is asking the following questions:
7) Question: In what period and at what place was this first begun, and why was this taken up? (SB 1.4.3) "This" refers to the pious message of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, which was spoken by the great and powerful sage Śukadeva Gosvāmī (SB 1.4.2)
Answer: When the second millennium overlapped the third, the great sage [Vyāsadeva] was born to Parāśara in the womb of Satyavatī, the daughter of Vasu. (SB 1.4.14)
8) Question: From where did Kṛṣṇa-dvaipāyana Vyāsa, the great sage, get the inspiration to compile this literature? (SB 1.4.3)
Answer: Narada Muni describes in the fifth chapter to Srila Vyasadeva why he needs to write the Srimad Bhagavatam. (SB 1.5)
9) Question: How was he [Śrīla Śukadeva, the son of Vyāsa] recognized by the citizens when he entered the city of Hastināpura [now Delhi]? (SB 1.4.6)
Answer: First they surrounded him (SB 1.19.25) and then they stopped following him. (SB 1.19.29)
10) Question: How did it so happen that King Parīkṣit met this great sage, making it possible for this great transcendental essence of the Vedas [Bhāgavatam] to be sung to him? (SB 1.4.7)
Answer:
Short Answer: The great devotee, Mahārāja Parīkṣit, approached him, offered his respects by bowing before him, and politely inquired with sweet words and folded hands. (SB 1.19.31)
Long Answer: Chapter Nineteen - The Appearance of Śukadeva Gosvāmī (SB 1.19)
11) Question: It is said that Mahārāja Parīkṣit is a great first-class devotee of the Lord and that his birth and activities are all wonderful. Please tell us about him. (SB 1.4.9)
Answer: Chapter Twelve - Birth of Emperor Parīkṣit (SB 1.12)
12) Question: Why did he give up everything to sit down on the bank of the Ganges and fast until death? (SB 1.4.10)
Answer:
Short Answer: Because he was cursed. The brāhmaṇa’s son cursed the King thus: On the seventh day from today a snake-bird will bite the most wretched one of that dynasty [Mahārāja Parīkṣit] because of his having broken the laws of etiquette by insulting my father. (SB 1.18.37
Long Answer: Chapter Eigtheen - Mahārāja Parīkṣit Cursed by a Brāhmaṇa Boy (SB 1.18)
SB 1.4.14 – 1.4.33 Suta Gosvami continues to answer the questions of the sages of Naimisaranya.
In SB 1.4.14 Suta explains the birth of Srila Vyasadeva.
7) Question: In what period and at what place was this first begun, and why was this taken up? (SB 1.4.3) "This" refers to the pious message of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, which was spoken by the great and powerful sage Śukadeva Gosvāmī (SB 1.4.2)
Treta-yuga, the third yuga, switched with dvapara-yuga, the second yuga.
This was because Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa appeared, and He appears at the end of Dvapara-yuga (28th millennium, 7th Manu), just before Kali-yuga. Normally Dvapara-yuga lasts 1,200,000 years, but since Dvapara took the place of Treta, it lasts 800,000 years.
Kali yuga started about 5000 years ago and lasts 432,000 years.
Total time of the yugas:
Satya, 1,728,000
Treta 1,296,000
Dvapara 864,000
Kali 432,000
Total time: 4,320,000 years
Vyasadeva's mother is Satyavati (the daughter of the Vasu (fisherman) as could also be construed by the song: vrndayai tulasi-devyai, priyayai kesavasya ca, visnu-bhakti-prade devi, satyavatyai namo namah.
Vyasadeva’s father is Parasara Muni.
SB 1.4.22 Suta Gosvami's father is Romaharsana.
SB 1.5.1 Suta Gosvami
Are you satisfied by identifying with the body or the mind as objects of self-realization? (SB 1.5.2)
[T]here is no doubt that you have prepared a great and wonderful work, the Mahābhārata, which is full of all kinds of Vedic sequences elaborately explained. [...] Why should you be despondent in spite of all this, thinking that you are undone, my dear prabhu? (SB 1.5.3 & SB 1.5.4)
Question: All you have said about me is perfectly correct. Despite all this, I am not pacified. I therefore question you about the root cause of my dissatisfaction [?]
SB 1.5.8 – 1.5.40 Narada Muni
Answer: You have not actually broadcast the sublime and spotless glories of the Personality of Godhead.
8) Question: From where did Kṛṣṇa-dvaipāyana Vyāsa, the great sage, get the inspiration to compile this literature? (SB 1.4.3)
Answer: Narada Muni describes to Srila Vyasadeva why he needs to write the Srimad Bhagavatam. (SB 1.5) The Fifth Chapter - Nārada’s Instructions on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam for Vyāsadeva
SB 1.6.2 – 1.6.4 Sri Vyasadeva
Questions: What did you [Nārada] do after the departure of the great sages who had instructed you in scientific transcendental knowledge before the beginning of your present birth?
[H]ow did you pass your life after initiation, and how did you attain this body, having quit your old one in due course?
O great sage, time annihilates everything in due course, so how is it that this subject matter, which happened prior to this day of Brahmā, is still fresh in your memory, undisturbed by time?
SB 1.6.5 – 1.6.36 Narada Muni Answers all these questions in this section. The summary is his mother died and he wandered around, and started to meditate, saw the Supreme Lord, and later died fully Krsna conscious and entered Maha-Visnu's body (Narayana), and afterwards reentered the material world in his transcendental form.
SB 1.6.37 – 1.6.38 Suta Gosvami
The Son of Droṇa Punished
SB 1.7.1 Saunaka Rsi continues to ask questions to Suta Goswami
13) Question: After Nārada’s departure, what did Vyāsadeva do? SB 1.7.1
Answer: Śrīla Vyāsadeva, in his own āśrama, which was surrounded by berry trees, sat down to meditate. (SB 1.7.3)
13) Question: After Nārada’s departure, what did Vyāsadeva do? SB 1.7.1
Answer: Śrīla Vyāsadeva, in his own āśrama, which was surrounded by berry trees, sat down to meditate. (SB 1.7.3)
SB 1.7.9 Saunaka Rsi
14) Question: Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī was already on the path of self-realization, and thus he was pleased with his own self. So why did he take the trouble to undergo the study of such a vast literature? (SB 1.7.9)
Answer: The Lord possesses transcendental qualities and therefore can attract everyone, including liberated souls. (SB 1.7.10)
SB 1.7.10 – 1.7.15 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.7.10: This is the famous Atmarama verse. For an elaborate explanation, read the purport, study Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, Madhya-lila, chapter 24 - The Sixty-One Explanations of the Ātmārāma Verse, and study the Summary Study Guide of Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, Madhya-lila
SB SB 1.7.12 Suta Gosvami explains what he will talk about:
“Now I shall begin the transcendental narration of the Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa and topics of the birth, activities and deliverance of King Parīkṣit, the sage amongst kings, as well as topics of the renunciation of the worldly order by the sons of Pāṇḍu.” He will also talk about King Pariksit’s grand-father Sri Arjuna.
SB 1.7.16 Arjuna speaking to Draupadi, to pacify her in for the loss of her children killed in the world war at Kuruksetra.
SB 1.7.17 – 1.7.21 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.7.22 – 1.7.26 Arjuna praying to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa to protect him from the brahmastra thrown buy the son of Drona Acarya, Asvatthama
SB 1.7.27 – 1.7.28 The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa
SB 1.7.29 – 1.7.34 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.7.35 – 1.7.39 The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa
SB 1.7.40 – 1.7.43 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.7.43 – 1.7.48 Draupadi pleading to her husband Sri Arjuna to spar Asvatthama's lifed
SB 1.7.53 – 1.7.54 The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa
SB 1.7.55 – 1.7.58 Suta Gosvami
Chapter 8
Prayers by Queen Kuntī and Parīkṣit Saved
Queen Kunti prays to Lord Krsna to stay with her and her 5 sons, as the Kuruksetra war is now finished and Lord Krsna will leave Hastinapura (New Delhi) and return to Dvaraka.
SB 1.8.9 – 1.8.10 Uttara (Pariksit’s mother)
SB 1.8.11 –1.8.17 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.8.18 – 1.8.43 Queen Kunti (Arjuna’s mother)
kṛṣṇāya vāsudevāya
devakī-nandanāya ca
nanda-gopa-kumārāya
govindāya namo namaḥ
Synonyms:
kṛṣṇāya — the Supreme Lord; vāsudevāya — unto the son of Vasudeva; devakī-nandanāya — unto the son of Devakī; ca — and; nanda-gopa — Nanda and the cowherd men; kumārāya — unto their son; govindāya — unto the Personality of Godhead, who enlivens the cows and the senses; namaḥ — respectful obeisances; namaḥ — obeisances.
Translation:
Let me therefore offer my respectful obeisances unto the Lord, who has become the son of Vasudeva, the pleasure of Devakī, the boy of Nanda and the other cowherd men of Vṛndāvana, and the enlivener of the cows and the senses.
SB 1.8.48 – 1.8.52 King Yudhistira explains that he feels distraught having fought in the world war of Kuruksetra.
SB 1.9.1 – 1.9.11 Suta Gosvami explains that King Yudhistira and his brothers go to the battlefield to witness Bhismadeva's final words, together with Lord Krsna and many sages and demigods.
SB 1.9.12 – 1.9.24 Bhismadeva speaks to the five Pandavas, specifically King Yudhisthira as well as The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa and many sages.
SB 1.9.25 – 1.9.31 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.9.32 – 1.9.42 Bhismadeva speaks to the five Pandavas, specifically King Yudhisthira as well as The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa and many sages.
SB 1.9.43 – 1.9.49 Suta Gosvami
Departure of Lord Kṛṣṇa for Dvārakā
SB 1.10.2 – 1.10.35 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.11.1 – 1.11.5 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.11.5 - 1.11.10 Citizens of Dvaraka
SB 1.11.11 - 1.11.39 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.12.1 – 1.12.3 Saunaka Rsi: How was [...] Parīkṣit born [...]? How did his death take place, and what did he achieve after his death?
Answer: The birth is described in this chapter, as well as King Pariksit's death and subsequent liberation from material attachment. This will be further described in the twelfth canto, chapter six.
SB 1.12.4 – 1.12.15 Suta Gosvami continues to address the sages of Naimisaranya
SB 1.12.4 Maharaja Yudhisthira's father is King Pandu
SB 1.12.16 Speaker: The learned brahmana's that came to bless Maharaja Pariksit's newborn grand-nephew Pariksit.
Answer: The birth is described in this chapter, as well as King Pariksit's death and subsequent liberation from material attachment. This will be further described in the twelfth canto, chapter six.
SB 1.12.4 – 1.12.15 Suta Gosvami continues to address the sages of Naimisaranya
SB 1.12.4 Maharaja Yudhisthira's father is King Pandu
SB 1.12.16 Speaker: The learned brahmana's that came to bless Maharaja Pariksit's newborn grand-nephew Pariksit.
SB 1.12.18 Yudhisthira is asking the brahmana's: [W]ill he become as saintly a king [...] as others who appeared in this great royal family?
SB 1.12.29 - 1.12.36 Suta Gosvami, explains that the name Pariksit means examiner and decribes that King Yudhisthira's brothers collected a lot of gold so King Yudhisthira could do three horse sacrifices to atone for the Kurukstera world war. And Lord Krsna leaves for Dvaraka with Arjuna. End of chapter 12.
Dhrtarastra Quits Home
SB 1.13.1 - 1.13.7 Suta Gosvami having described that Krsna and Arjuan left for Davaraka is now describing what happened in the Palace. He describes the homecoming of Vidura to the Palace of Maharaja Yudhistira. Vidura is the half brother of Dhrtarastra (and the incarnation of Yamaraja, the King of Death and Religion), and Yudhistira's uncle. In the assembly, including the defeated old, blind, King Dhrtarastra, whose sons all died in the Kuruksetra war, Maharaja Yudhistira will ask him about Vidura's conversation wuth the great sage Maitreya.
SB 1.13.8 Maharaja Yudhistira
1.13.9 Maharaja Yudhistira asked Vidura: While traveling on the surface of the earth, how did you maintain your livelihood? At which holy places and pilgrimage sites did you render service?
1.13.11 Maharaja Yudhistira asked Vidura: You must have visited Dvārakā. In that holy place are [...], the descendants of Yadu [...]. Are they all living happily in their abodes?
Answer: Vidura does not want to answer this question as all the men of the Yadu dynasty ended up killing eachother in a huge fight.
1.13.9 Maharaja Yudhistira asked Vidura: While traveling on the surface of the earth, how did you maintain your livelihood? At which holy places and pilgrimage sites did you render service?
1.13.11 Maharaja Yudhistira asked Vidura: You must have visited Dvārakā. In that holy place are [...], the descendants of Yadu [...]. Are they all living happily in their abodes?
Answer: Vidura does not want to answer this question as all the men of the Yadu dynasty ended up killing eachother in a huge fight.
SB 1.13.12 - 1.13.18 Suta Gosvami explains the history of King Yudhistira and describes that Mahatma Vidura felt sorry for his brother, who was so attached to his family even though most of them were killed in the Kurukstera war.
SB 1.13.18 - 1.13.28 Mahatma Vidura adresses his brother the old King Dhrtarastra to give up family life and depend fully on the Personality of Godhead (SB 1.13.27)
SB 1.13.29 - 1.13.31 Suta Gosvami explains that Maharaja Dhrtarasta followed his younger brothers advice and immedaitely leave sthe palace to the Himalaya's followed by his chaste wife Gandhari. After that King Yudhistira starts to worry where his uncle is and asks Sanjaya where he might be.
SB 1.13.32 - 1.13.34 Maharaja Yudhistira asked Sañjaya: [W]here is our uncle, who is old and blind?
Where is [...] uncle Vidura, and mother Gāndhārī [?]
Did [Dhrtarastra] take my offenses very seriously and, along with his wife, drown himself in the Ganges?
SB 1.13.29 - 1.13.31 Suta Gosvami explains that Maharaja Dhrtarasta followed his younger brothers advice and immedaitely leave sthe palace to the Himalaya's followed by his chaste wife Gandhari. After that King Yudhistira starts to worry where his uncle is and asks Sanjaya where he might be.
SB 1.13.32 - 1.13.34 Maharaja Yudhistira asked Sañjaya: [W]here is our uncle, who is old and blind?
Where is [...] uncle Vidura, and mother Gāndhārī [?]
Did [Dhrtarastra] take my offenses very seriously and, along with his wife, drown himself in the Ganges?
SB 1.13. 35 - 1.13.36 Suta Gosvami explains that Sanjaya is overcome with grief for his old master's abscence.
SB 1.13.37 Sanjaya explains he does not know where they are.
SB 1.13.37 Sanjaya explains he does not know where they are.
SB 1.13.38 Suta Gosvami explains that just at that moment Sri Narada Muni arrives in the palace
SB 1.13.39 Maharaja Yudhistira asks if maybe Narada muni knows where his uncles and aunt have gone
SB 1.13.40 - 1.13.59 Narada Muni explains that King Yudhistira should be detached from family life and become attached to the Supreme Lord Krsna. He also hints that Krsna's family will be annihilated (SB 1.13.50)
He explains that his uncles, and his aunt are on the south side of the Himalayas (SB 1.13.51), and that Dhrtarastra and Kandhari are preparing to leave their bodies and go to the spiritual sky. (SB 1.13.55)
SB 1.13.60 Suta Gosvami explains Narada Muni left the palace. End of the Chapter
SB 1.15.1- 1.15.4 Suta Gosvami explains that Arjuna felt grievstricken due to the disappearance of Lord Krsna and his family the Yadu's
SB 1.15.5 - 1.15.27 Arjuna describes how much he loves lord Krsna, and that he was empowered due to Lord Krsna. He also remembered His instructions.
SB 1.15.28- 1.15.51 Suta Gosvami describes that due to Lord Krsna's disappearance Queen Kunti fully surrendered herself to the Lord's service and reached perfection. King Yudhisthira felt it was time to go back to Godhead, back to the spiritual realm. He left the palace in torn clothes and pretended to be deaf and went to the Himalayas. His brothers, Bima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva would follow shortly and entered the spiritual world in their self same bodies. Mahatma Vidura, the incarnation of Lord Yama, the Lord of death, gave up his body and returned to his abode. Draupadi and Subadra, also went back to Godhead. End of the chapter
SB 1.13.39 Maharaja Yudhistira asks if maybe Narada muni knows where his uncles and aunt have gone
SB 1.13.40 - 1.13.59 Narada Muni explains that King Yudhistira should be detached from family life and become attached to the Supreme Lord Krsna. He also hints that Krsna's family will be annihilated (SB 1.13.50)
He explains that his uncles, and his aunt are on the south side of the Himalayas (SB 1.13.51), and that Dhrtarastra and Kandhari are preparing to leave their bodies and go to the spiritual sky. (SB 1.13.55)
SB 1.13.60 Suta Gosvami explains Narada Muni left the palace. End of the Chapter
The Disappeance of Lord Krsna
SB 1.14.1 - 1.14.5 Suta Gosvami is now describing that Maharaja Yudhistira is getting increasingly worried that his brother Arjuna has not yet returned from Dvaraka and sees several inauspicious signs.
SB 1.14.6 - 1.14.21 Maharaja Yudhistira is sharing his worries with his younger brother Bhima
SB 1.14.22 - 1.14.24 Suta Gosvami explains that just at that time Arjuna returned looking dejected, and Maharaja Yudhistira immediately questions him.
SB 1.14.25 - 1.14.44 Maharaja Yudhistira questions Arjuna about what happened, sensing that something was wrong with the Yadu dynasty and Lord Krsna.
The Pandavas Retire Timely
SB 1.15.28- 1.15.51 Suta Gosvami describes that due to Lord Krsna's disappearance Queen Kunti fully surrendered herself to the Lord's service and reached perfection. King Yudhisthira felt it was time to go back to Godhead, back to the spiritual realm. He left the palace in torn clothes and pretended to be deaf and went to the Himalayas. His brothers, Bima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva would follow shortly and entered the spiritual world in their self same bodies. Mahatma Vidura, the incarnation of Lord Yama, the Lord of death, gave up his body and returned to his abode. Draupadi and Subadra, also went back to Godhead. End of the chapter
How Parīkṣit Received the Age of Kali
Suta Gosvami explains that after Maharaja Pariksit's brothers left he was left to rule the huge Kingdom. After he selected Krpacarya for guidance as his Spiritual Master he saw the master of Kali-yuga [...] hurting the legs of a cow and bull. The King at once caught hold of him to deal sufficient punishment.
SB 1.16.5 - 1.16.9 Śaunaka Ṛṣi inquired:
Why did Mahārāja Parīkṣit simply punish him, since he was the lowest of the śūdras, having dressed as a king and having struck a cow on the leg?
Mahārāja Parīkṣit then conquered all parts of the earthly planet — Bhadrāśva, Ketumāla, Bhārata, the northern Kuru, Kimpuruṣa, etc. — and exacted tributes from their respective rulers. (SB 1.16.12)
It is important to note here that Kimpurusa is a land that is on the Bhu-mandala. It's a country beyond the northern side of the Himālayas, however, the Himalayas mentioned here are 70,000 miles high and are beyond the antartic. For more info regarding this study the book Sailing to Jambudvipa. Even though the late Sadhaputa Prabhu (a/k/a Richard L. Thompson) did not grasp the idea that King Pariksit went to Kim Purusa, and there is no mention of a plane (vimana) still his work is significant to get a general idea of the Vedic Cosmography.
The video the Sacred Universe and the article Universe of the Vedas give a general overview, even though the Srimad Bhagavatam never mentions Sadaputa's four different interpretations, but simply describes the Bhu-mandala.
Another mention is Danavir Gosvami's video that has a more literal meaning, even though he also gives a wrong understanding of the word 'parimandale', which simply means circumference, circular, disc or circle.
Last but not least, the most recent video from Radha Mohan Das, who tries to come up with a siddhanta (perfect end), i.e. a conclusion:
The 5th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam gives a general description of the universe, the following chapters describe the inner circle of the middle planetary system called Bhu-mandala (literary the earth disc, also known as Bhu or Middle Earth).
SB 5.16: A Description of Jambūdvīpa
SB 5.19: A Description of the Island of Jambūdvīpa
Dharma, was wandering about in the form of a bull. And he met the personality of earth in the form of a cow.
SB 1.16.19 - 1.16.24 Dharma [in the form of a bull] asked: [...] Why are you covered with the shadow of grief?
Are you suffering from some internal disease, or are you thinking of some relative who is away in a distant place?
I have lost my three legs and am now standing on one only. Are you lamenting for my state of existence?
Or are you in great anxiety because henceforward the unlawful meat-eaters will exploit you?
Or are you in a sorry plight because the demigods are now bereft of their share of sacrificial offerings because no sacrifices are being performed at present?
Or are you grieving for living beings because of their sufferings due to famine and drought?
SB 1.16.21 — Are you feeling compunction for the unhappy women and children who are left forlorn by unscrupulous persons?
Or are you unhappy because the goddess of learning is being handled by brāhmaṇas addicted to acts against the principles of religion?
Or are you sorry to see that the brāhmaṇas have taken shelter of administrative families that do not respect brahminical culture?
SB 1.16.22 — The so-called administrators are now bewildered by the influence of this Age of Kali, and thus they have put all state affairs into disorder. Are you now lamenting this disorder?
Now the general populace does not follow the rules and regulations for eating, sleeping, drinking, mating, etc., and they are inclined to perform such anywhere and everywhere. Are you unhappy because of this?
SB 1.16.25 - 1.16.35 The earthly deity [in the form of a cow]
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, has now closed His transcendental pastimes on the face of the earth. In His absence the Age of Kali has spread its influence everywhere, so I am sorry to see this condition of existence.
SB 1.16.36 Suta Gosvami: While the earth and the personality of religion were thus engaged in conversation, the saintly King Parīkṣit reached the shore of the Sarasvatī River, which flowed towards the east.
SB 1.16.19 - 1.16.24 Dharma [in the form of a bull] asked: [...] Why are you covered with the shadow of grief?
Are you suffering from some internal disease, or are you thinking of some relative who is away in a distant place?
I have lost my three legs and am now standing on one only. Are you lamenting for my state of existence?
Or are you in great anxiety because henceforward the unlawful meat-eaters will exploit you?
Or are you in a sorry plight because the demigods are now bereft of their share of sacrificial offerings because no sacrifices are being performed at present?
Or are you grieving for living beings because of their sufferings due to famine and drought?
SB 1.16.21 — Are you feeling compunction for the unhappy women and children who are left forlorn by unscrupulous persons?
Or are you unhappy because the goddess of learning is being handled by brāhmaṇas addicted to acts against the principles of religion?
Or are you sorry to see that the brāhmaṇas have taken shelter of administrative families that do not respect brahminical culture?
SB 1.16.22 — The so-called administrators are now bewildered by the influence of this Age of Kali, and thus they have put all state affairs into disorder. Are you now lamenting this disorder?
Now the general populace does not follow the rules and regulations for eating, sleeping, drinking, mating, etc., and they are inclined to perform such anywhere and everywhere. Are you unhappy because of this?
SB 1.16.25 - 1.16.35 The earthly deity [in the form of a cow]
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, has now closed His transcendental pastimes on the face of the earth. In His absence the Age of Kali has spread its influence everywhere, so I am sorry to see this condition of existence.
SB 1.16.36 Suta Gosvami: While the earth and the personality of religion were thus engaged in conversation, the saintly King Parīkṣit reached the shore of the Sarasvatī River, which flowed towards the east.
Punishment and Reward of Kali
SB 1.17.1 - 1.17.4 Sūta Gosvāmī
SB 1.17.5 - 1.17.16 Mahārāja Parīkṣit
SB 1.17.17 - 1.17.20 The personality of religion said
SB 1.17.21 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.17.22 - 1.17.27 Mahārāja Parīkṣit
In the age of Satya [truthfulness] your four legs were established by the four principles of austerity, cleanliness, mercy and truthfulness. But it appears that three of your legs are broken due to rampant irreligion in the form of pride, lust for women, and intoxication. (SB 1.17.24)
SB 1.17.28 - 1.17.30 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.17.31 - 1. 17.34 Mahārāja Parīkṣit
SB 1.17.35 Śrī Sūta Gosvāmī said: The personality of Kali, thus being ordered by Mahārāja Parīkṣit, began to tremble in fear. Seeing the King before him like Yamarāja, ready to kill him, Kali spoke to the King as follows.
SB 1.17.36 - 1.17.37 Kali speaking: [P]lease fix some place for me where I can live permanently under the protection of your government.
SB 1.17.38 - 1.17.45 Suta Gosvami answers: Mahārāja Parīkṣit [...] gave him permission to reside in places where gambling, drinking, prostitution and animal slaughter were performed. [...] [T]he King gave him permission to live where there is gold because wherever there is gold there is also falsity, intoxication, lust, envy and enmity.
SB 1.17.41: Therefore, whoever desires progressive well-being, especially kings, religionists, public leaders, brāhmaṇas and sannyāsīs, should never come in contact with the four above-mentioned irreligious principles.
End of the Chapter
SB 1.18.1 - 1.18.10 Suta Gosvami
Mahārāja Parīkṣit was a realist, like the bees who only accept the essence [of a flower]. He knew perfectly well that in this Age of Kali, auspicious things produce good effects immediately, whereas inauspicious acts must be actually performed [to render effects]. So he was never envious of the personality of Kali. (SB 1.18.7)
SB 1.18.11 - 1.18.17 Sages of Naimisaranya (headed by Saunaka Rsi)
[P]lease describe to us the pastimes of the Lord [?] (SB 1.18.15)
[P]lease describe those topics of the Lord by which Mahārāja Parīkṣit [...] attained the lotus feet of the Lord [?] (SB 1.18.16)
SB 1.18.18 - 1.18.32 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.18.33 - 1.18.35 The brāhmaṇa’s son, Śṛṅgi
SB 1.18.36 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.18.37 The brāhmaṇa’s son, Śṛṅgi speaks to his friends.
SB 1.18 38 - 1.18.50 Suta Gosvami - End of the Chapter
SB 1.19.13 - 1.19.16 King Parīkṣit speaks to the sages
SB 1.19.17 - 1.19.19 Suta Gosvami to the sages of Naimisaranya
SB 1.19.19 - 1.19.22 The Sages speak to Pariksit
SB 1.19.23 - 1.19.24 King Parīkṣit speaks to the sages
SB 1.19.25 - 1.19.31 Suta Gosvami to the sages of Naimisaranya
SB 1.19.32 - 1.19.39 King Parīkṣit speaks to the sages
The following are Maharaja Pariksit's two essential questions that will be answered by Sukadeva Gosvami in the next canto.
SB 1.19.37: You are the spiritual master of great saints and devotees. I am therefore begging you to show the way of perfection for all persons, and especially for one who is about to die.
SB 1.19.38: Please let me know what a man should hear, chant, remember and worship, and also what he should not do. Please explain all this to me.
SB 1.19.40 Suta Gosvami to the sages of Naimisaranya
Benefits One Receives Reading Srimad Bhagavatam
Srimad Bhagavatam - Summary and Study Guide - Second Canto
Mahārāja Parīkṣit Cursed by a Brāhmaṇa Boy
Here Maharaja Paraksit gets cursed by the son of a brahmana, because he insulted his father due to providence. This marks the beginning of the fourth age, the age of quarrel, bluff, and corruption, known as Kali-yuga.
Here Maharaja Paraksit gets cursed by the son of a brahmana, because he insulted his father due to providence. This marks the beginning of the fourth age, the age of quarrel, bluff, and corruption, known as Kali-yuga.
SB 1.18.1 - 1.18.10 Suta Gosvami
Mahārāja Parīkṣit was a realist, like the bees who only accept the essence [of a flower]. He knew perfectly well that in this Age of Kali, auspicious things produce good effects immediately, whereas inauspicious acts must be actually performed [to render effects]. So he was never envious of the personality of Kali. (SB 1.18.7)
SB 1.18.11 - 1.18.17 Sages of Naimisaranya (headed by Saunaka Rsi)
[P]lease describe to us the pastimes of the Lord [?] (SB 1.18.15)
[P]lease describe those topics of the Lord by which Mahārāja Parīkṣit [...] attained the lotus feet of the Lord [?] (SB 1.18.16)
SB 1.18.18 - 1.18.32 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.18.33 - 1.18.35 The brāhmaṇa’s son, Śṛṅgi
SB 1.18.36 Suta Gosvami
SB 1.18.37 The brāhmaṇa’s son, Śṛṅgi speaks to his friends.
SB 1.18 38 - 1.18.50 Suta Gosvami - End of the Chapter
The Appearance of Sukadeva Gosvami
SB 1.19.1 Suta Gosvami to the sages of Naimisaranya
SB 1.19.2 - 1.19.3 King Parīkṣit thought
SB 1.19.1 - 1.19.12 Suta Gosvami to the sages of Naimisaranya
SB 1.19.2 - 1.19.3 King Parīkṣit thought
SB 1.19.1 - 1.19.12 Suta Gosvami to the sages of Naimisaranya
SB 1.19.13 - 1.19.16 King Parīkṣit speaks to the sages
SB 1.19.17 - 1.19.19 Suta Gosvami to the sages of Naimisaranya
SB 1.19.19 - 1.19.22 The Sages speak to Pariksit
SB 1.19.23 - 1.19.24 King Parīkṣit speaks to the sages
SB 1.19.25 - 1.19.31 Suta Gosvami to the sages of Naimisaranya
SB 1.19.32 - 1.19.39 King Parīkṣit speaks to the sages
The following are Maharaja Pariksit's two essential questions that will be answered by Sukadeva Gosvami in the next canto.
SB 1.19.37: You are the spiritual master of great saints and devotees. I am therefore begging you to show the way of perfection for all persons, and especially for one who is about to die.
SB 1.19.38: Please let me know what a man should hear, chant, remember and worship, and also what he should not do. Please explain all this to me.
Srimad Bhagavatam - Summary and Study Guide - Second Canto
Meters of Srimad Bhagavatam
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