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Category Archives: Chapters from Srimad Bhagavatham
Chapter 1 . Vrishni clan put under spell of curse
The first chapter opens with Sri Suka briefly mentioning atrocities commited by the Kauravas on the Pandavas and the resultant Mahabharatha war as willed by the Supreme Lord to lessen the burden of the earth. When Sri Suka mentions about the curse wrought on the Vrishnis as willed by the Lord, King Parikshit wonders how a clan such as Vrisnis devoted to the Lord could come under a curse. Details are then given on the insolent behaviour of Samba and the resultant curse from the Sages. The curse runs its curse only in Chapter 30.
Chapter 2. Vasudeva’s query to Narada on Bhagavatha Dharma and Narada’s narration of instruction by nine yogis to King Nimi – instruction by Kavi and Hari
In the second chapter Sri Suka reports of a casual visit of Narada to Dwarka where he visits Vasudeva and in turn is requested by Vasudeva to be instructed in the Bhagavatha Dharma or devotional duties through which mortal beings could be rid of all fear. By way of answer, Narada narrates the instructions of the nine yogis (sons of Rishabha and descendants of Priyavrita) to King Nimi at a Brahma Satra which is a prolonged sacrifical festival of scriptural discussion.
Chapter 3. Instructions by Anthariksha – true nature of Maya – the deluding potency of Lord Vishnu. Prabhuddha on how one could easily get over Maya. Pippalayana on the real nature of Paramatma. Avirhotra on yoga of action (karma yoga)
In the third chapter, King Nimi enquires about the true nature of Maya, the deluding potency of Supreme Lord Vishnu. The answer is provided by the third of the yogis viz Anthariksha.
Chapter 4. Drumila on various descents and deeds of Sri Hari – past, present and future
In the fourth chapter, King Nimi enquires about the various deeds of Sri Hari in various incarnations, past, present and future. The answer is provided by the seventh yogi viz Drumila. It may perhaps be possible with great difficulty in the course of a long period to exhaust counting the particles of dust on the earth, but not the glory of the Infinite Being, who is the home of all powers and majesties.
Chapter 5. Chamasa on fate of non-devotees, Karabhajana on different forms of the Lord and rites for worship prescribed in different yugas
In the fifth chapter King Nimi enquires about the fate of those who are non-devotees of the Lord and of those whose desires are not satiated and whose mind and senses are uncontrolled. The answer is provided by the eighth yogi Chamasa.
Chapter 6. Delegation of gods led by Brahma visits Dwarka and requests Sri Krishna to return to His Divine abode – Uddhava approaches Sri Krishna on the eve of departure of Prabhasa.
The sixth chapter deals with the visit of a delegation of all the Gods led by Brahma, including Kumaras, the Maruts, Adityas, Rudras, and Vishwedevas etc to Dwaraka, the opulent city of Sri Krishna to meet the Lord. The meeting starts with a beautiful hymn to Sri Krishna eulogizing Him for his mercies. It ends with a prayer to him to seek His blessings. Pointing out that the main objective of his Avatara has been accomplished, the Gods implore the Lord to return to his Abode.
Chapter 7. Sri Krishna’s instructions to Uddhava – Uddhava Gita – in reply to his queries. Need of preceptor for salvation – avadhuta and story of eight out of twenty-four preceptors.
Beginning with the seventh chapter till chapter twenty-nine, the Lord instructs Uddhava, answering several doubts and questions raised by Uddhava. This part of Srimad Bhagavatham is generally referred to as Uddhava Gita. There is a remarkable resemblance in its content to the Bhagavad-Gita spoken to Arjuna by Sri Krishna in Mahabharat.
Chapter 8. What the avadutha learnt from the nine preceptors.
The gurus from whom the ascetic learnt his lessons,dealt with in this chapter are the python,the ocean, the moth, the black bee, the elephant, the honey gatherer, the deer, the fish and Pingala ,the courtesan.
Chapter 9. What the avadhutha learnt from the remaining seven preceptors.
The gurus from whom the ascetic learnt his lessons, dealt with in this chapter are osprey ( a kind of bird),the infant, the maiden, the forger of arrows, the serpent, the spider and the Bhringa( a kind of wasp).
The Lord concludes the ninth chapter informing Uddhava that listening to the discourse of the Avadhutha, King Yadu rid himself of all attachments and gained steady equilibrium of mind.