Srimad Bhagavata Mahapuranam With Three Commentaries- Skandha VII

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To achieve this, there are four types of yogas, viz. Karma, Bhakti, Dhyana and Jnana; paths of selfless work, devotion, meditation and knowledge.

In this Kaliyuga, Bhakti yoga is the easiest path to achieve liberation. Bhakti Yoga is explained in many scriptures, like Vedas, Bhagavad-Gita etc. But Srimad bhagavatam written by sage Vedavyasa is considered to be the foremost of all the scriptures which explain Bhakti Yoga. In the beginning of Kaliyuga, this Srimad Bhagavatam, was taught to Parikshit, the descendant of Pandava race, by sage Suka.

Stories of various devotees were narrated in the Bhagavata. Prahlada is the pre- eminent of all such devotees. Though he was born in the Rakshasa clan, he earned the limitless grace of Lord due to his intense devotion. The story of Prahlad a is presented excellently in the seventh Skandha of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Sri Bhagavatham Project was established by the T.T.Devasthanams to bring out the critical edition of this epic. This edition is prepared with three commentaries pertaining to three systems of philosophy viz. Dvaita, Advaita and Visistadvaita.

The editing of this work is over and printing is in progress. Four volumes have so far been released. Two volumes are in the final stage of printing.

This volume is the 7th Skandha of Srimad bhagavatam. Late Dr. N.C.V. Narasimhacharya, an eminent scholar and recipient of the President's award, was the chief editor of this volume.

We are happy to present this volume to the devotees and do hope they would welcome it whole-heartedly.

The King Parikshit left his mortal body bitten by the serpent Takshaka having been cursed by Srungi. One should not treat this story as merely, applying to Parikshith.

Kalasarpa bites one and all. Protection from this serpent, is only through the hearing Bhagavata explained by Suka.

The story of Prahlada is narrated in the 7th Skandha of Sri mad Bhagavata. Prahlada, Narada, Parasara, Pundarika, Vyasa, Ambarisha, Suka, Sounaka, Bhishma, Dalbhya, Rukmangada, Arjuna, Vasistha and Vibhishana etc. are considered to be Parama Bhagavatas i.e. the most eminent of devotees.

In this list of devotees, Prahlada occupies the first place. Though Narada is his teacher, he is counted as the second one. We can, therefore, understand how great a devotee Prahlada was. Prahlada says that the Bhakti is of nine kinds: 1. Hearing the story or praise of God.

2. Singing His praises.

3. Remembering and chanting His name.

4. Serving His feet.

5. Worshipping Him.

6. Bowing to Him.

7. Ministering to His glory

8. Befriending Him and 9. 'Self-surrender to Him.

The following devotees represent each of the nine forms of devotion, respectively.

They are 1. Parikshit 2. Suka 3. Prahlada 4. Lakshmi 5. Emperor Pruthu 6. Akrura 7. Hanuman 8. Arjuna and 9. Emperor Bali.

The story of Prahlada who represents the Smarana type of Bhakti is vividly and beautifully presented in the 7th Skandha of Bhagavata. Prahlada's teachings imparted to his class-mates in the absence of their guru are full of profound philosophical content. Prahlada taught as follows: "A man's full age is 100 years. He who has no control over his senses and full of tamas spends half of his time wastefully by way of sleep - during nights.

Twenty years are wasted by way of play during his childhood. Another twenty years are spent in his old age, inflicted by disease and unable to do anything worthy. The remaining years are spent in sensual pleasures infatuated by strong unhealthy desires. Those who have not acquired control over their senses do not try to relieve them- selves from these strong worldly attachments."

The famous poet Bhartruhari also expressed similar ideas in his Vairagya Sataka.

Therefore, the spiritual content in the story of Prahl ad a is to be understood by everyone and practised.

In the ten incarnations of the Lord, the fourth incarnation of Narasimha is also described in this Skandha, as it was intended to protect Prahlada. Bhagavata which is full of stories of devotees like Prahlada and the Lord and is analogous to Veda is to be studied, assimilated and practised by not only Indians but also people of the whole world.

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 the 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. Venkataramaiah and 3. Sriman Varada Rajan, who deserve the gratitude of the readers.

The research assistants, namely Sri S.B.S. Bhattacharya, Smt. S. Poornavalli and Dr. S. Dasaratha also deserves our commendation. Sri I. 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