Bhagavatam Mahatmya chapter 2 -chapter 3

[Paramananda das]

Chapter Two
Narada Endeavours to Remove Bhakti’s Distress
Sri Narada advice to bhakti devi-meditete on Krishnas feet

Sri Narada said, “O young lady, why are you in so much anxiety? Don’t be melancholy unnecessary. Just meditate on the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krsna and by His mercy you will be free from all misery.1

( 1. This is the only panacea for anxiety. When the mind is fixed on Krsna, it cannot experience agitation. That’s why devotees are always free from anxiety. )

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Lord Krsna has not gone far away

Lord Krsna, who protected Draupadi from the atrocities of the Kauravas and who is the lover of the damsels of Vraja, has not gone far away. Besides, you are Bhakti and more dear to Him than His very life. On your request He even goes to the house of low born people.2

( 2. Lord Krsna is called patita-pavana, the purifier of the fallen, and Dina-bandhu, the friend of the distressed. He does not care for haughty people; He is pleased by humility. Only bhakti can grant liberation )

In Kali-yuga only bhakti can grant liberation

In Satya, Treta and Dvapara-yugas, jnana and vairagya were the means of liberation, but in Kali-yuga only bhakti can grant liberation. Thinking in this way, Lord Hari, the transcendental personification of knowledge, manifested you. You are the very dear beloved of Lord Krsna.

Lord Krsna order to Bhakti devi – “Go and nourish My devotees”

“Once you approached the Lord with folded hands and asked Him what you should do. He said, “Go and nourish My devotees”. You accepted this order which pleased Him very much. To assist you, the Lord sent Mukti as your maidservant and Jnana and Vairagya as your sons.3

( 3. The Lord is pleased with His obedient servants. He grants liberation, knowledge and detachment to the surrendered souls even without their asking. )
Residence of Bhakti Devi

1. You directly reside in Vaikuntha dhama where you nourish the devotees
2. And you expand yourself on this earthly planet for their nourishment as well.4

( 4 Devotional service is the internal potency of the Lord and descends from Him into the material world through disciplic succession. )

You came and happily resided on this earth along with Mukti, Jnana and Vairagya from Satya-yuga to Dvapara-yuga.

In Kali-yuga diseased Mukti went back to Vaikuntha

But in Kali-yuga, Mukti contracted the disease of irreligious pretence and languished, and with your permission, went back to Vaikuntha. Now whenever you remember her, she comes to this planet briefly and returns to Vaikuntha.

Jnana and Vairagya become old and weak

Jnana and Vairagya remain with you always because they are like your sons.

Being neglected by the people of Kali-yuga, they have become old and weak, but will soon
recuperate, so you need not worry. I will find a solution to rejuvenate their bodies.
O beautiful faced one, there is no other age like Kali-yuga because you will be established in every house as well as in the heart of every person.6

If I do not preach your message I shall not be considered the servant of Lord Hari

Hear my vow. If I do not preach your message, subdue all other religions and make devotional festivals predominant then I shall not be considered the servant of Lord Hari. In Kali-yuga those people who follow you, even if they are sinful, will attain the abode of Lord Krsna without fear.7

( 5. Kali means the age of quarrel and hypocrisy, but it also indicates the age in which the Lord is readily available–kam krsnam lati dadati iti kalih. In other yugas people were healthy, intelligent, alert, and long lived. They had a natural inclination for yoga, penance, study of the Vedas, yajnas and so on. They did not pay heed to devotion, considering it too simplistic. Without bhakti, however, liberation cannot be attained. In previous ages people had to undergo the rigours of the respective processes for many lifetimes in order to realise this fact. But in Kali-yuga there is natural propensity towards bhakti because people in general are not qualified to participate in jnana, yoga, and karma. Therefore this age is glorious. Moreover, Lord Caitanya appeared in Kali-yuga to directly preach the message of bhakti and set the proper example. )

( 6. This statement predicts the appearance of Lord Caitanya who predicted prthivite ache yat nagaradi grama / sarvatra pracara hoibe mora nama. When Narada Muni says that he will establish bhakti, he means it will be done through a devotee. Therefore this verse also hints at the preaching activities of Srila Prabhupada who fulfilled the prophecies of Lord Caitanya and Sri Narada Muni. In fact in America Srila Prabhupada once held a program which very few people attended. When one disciple remarked that not many people had come, Srila Prabhupada said, “That’s not true. The great sage Narada Muni was present.” )

( 7. Everyone on qualified to take to the process of bhakti, regardless of birth or caste.)

Lord is controlled only by bhakti

The people in whose heart you reside become purified and they will not see Yamaraja, the Lord of Death, even in their dreams. Even ghostly beings like pretas, pisacas, raksasas and daityas are not able to trouble those whose hearts are imbued with devotion. The Lord cannot be controlled by austerities, study of the Vedas. by culture of knowledge, or by the fruitive activities described in the Vedas. He is controlled only by bhakti and the gopis are the evidence (pramana) of this.8

( 8. In Vedic culture, the Vedas are considered to be the supreme pramana, though here Sri Narada asserts that the gopis are. This is because the gopis are the topmost knowers and lovers of Krsna. Besides, among the gopis some are known to be the Vedas personified, hence they are also called pramana. )

The strength of bhakti

On the strength of pious activities performed for hundreds of lives one becomes attracted to bhakti, which is the only essence in Kali-yuga. On the strength of bhakti, Lord Krsna Himself appears to the devotee. Those people who are envious of devotion are always miserable no matter where they go within the three planetary systems. In the past, the great sage Durvasa suffered immense misery for offending a devotee.9

( 9. This refers to the story of Ambarisa Maharaja from the Ninth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. )

Bhakti alone can grant liberation

What more can I say? All vratas, tirthas, yogas, sacrifices and talks of knowledge are not needed. Bhakti alone can grant liberation.”

Suta Gosvami continued, “Narada’s conclusion glorified Bhakti and nurtured her.
Bhakti devi request Narada to bring her sons back to normal

Then Bhakti spoke as follows. ‘O Narada, you are very glorious and have unflinching faith in me. Thus I will always reside in your heart and never leave. O saintly person, you are most merciful. Just in a matter of moments you have removed my misery. But my sons have not yet regained their consciousness. Please quickly bring them back to normal.'”

Narada felt very compassionate attempted to wake them up by shaking them

Suta Gosvami said, “Upon hearing these words of Bhakti, Narada felt very compassionate and attempted to wake them up by shaking them with his hands.10

( 10. Narada’s attempt to wake Jnana and Vairagya by shaking them with his hands indicates that knowledge cannot be revived by the process of karma. )

Narada spoke to their ears
He put his mouth to their ears and said, ‘O Jnana wake up, O Vairagya please arise.”11

( 11. Narada’s placing his mouth next to their ear presents the initiation ceremony in which the guru utters mantras into the right ear of the disciple. Mere initiation, however, cannot make one learned or renounced. )

Narada spoke all vedic mantras and shastras

Then he chanted Vedic Mantras, the Vedanta Sutras, and the Upanisads. He recited Bhagavad-gita again and again. With great difficulty, they were revived, but overcome by lethargy, they yawned and were unable to even open their eyes.12

( 12. The lethargy and yawning of Jnana and Vairagya indicate that one can get only a meagre amount of knowledge by recitation of the scriptures mentioned. They do not make one’s consciousness crystal clear. )

State of bhakti and vairagja

Their hair was a white as the feathers of ducks and their bodily limbs were emaciated and powerless. Owing to hunger and thirst they were weak and sleepy. Seeing this, Narada fell into anxiety and contemplated further ways to revive them from old age and sleep.

Voice emanating from the sky

O Saunaka, as the sage Narada, deliberated, meditating on the Supreme Lord, he heard a voice emanating from the sky.13

( 13. The Supersoul guides the sincerely inquisitive person from within. )
Voice from sky spoke: you must perform one specific noble

‘O Devarsi, do not worry, your endeavour will be successful. O sage you must perform one specific noble act that will be revealed to you by some great saintly person.14

( 14. A sincere, inquisitive person should accept the guidance of a bona fide spiritual master. In this way the Lord helps from within and without. )
Jnana and Vairagya will be released

As soon as you complete that activity, Jnana and Vairagya will be released from the clutches of sleep and old age, and bhakti will reign everywhere.’15

( 15. This statement predicts the appearance of ISKCON. )

Lack the guidance of a bona fide teacher and the scriptures

These words were heard by everyone.”

“In astonishment Narada said, ‘I cannot understand the meaning of this indirect statement.16

( 16. Personal realisations which lack the guidance of a bona fide teacher and the scriptures are unclear and insufficient. )

The voice did not clearly explain the path one must follow

The voice did not clearly explain the path one must follow in order to achieve perfection. Nor do I know where to find those saintly persons who will explain the process to me. What must I do to implement this order?'”

Narada Muni travelled to various holy places

Suta Gosvami said, “O Saunaka, bidding farewell to Jnana and Vairagya, Narada Muni travelled to various holy places and met with the saintly people residing there. He asked them to suggest a process by which Jnana and Vairagya could be revived. Some listened carefully but could not give a definite answer.17

( 17 Most people in the garb of saints do not clearly understand the Absolute Reality. They follow hodge-podge philosophy and lacking realisation cannot give satisfactory guidance to their disciples. )
None could offer a satisfactory reply

Others stated that it could not be accomplished, while still others remarked that it was not possible to determined a correct answer. Upon being asked the question, several simply kept quiet while others wriggled away to avoid embarrassment. They were all surprised to hear this question and none could offer a satisfactory reply. They began discussing among themselves as follows, ‘My dear friends, if Jnana and Vairagya could not be revived after the chanting of the Vedas, Vedanta Sutra and recitation of the Bhagavad-gita, then what can be the solution? And if Narada Muni, who is the chief yogi and saint, does not know, then who can answer?'”18

( 18. Here the word “Narada” means the giver of knowledge–naram jnanam dadati iti naradah. )

Sri Narada decided to go to Badari

“In this way, wherever Sri Narada inquired, he got the same answer–that it is very difficult to accomplish. He thus became very worried and decided to go to Badari where he performed penance with the intent to find the solution to revive Jnana and Vairagya. shortly thereafter the Kumaras, headed by Sanaka, appeared there.19

( 19. The Lord appears in the form of the spiritual master to the sincere seeker. )

Narada Muni glorify 4 Kumaras

They were effulgent like a million suns. Seeing them Sri Narada again enquired, “O saintly people, it is by great fortune that I have attained your association. Please be merciful to me and explain that noble process. You are the best of yogis, most knowledgeable and scholarly. Although you appear like five year old boys, you are the senior-most saintly persons. You always reside in Vaikuntha and engage in chanting the holy names. You are always intoxicated with the nectar of Lord Hari’s pastimes, which are your only sustenance.20

( 20. These are the characteristics of a bona fide spiritual master. )

Kumaras are always chanting the mantra harih saranam

You are always chanting the mantra harih saranam and therefore old age, which is caused by the influence of time, does not approach you. Previously, just by the flick of your eyebrows, you whirled Lord Visnu’s gatekeepers, Jaya and Vijaya down to this earth.21

( 21. This story is in the Third Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. )
Please reveal that process which the voice in the sky directed

Later they were reinstated by your mercy. I am most lowly and I feel most fortunate to have your darsana. You are very merciful so kindly bestow your mercy on me. Please reveal that process which the voice in the sky directed me to learn from saintly people. Please explain in detail how to follow that path. How can Bhakti, Jnana and Vairagya become happy? How can they be established in all classes of men?”

The solution is simple

The Kumaras replied, “O sage, Narada Muni, abandon your anxiety and be happy for the solution is simple. O Narada, glorious crest-jewel among the renunciates, you are the guide of those who walk the path of devotion, indeed you are the sun of bhakti-yoga. It is not very surprising that you have undergone this great endeavour for the sake of Bhakti. It is certainly appropriate for a devotee of the Lord to properly establish Bhakti.22 ( 22. This is the duty of every devotee of the Lord. )

We know the procedure the voice in the sky referred

Various sages have propagated many paths, but they are all troublesome and generally can only elevate one to the heavenly planets. Until now, the process by which one can attain the original Personality of Godhead has remained concealed, and it is rare to find one who knows this practice. We know the procedure the voice in the sky referred to and we will explain it to you.23

( 23. A guru is able to dispel all the doubts of his disciple. )

Jnana-yajna, or the sacrifice of knowledge, is the path of liberation

Please hear with an attentive mind. O Narada, sacrifice of material objects, penance, yoga, meditation, study of the Vedas and the path of knowledge, generally only lead toward fruitive activities and grant residence in the heavenly planets. Scholars have said that only jnana-yajna, or the sacrifice of knowledge, is the path of liberation.24

( 24. Here the term ‘knowledge’ is non different from devotion. Knowledge related to the Personality of Godhead is one aspect of bhakti. )

Just by hearing the words of Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhakti, Jnana and Vairagya will be nourished.

This constitutes the study of the Srimad Bhagavatam which has been sung by great personalities like Sukadeva Gosvami. Just by hearing the words of Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhakti, Jnana and Vairagya will be nourished. This will relieve the misery of Jnana and Vairagya and will make Bhakti blissful. As when a lion roars, wolves flee in fear, so merely by the sound of Srimad Bhagavatam, all the vicious qualities of Kali-yuga are destroyed. Bhakti is the flow of love of God and along with Jnana and Vairagya will enter every house and dance in the heart of every living being.”

Narada Munis doubt

Sri Narada said. “I have tried to awaken Jnana and Vairagya by chanting the Vedas, Upanisads and Bhagavad-gita with no success. How is it possible that they will re revived by hearing Srimad Bhagavatam?25

( 25. A disciple should present his doubts to his guru submissively. If he is arrogant a saintly person is not obliged to give the treasure of his knowledge to such an unqualified disciple. )

Story: Fox hunter and king

Please remove my doubt without delay

After all Srimad Bhagavatam is nothing more than the essence of the Vedas. Your darsana never goes in vain and you always protect those who surrender to you, please, therefore, remove my doubt with delay.”

Srimad Bhagavatam is the fruit of the tree of Vedic literature

The Kumaras said: “It is a fact that Srimad Bhagavatam is the essence of the Vedas and Upanisads,26 but it is the fruit of the tree of Vedic literature, it is superior.

( 26. The Vedas and Itihasas mainly deal in dharma, artha, kama and moksa, but the Srimad Bhagavatam speaks only of pure devotional service to the Supreme Lord, Krsna. )

Story: Narada who appear to Vyasa after has compiled all Vedic literature

Essence of Srimad Bhagavatam hidden

The vital fluid of the tree is spread from the root to the tip though it cannot be tasted. When that same fluid accumulates in the fruit however, it tastes very delicious.

Similarly, ghee, which is relishable even to the demigods, is spread throughout cow’s milk, but it cannot be savoured until it is extracted.

Sugar also exists throughout the cane, yet when extracted, it becomes more succulent.

The same applies to the pastimes depicted in Srimad Bhagavatam, which is equal to the Vedas.
You spoke the message of the Bhagavatam in just four verses to Vedavyasa

Srila Vyasadeva has propagated it to establish bhakti, jnana and vairagya.

Once Srila Vyasadeva, who knows the essence of all the Vedas and Upanisads, and is the compiler of the Bhagavad-gita felt dejected and was drowning in an ocean of confusion.

At that time you spoke the message of the Bhagavatam in just four verses. Upon hearing these verses Vyasa was freed from his lamentation. So why are you doubtful and astonished by this?

Recite Srimad Bhagavatam to Jnana and Vairagya

Recite Srimad Bhagavatam to Jnana and Vairagya and their lamentation and misery will be destroyed.”

You are always drinking the nectar of Srimad Bhagavatam

Narada said, “O saintly people, your darsana immediately shatters all the sins of the living entities and brings solace to those being scorched by the fire of material misery. You are always drinking the nectar of Srimad Bhagavatam, which you heard from Lord Sesa.

I have taken shelter of you for the purpose of preaching the message of bhakti, which is characterised by love of God.

Rear association of saintly persons
Only one who has performed greatly pious acts27 for many millions of lifetimes may achieve the association of saintly persons like yourselves and thus get completely free from ignorance caused by material delusion and pride. He then becomes established in proper discrimination.”

( 27. The pious acts mentioned here are those related to devotion such as offering charity to a devotee. )

Story: Narada Muni and brother of Ambharish Maharaja
Chapter Three
Bhakti’s Distress is Dispelled

Sri Narada ask where this yajna should be performed

Sri Narada said, “To establish bhakti, jnana and vairagya, I will perform a jnana-yajna by reciting the Srimad Bhagavatam as was spoken by Sri Sukadeva Gosvami. Please explain where this yajna should be performed. You are the knower of the Vedas, therefore please explain the glories of the Srimad Bhagavatam as spoken by Sri Sukadeva Gosvami. Also please explain the proper procedure and duration for the recitation.”

The Kumaras replied
The Kumaras replied, “O Narada, you are very humble and discriminating.1

( 1. Knowledge comes to a humble and discriminate person.)

Go on the bank of Ganges in Haridvar at place called Ananda

We will explain everything to you, so kindly hear from us. Near Haridvara there is a bathing place or ghata on the bank of Ganges called Ananda.2

( 2. Haridvara means the gateway to Lord Hari, and Ananda means bliss. Bliss is in the vicinity of the Lord. Going to Haridvara means becoming favourable to the Lord and giving up the atheistic mentality. In this mood the Bhagavatam reciter will taste bliss. )

Many saintly persons reside there and demigods and perfected beings visit frequently. The place abounds with various types of trees and creepers and the sand is soft and appealing. The beautiful ghata decorates a solitary point on the river.3

Bath one’s mind with beautiful thoughts of Lord Hari

( 3. One should bath one’s mind with beautiful thoughts of Lord Hari. The Ganges represents the flow of transcendental knowledge. “Solitary place” means the absence of improper association. )

In transcendental knowledge he gets free from envy and material attachment.

The fragrance of lotus flowers fills the air and lions and tigers dwell with no animosity toward other animals.4

( 4. When one is in transcendental knowledge he gets free from envy and material attachment. )

By the sound of Bhagavatam they will become young and energetic

Go there and effortlessly start this jnana-yajna, for by the medium of this katha, a novel rasa will become manifest. You will see Bhakti appear along with Jnana and Vairagya, who have become decrepit. Wherever there is recitation of Srimad Bhagavatam, bhakti, jnana and vairagya automatically become manifest. By the sound of Bhagavatam they will become young and energetic.”5

( 5. Sound, or sabda pramana, is the only means to acquire transcendental knowledge.)
Everyone came in haste to drink the nectar
Sri Suta Gosvami said, “After saying this, the Kumaras, desiring to drink the nectar of Srimad Bhagavatam, arrived at the bank of the Ganges, along with Narada.

The news spread all over the earth and throughout the three planetary systems. Those devotees who harboured any taste for hearing the Lord’s pastimes, came in haste to drink the nectar.

Sage like Bhrgu, Vasistha, Cyavana, Gautama, Medhatithi, Devala, Devarata, Parasurama, Visvamitra, Sakala, Markandeya, Dattatreya, Pippalada, Vyasa, Parasara, Chayasuka, Jajali, Jahnu, and all such great saintly persons arrived there along with their family members and disciples.

Besides them, the Vedas, the Upanisads, Mantra, Tantra, the seventeen Puranas and the six philosophical systems came in their personified forms.

Sacred rivers like the Ganges, sacred ponds like Puskara, holy ksetras like Kuruksetra, sanctified forests like Dandaka, all the directions, majestic mountains like the Himalayas, the demigods, Gandharvas, and even Danavas came there to hear hari-katha.

Those who were not inclined to come out of excessive pride, were brought by the great sage Bhrgu who had expertly convinced them.

The Kumaras then sat on a beautiful seat offered by Sri Narada and resolved themselves to recite Srimad Bhagavatam.

In the front of the audience sat Vaisnavas, renunciants, brahmacaris, and Sri Narada Muni sat in front of them.

On the one side sat the sages and on the other the demigods.

One place hosted the Vedas and Upanisads, and another the holy places.

In yet another place sat the women, while all around could be heard, “All glories! All glories!”
As conches resounded and people decorated each other with coloured powder and flowers. Some demigods alighted from their airplanes and from the sky others showered flowers on the audience.”
The Kumaras began reciting the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam – everyone sat with an attentive mind

Suta Gosvami said, “In this way the worship was performed and then everyone sat with an attentive mind. The Kumaras began reciting the glories of Srimad Bhagavatam before the sage Narada. “Now we will describe the glories of Bhagavatam, which by hearing, one attains liberation.

One should always hear Srimad Bhagavatam, for just by doing so, the Lord sits in one’s heart. Bhagavatam has 18 000 verses in twelve cantos and is a dialogue between Sri Sukadeva and King Pariksita.6

Devi-bhagavatam

( 6. Some scholars propose that Bhagavatam refers to the Devi-bhagavatam, which also has 18 000 verses and twelve cantos, but this statement soundly defeats their claim because the Devi-bhagavatam was not spoke by Sri Sukadeva Gosvami. )

Benefits of hearing Srimad Bhagavatam

The living entity wanders in this world owing to ignorance, until he hears the Bhagavatam Sri Sukadeva Gosvami recited.

Indeed there is no need to hear many scriptures and Puranas as this simply causes confusion.

Srimad Bhagavatam alone is sufficient to grant liberation.

That house where Bhagavatam is recited daily becomes a holy place and those who reside there become free from all sins.

Thousands of horse sacrifices and hundreds Vajapeya sacrifices cannot compare to one sixteenth of the benefit of hearing Srimad Bhagavatam.

O sages, sins reside in a person’s body only until he properly hears Srimad Bhagavatam.

The benefits offered by the Ganges, Gaya, Kasi, Puskara, or Prayaga cannot compare to those derived from hearing the Bhagavatam.

If you at all desire the supreme destination, then you should daily recite at least one half, or even on fourth of a Srimad Bhagavatam sloka.

There is no difference between Omkara, Gayatri Mantra, Purusa-sukta, the three Vedas, Srimad Bhagavatam, the twelve syllable mantra, the twelve features of the sun god, Prayaga, Kala which manifests as a year, brahmana, agnihotra sacrifice, a cow, fasting on ekadasi, Tulasi, spring season and the Personality of Godhead, Krsna.
A person who hears Srimad Bhagavatam day and night and understands its meaning, becomes free from the sins committed in millions of lives. There is no doubt about it.

The person who daily recites even one half or one fourth of a verse of Srimad Bhagavatam gets the benefit of performing the Rajasuya sacrifice (horse sacrifice).

Daily recitation of the Bhagavatam, meditation on the Personality of Godhead, the watering of Tulasi, and rendering service to the cow, are all considered equal.

If a person hears a verse from the Srimad Bhagavatam at the time of death, the Lord becomes pleased and grants him residence in Vaikuntha.

Whoever places the Bhagavatam on a golden throne and donates it to a devotee certainly attains the association of the Personality of Godhead.

A person who does not hear even a part of Srimad Bhagavatam during the whole of his life, lives just like a candala or an ass.

The purpose of his birth is only to give delivery pains to his mother.

A person who has not even heard one verse of the Bhagavatam is very sinful and although living, is actually dead. His life is an utter waste and simply a burden for the earth. This is the statement of Lord Indra, the chief among the demigods.

Indeed it is not very easy to get an opportunity to hear Srimad Bhagavatam. Only a very pious person gets such an opportunity. O Narada, you are very intelligent and the abode of mysticism. Hear this katha with attention. There are no rules restricting the time or date for hearing Bhagavatam.7

One has to use every opportunity to hear Srimad Bhagavatam

( 7. Bhagavatam is transcendental and should be heard whenever one has the opportunity, for a moment passed, never returns. )

Hear Bhagavatam while keeping a vow of celibacy and truthfulness

Considered best is that one should hear Bhagavatam while keeping a vow of celibacy and truthfulness.8

( 8. If one neglects these rules he will not understand the actual message of Srimad Bhagavatam. )

Recommended process of hearing the Bhagavatam in seven days – saptaha sravana

But for the people in Kali-yuga this is very difficult.
Therefore, Sukadeva Gosvami explained a special process for hearing that should be known.

In Kali-yuga the minds of people are always disturbed and thus it is very difficult for them to perform pious activity and follow rules and regulations for a long period.

He has recommended, therefore, a process of hearing the Bhagavatam in seven days, which is called saptaha sravana, or saptaha yajna.

Something is better than nothing

Whatever benefit one derives from hearing Bhagavatam during the month of Magha or anytime, Sukadeva says, that one gets the same benefit by the process of Saptaha. Because people in general are short-lived, always sick, and unable to control their minds, the process of hearing Srimad Bhagavatam in seven days is offered in Kali-yuga.9

( 9. Something is better than nothing, therefore, at least for seven days one should follow the rules and regulations for hearing Srimad Bhagavatam. As far as the devotees are concerned however, ‘seven days’ means everyday just as when people say “I do this seven days a week”, and what they mean is I do this every day of the year. )

Nothing greater then hearing Bhagavatam through the Saptaha Yajna

That benefit which is unattainable through penance, yoga and mystic trance, can be readily attained by properly hearing the Bhagavatam through the process of Saptaha. There is no greater vrata, penance, sacrifice, service to a holy place, meditation, or knowledge than hearing Bhagavatam through the Saptaha Yajna.”

How is it possible that this is a better process of liberation?

Saunaka said, “O Suta Gosvami, you have made very wonderful statements! Certainly Bhagavatam must describe about Lord Krsna, who is the source of Brahma, but how is it possible that this is a better process of liberation then even the path of knowledge?”

Uddhava gita

Suta Gosvami said, “O Saunaka, when Lord Krsna was about to leave this earthly planet to go to His own abode, He spoke the eleventh canto to Uddhava.

Upon hearing it, Uddhava asked, “O Govinda You have fulfilled Your purpose with respect to Your devotees and as You prepare to return to Your abode, there is one doubt in my mind. Please hear it and grant me solace.

Kali-yuga will begin immediately, and various types of vicious qualities will become manifest.

Who will give the earth shelter?

Saintly people will become demonic and the earth will become over burdened.

Then who will give her shelter? O lotus-eyed Lord, but for You, I do not see anyone who can protect the earth. O Lord, You are very dear to Your devotees and merciful to the saintly persons, therefore, please do not leave. O Lord, You appeared here only for the benefit of Your devotees, so how will Your devotees maintain their lives in your separation? To meditate on Your impersonal feature is very miserable, therefore please do something.10

( 10. Worship of impersonal Brahman is very difficult, and more so for the people of Kali-yuga. Therefore, no one should waste valuable and limited life in such a fruitless pursuit. )

Srimad Bhagavatam solution to give shelter to His devotees

“Hearing these words of Uddhava at Prabhasa, the Lord devised a solution to give shelter to His devotees.

O Saunaka, He invested all His power in the Srimad Bhagavatam along with Himself in His unmanifest form.

We should know, therefore, that Srimad Bhagavatam is the personification of the Lord in the form of sound.
Story: Radharani sending Shukadeva to give message to devotees

Hearing Saptaha, therefore, is the correct means to be freed from the clutches of Maya

One who serves, hears, or even sees the Srimad Bhagavatam becomes free from all sin.

In Kali-yuga, therefore, hearing Bhagavata Saptaha is the chief religion and superior to all other means.

In Kali-yuga this is the only principle which removes sin and relieves the misery of unfortunate people.

It gives them the power to conquer lust, anger, and greed. It is very difficult for the demigods to get relief from Maya, so then, how can mortal beings be expected to become free from her?

Hearing Saptaha, therefore, is the correct means to be freed from the clutches of Maya.”11
( 11. This statement is directed to the common man, for if he is instructed to hear Srimad Bhagavatam daily, he will immediately reject the proposal. But after deliberation he may conclude, “If hearing it for only one week has so many wonderful benefits, then why not hear it everyday?” Therefore, Saptaha is a preaching technique for dull people. Moreover, if one submissively hears Srimad Bhagavatam from a pure devotee, he will surely get free from the clutches of Maya. There is no exaggeration in this statement. )

Bhakti appeared along with her two sons chanting
Suta Gosvami said, “O Saunaka, while the Kumaras were explaining the glory of Saptaha to Narada Muni, a very wonderful thing happened in that assembly.

Bhakti appeared along with her two sons, who had now regained their youth.

She was loudly and repeatedly chanting “Sri Krsna! Govinda! Hare! Murare! O Lord Narayana! Vasudeva!

Understanding it and meditating on its meaning is like decorating Bhakti.

All the assembled people saw that Bhakti had become beautiful by wearing the imports of the Srimad Bhagavatam as ornaments.12

( 12. Just hearing Srimad Bhagavatam is devotional service, but understanding it and meditating on its meaning is like decorating Bhakti. )

Bhakti appeared from the import of the Bhagavata-katha

The sages then began discussing how it was that Bhakti had manifested herself in the assembly, from where had she come, and so on.”

The Kumaras then said, “Bhakti has now appeared from the import of the Bhagavata-katha.

Where bhakti can reside with her sons?

Hearing this, Bhakti and her two sons humbly submitted. ‘In Kali-yuga we were almost lost but now you have rejuvenated us. Please explain where we can reside.’

The Kumaras responded, “You award the Personality of Godhead to your devotees, and you sever the bonds of this material world, therefore with great patience and fortitude you should reside in the hearts of the devotees of Lord Krsna. The defects of Kali-yuga may overpower the whole universe but they will not be able to so much as glance at you.”
Bhakti entered the hearts of the Lord’s devotees

Upon hearing the words of the Kumaras, Bhakti entered the hearts of the Lord’s devotees.

The devotees in whose heart Bhakti resides may appear impoverished, but they are most glorious and opulent, because abandoning His own abode, the Lord Himself comes to reside in their heart, being tied by the rope of devotion.

The Bhagavatam is the personification of the Lord on earth and its glory cannot be described in words.

Anyone who hears or recites Bhagavatam becomes an associate of the Lord, so what is the purpose of religious principles without it?”

nimna-ganam yatha ganga
devanam acyuto yatha
vaisnavanam yatha sambhuh
purananam idam tatha

Just as the Ganga is the greatest of all rivers, Lord Acyuta the supreme among deities and Lord Sambhu (Siva) the greatest of Vaishnavas, so Srimad Bhagavatam is the greatest of all Puranas.
(Srimad Bhagavatam 12.13.16)