An Introduction to Srimad Bhagavatam
Everyone is searching after happiness and so many technological and medical advancements bear witness to this fact. Human beings want to be ever happy and avoid miseries and pains using science. Yet the modern world has seen less peace and happiness of mind. Our true self is being hidden by all the designations that are prominent in our lives. Srimad Bhagavatam is a such a literature which, at the very outset enquires into this question of not mere happiness, but the complete satisfaction of our true self. Even if one reads a little portion of Srimad Bhagavatam or merely keeps the Bhagavatam at home, there is complete auspiciousness. As the Skanda Purana states “O Brahmana Narada, in Kali-yuga wherever the scripture Bhagavatam is present, there Lord Hari will go, along with the thirty principal demigods.” More over, “Any human being who daily reads with devotion even one verse of the Bhagavatam, O Sage, will obtain the benefits of studying all eighteen Puranas.”
How this great literature, meant for the complete enlightenment and satisfaction of every human being came about is a fascinating anecdote. Srila Vyasadeva was dissatisfied at heart, even after compiling Vedas, Puranas and Upanishads. His preceptor Sri Narada Muni requested him to write about narrations of the Divine that act as a balm to soothe the soul. Sri Vyasa Deva then compiled this famous literature. Desiring to benefit all the mankind, he carefully selected the incidents, events and adventures from the yore and presented them in a systematic and appealing way.
These stories give the reader the insights into many topics such as the working of universe along with one’s own position within that universe.
Due to the tireless efforts of the modern-day saint, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami who translated this great literature into English, it has become easy to get access to. The beautiful words and the stunning artworks are presented in a lavishly bound bookset consisting of eighteen volumes. We can say with complete certainty, the small price you will pay to get these priceless books, will give the complete happiness, joy and the deep meaning of life that human being has been seeking for eons.
