Srimad Bhagavata Mahapuranam With Three Commentaries (An Old and Rare Book)

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Puranas playa very prominent role in explaining the meaning of the holy Vedas. They contain beautiful stories, through which the purport of the Vedas is amply brought out.

There are 18 Puranas, authored by Sri Vedavyasa, who also wrote Mahabharata to spread Dharma. Even after writing Mahabharata and other puranas, he could gain no mental peace. therefore, as per the advice of sage Narada, he composed Srimad Bhagavata, which has become highly popular throughout the country.

There are many commentaries on Bhagavata, amongst which, the commentaries explaining the Advaita, Visistadvaita and Dwaita traditions are very famous. They were written by Sridharacharya, Sri Veera Raghavacharya and Sri Vijayadhwaja Teertha, re- spectively.

T.T.D. established Sri Bhagavatha Project with the intention of publishing the edited text and the above commentaries. Editing of the whole work has been completed and the printing is now under progress. This is the ninth skandha of Srimad Bhagavata. Late Sriman N.C.V. Narasimhacharya, the well known Sanskrit Scholar and recipient of President's award, prepared this critical edition, with meticulous care. He deserves our gratitude.

We hope the readers as well as educational institutions would utilize this book, thereby making the efforts of the TTD fruitful.

Similarly, Nahusha, Yayati, Gadhi, Dushyanta, Bharata, Ranti Deva etc. were born in the Lunar dynasty in which, Lord Sri Krishna, considered to be paripurnavatara. was also born.

An account of Parasurama one of the other Avataras is also given in this Skandha. Vamsa and Vamsanucharita are part of the five characteristics of the Puranas. These two are explained elaborately in this skandha. There are many kings, endowed with special virtues like worshipping the Lord, knowledge of Vedas and truthfulness whose history is described in this skandha.

Srimad Bhagavatam contains ten characteristics like Sarga and Visarga. Isanukatha is one of them, which is described prominently by way of narrating the events related to’ . Avataras of the Lord.

The stories of Maharishi, Soubhari and Yayati etc. are beautifully described in this book.

Maharishi was the son of Nabhaga. His devotion towards Maha - Vishnu knew no bounds, by which the ego and~ pride of the sage Durwasa were curtailed. Vyasa describes the deep devotion of Maharishi in the verses 18 to 20 of the 4th chapter of this skandha.

He says that Maharishi utilized every part of his body constantly in the service of the Lord. That's why Lord Maha Vishnu protected' Maharishi from the fury of sage Durwasa.

When purwasa approached Lord Vishnu for protection, Maha Vishnu said, "I am' in the hands of my devotees, My heart is entirely occupied by them. I am fond of my devotees, they are my very heart, and I am theirs. They know nothing except Me. I know nothing 'except them". (Bhagavatam 9-4-63, 68) In this way the greatness of the devotees and the affection of the Lord towards them were described aptly.

The story of Soubhari also is very interesting. After witnessing the amorous play of the male fish in the river Yamuna, he wishes to marry and lead similar happy life of a house holder. After becoming a hoarse-holder and a father of many children, he gets disillusioned with his life and declares that one should not be attached to samsara; and should have control over his senses and has to resort to meditate solitarily. (Bhagavatam 9-6-51) The story of Yayati is also similar. He enjoys material pleasures for a long time and gets vexed in the end. He says "Carnal desires cannot be wiped out by enjoying them.

They increase like fire with the ghee". (Bhagavatam 9-19-14) In this manner, in the 9th Skandha of Srimad Bhagavata, the transiency of the sense pleasures, the value of non-attachment and devotion are brought out effectively.

The other details about the text and the three commentaries included in it are al- ready given, in the introduction of the first Skandha itself.

This Skandha was edited by well-known Sanskrit Scholar, recipient of President's award, and Our Guru, Sriman Dr. N.C.V. Narasimhacharya Swami. He reached Lotus feet of the Lord, even before the publication of this book.

The scholars who assisted in preparing this edition are: 1. Sriman K.C. Jayachandra ; Sastri, 2. Sriman U. Venkatramaiah and 3. Sriman Varada Rajan, who deserve the- gratitude of the readers.

The research assistants, namely Sri S.B.S. Bhattacharya, Dr. S.Poornavalli and Dr. S. Dasaratha also deserve our commendation. Sri 1. Venkateswara Rao and others who helped immensely in proof reading of the work also deserve our gratitude. Sri Ajeya Kallam, lAS, the revered Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams and Dr. Medasani Mohan, the Director of Annamacharya project and other members of the Advisory committee of the Bhagavata project are offered our deep gratitude for their keen interest and co-operation in bringing out this edition.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages