Srimad Bhagavatam

883 Pages·2012·3.37 MB·English

by  Kamala Subramaniam

SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM

By

Kamala Subramaniam

©All Rights Reserved

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
Kulapati Munshi Marg

Mumbai 400 007

1st Print Edition: 1979
2nd Print Edition: 1981
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Kindle Edition: 2016

PRINTED IN INDIA

Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan,

Mumbai 7.

Let noble thoughts come to us from every side

-Rigveda 1-89-i

SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM

By

Kamala Subramaniam

2016

BHARATIYA VIDYA BHAVAN

Kulapati K. M. Munshi Marg,

Mumbai 400 007

FOREWORD

This is a summarised version of the Mahapurana Srimad Bhagavatam written by
Smt. Kamala Subramaniam. Earlier Smt. Subramaniam had brought out a
condensed version of the great epic Mahabharata also which became very
popular and was highly valued by the society at large.

While summarising the Mahapurana, Smt. Subramaniam has omitted only the
ornamentations and decorations, usual in all Sanskrit literature. She has
uncompromisingly kept intact the solid hard core of the Mahapurana. Not only
she has taken no liberty with the essentials of this sacred book, but in fact has
brought them out more prominently in a language which is as simple as it is
appealing. The readers of this sacred book will thus derive great spiritual benefit
not confined to the Hindu society alone but also to mankind outside the Hindu
fold.

While studying the Kathas - the stories of the great personalities and of the
avataras and the parables - the reader as he reads the passages should amply
digest them to know the true purport of the suggestions, the lessons and the
indications behind them. These are not just embellishments. They have a deep
meaning under the surface. Attentive study of these shall spiritually inspire the
reader more than the Kathas themselves.

It is not my desire not it is desirable to make any comments on the content and
object of this Mahapurana. Such an effort on my part shall deprive the reader
from drinking the joyful nectar which the original text contains in an adequate
measure. Let the reader read the summarised version and if attracted also the
unabridged Grantha, digest and reflect and draw inspiration therefrom to mould
his life and achieve the spiritual bliss and tranquility which is the ultimate goal
of all the pilgrims of life — the Jeevan Yatra.

The story goes that even after composing the Mahabharata Vyasa was not
completely happy. On relating his dissatisfaction to the sage Narada, Vyasa was
told that his restlessness was due to the fact that while in Mahabharata he fully
propagated Karma Yoga, he neglected Bhakti Yoga and that he should write
something more in the glory of Narayana, which alone shall give him the full

mental tranquility. It was at this suggestion of the sage Narada that Vyasa
compiled Srimad Bhagavatam.

The general impression that Bhagavatam is purely a Purana of Bhakti Yoga
therefore is not unnatural. But on proper appreciation of the Mahapurana, we
shall discover that while Bhakti does dominate, Jnana and Karma have not been
neglected in Bhagavatam. To put it correctly the Mahapurana is the Sangam —
Confluence — the Triveni of the three streams of Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga and
Jnana Yoga. It is thus the Samanvya, the Samuchhya, of all the three paths.

This Samanvya is beautifully brought out by the Lord in Gita, Chapter IV,
Stanza 10, where he states:

vita-raga-bhaya-krodha man-maya mam upasritah

bahavo jnana-tapasa puta mad-bhavam agatah

"A Karma yogin free from attachment, fear and anger, a Bhakta absorbed in Me,
taking refuge in Me.' a Jnana yogin 'purified by the fire of knowledge' with these
qualifications of Karma yoga, Bhakti yoga and Jnana yoga many have attained
My Beings."

As described in Gita so also in Srimad Bhagavatam this Samanvya finds a
prominent place.

May God bless the readers of this Mahapurana.

My congratulations and Sadhu Vada to Smt. Kamala Subramaniam for this
Punyakarya - a virtuous and meritorious act.

May God bless her.

G.D. BIRLA

PREFACE

Aum Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Some years back, I made an attempt to narrate the story of the Mahabharata. I
must say that I succeeded to an extent in my attempt and the book was published
under the aegis of Kulapati Shri K. M. Munshi.

My thoughts were then turned towards Sri Bhagavatam. To many people the
Bhagavatam signifies only Krishnavatara. In several pravachanas I have heard,
only the tenth canto has been dealt with in great detail and the talk ends
invariably with the wedding of Krishna with Rukmini and that is the end of it.

There are quite a few, however, who are familiar with the ten avataras of the
Lord: Matsya being the first and Kalki, the last. But then, there are many more
avataras - descents - of Lord Narayana down to the earth during the three yugas.
I was eager to tackle this great Purana and try to make young minds familiar
with it.

Right from the beginning one fact was clear. Sri Bhagavatam is entirely different
from Mahabharata. There is continuity in the Mahabharata, in the story, which
makes the narration comparatively easy. On the other hand, the Bhagavatam is
made up of a number of isolated stories, incidents and innumerable episodes.
There is no continuity here to hold the attention of the reader.

I was at a loss as to how I should begin. There are several places where one can
say: "This is the beginning." The Bhagavatam is repeated from mouth to mouth
and it is related to different people by different preceptors. It is a confusing,
tantalising, labyrinth where one easily gets lost. And again, since Bhakti is the
central theme, there are numerous passages where the praises of the Lord are
sung. This is mostly by Brahma who, with the Devas, recites the Purushasukta. I
was afraid that constant repetition would be unwelcome and so I have condensed
some of the prayers and omitted some others altogether. This was unavoidable.

The Bhagavata Purana is made up of ten sections. The first is called sarga. It
comprises the creation of the universe, the mahat and aham tattvas, and the
tanmatras. The manifestation of the Virat Purusha; the creation of living and

nonliving beings by Brahma, Hiranyagarbha, is called visarga. The
establishment of each created being in its proper place by the Lord is called
utkarsha. His Grace which is infinite towards his Bhaktas and which protects
them goes by the name poshana. The narration of the different periods of time
started by different Manus is manvantara. The vasanas following the karmas
performed in the previous janma are called oothi. The stories about the Lord and
his avataras are collectively named ishakatha. The merging of the jivatma with
the paramatma after the yoganidra is called nirodha and the casting away of the
objects of enjoyment and even the desire for them which is naturally followed by
atman becoming one with the Brahma is called mukti. Aabhasa which is creation
and nirodha which is the merging back at the end of Time are all caused by the
ONE which is Eternal: which has no beginning and no end and which cannot be
described by words: that is called aashraya. He is the refuge of everything in the
Universe. The aim of every aspirant is to reach this aashraya and become one
with Him. This is the purpose of all tapas, of all yogas and THAT is the one
Truth to be realised.

I have enumerated the many sections of the Bhagavata Purana in such detail to
make the reader understand how complex it is and I hope I will be forgiven
when I say that I found it almost impossible to handle all of it.

I decided to take up one of these sections: Ishakatha, touching on the others here
and there. The story of Creation has been related in different places and in
different forms. The foremost of them is when Brahma relates it to Narada. Lord
Narayana Himself had explained it to Brahma and that is the first version of
visarga. Another is when Maitreya learns it from Parasara. Originally Adishesha
or Ananta is said to have taught this to Sanatkumara. Sankhyayana learnt it from
Sanatkumara and taught this to Brihaspati. Brihaspati passed it on to Parasara
from whom Maitreya learnt it and, in his turn, taught this to Vidura.

Considering the complexity of the Purana, and again, considering the fact that
the reader is expected to be already familiar with the many words and
terminologies used in the visarga, it seemed to me that it may not be easy to
follow it at first reading. I have, therefore, related the same in Chapters 279 to
293. It is all quite complicated and I cannot claim that I have been able to do full
justice to the grandeur and sublimity of the subject.

I have tried to begin at the very beginning and find my way through the
confusing, distracting and, at the same time, fascinating wilderness called

Bhagavatam.

Barring the Purushasukta which occurs again and again throughout the Purana
like the refrain of a song or like the hypnotic drone of the tanpura in a musical
concert, I must draw the reader's attention to some beautiful stotras. The first of
them is the adoration of Krishna by Kunti where she says: Vipadah Santunah
Shashvatah—May misfortunate visit us continuously.

There is the worship of Narayana by the child Dhruva and later, the words
spoken by the other child Prahlada in praise of the Lord in the form of
Narasimha.

One of the most beautiful passages in the Purana is the long conversation
between Krishna and Uddhava at almost the end of the book. Part of it I had to
place in the end since it seemed likely to tire the reader at the first reading. This
conversation is almost a re-casting of the Bhagavad Gita. However, I have taken
special care not to condense the Avadhuta Gita which is sublime. As for the
tenth canto which deals entirely with Krishna's childhood I have not omitted
anything. It is not possible to be anything but emotional when one goes through
this particular canto. As for the esoteric significance of several controversial
incidents in the tenth canto, I have not ventured into that field. My work has
been just the narration of the incidents.

Kapila Vasudeva's teachings to his mother Devahuti are in the main book. But
the Sankhya on which Kapila has elaborated has been placed in the end since it
is quite tough. I have tried to elucidate it but I do not know how far I have been
successful in the attempt.

The glossary has been complied with great care. It has become quite voluminous
but it is essential that the meanings of the words should be given or else, for
those not quite familiar with the phraseology of the Purana, it will not be very
easy to follow the narrative.

In spite of these many shortcomings the book may, I hope, be accepted by the
discerning readers who will be tolerant enough to overlook the lapses.

It goes without saying that this is not a literal translation but an attempt to relate
the story of the Lord, of Narayana, and the many forms he donned to establish
Dharma on the earth. Twenty-six is the number of which Kalki is yet to happen.
Krishnavatara is the Poornavatara and to lead the thoughts of the readers

towards these many appearances of the Lord has been my desire and if the
youngsters who read this book become interested enough in the Purana to try
and read it in the original, my purpose will be served.

I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Shri Ghanshyamdas Birla for the interest he has
taken in the book and for the Foreword he has been kind enough to write for it.

KAMALA SUBRAMANIAM

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

FOREWORD
PREFACE

1.
NAIMISHARANYA

2.
THE COMING OF NARADA

3.
THE PREVIOUS BIRTH OF NARADA

4.
THE SEARCH AFTER TRUTH

5.
THE END - WHICH WAS THE BEGINNING

6.
UTTARAYANA

7.
THE SON OF ABHIMANYU

8.
KRISHNA TAKES LEAVE OF KUNTI

9.
YUDHISHTIRA PERFORMS ASHVAMEDHA

10.
VIDHURA LAYS DOWN HIS BOW

11.
VIDHURA'S RETURN AFTER THE WAR

12.
THE END OF DHRITARASHTRA

13.
NARADA'S VISIT TO HASTINA

14.
ARJUNA COMES BACK FROM DWARAKA

15.
THE COW AND THE LAME BULL

16.
THE HAUNTS OF KALI

17.
SHRINGI'S CURSE

18.
ON THE BANKS OF SACRED GANGA

19.
DHARANA

20.
THE TRAGEDY AT PRABHASA

21.
IN THE BEGINNING

22.
ADI VARAHA

23.
DITI, DAKSHA'S DAUGHTER

24.
THE ARROGANT DOORKEEPERS

25.
THE KILLING OF HIRANYAKSHA

26.
KARDAMA'S PENANCE

27.
THE COMING OF DEVAHUTI

28.
THE IDEAL WIFE

29.
KAPILA'S VASUDEVA

30.
KAPILA AND HIS TEACHINGS

31.
KAPILA'S TEACHINGS II

32.
THE END OF THE DEVAHUTI

33.
YAGNYA, THE SON OF AKUTI

34.
DATTATRAYA

35.
DAKSHA'S ANGER

36.
CONFLICT IN KAILAS

37.
SATI KILLS HERSELF

38.
THE ANGER OF A GOD

39.
A GOD'S FORGIVENESS

40.
A CHILD'S RESOLVE

41.
DHRUVA'S TAPAS

42.
THE CONSTANT STAR

43.
THE BIRTH OF VENA

44.
THE RULE OF VENA

45.
PRITHU, THE GREAT

46.
PRITHU'S ANGER

47.
THE MILKING OF MOTHER EARTH

48.
NINETYNINE ASHVAMEDHAS

49.
KING PRACHINABARHIS

50.
THE STORY OF PURANJANA

51.
THE HAPPY LIFE OF PURANJANA

52.
AVIGNYATA COMES BACK

53.
THE TRUTH UNDERLYING THE STORY

54.
THE ROAD TO FREEDOM

55.
THE PRACHETASA BROTHERS

56.
PRIYAVRATA

57.
PRIYAVRATA'S RULE

58.
THE BIRTH OF RISHABHA

59.
THE TEACHINGS OF RISHABHA

60.
BHARATA, THE HERMIT

61.
BHARATA, THE DEER

62.
JADA BHARATA

63.
BHARATA, THE PALANQUIN-BEARER

64.
BHARATA TEACHES BRAHMA VIDYA

65.
AJAMILA'S DEATH

66.
YAMA EXPLAINS

67.
DAKSHA'S DESCENDANTS

68.
THE BIRTH OF VRITRASURA

69.
INDRA GETS HIS VAJRA

70.
COMBAT BETWEEN INDRA AND VRITRA

71.
THE KILLING OF VRITRA

72.
BRAHMAHATYA PAPA

73.
KING CHITRAKETU

74.
THE DEATH OF THE PRINCE

75.
BRAHMA VIDYA

76.
THE CURSE OF SATI

77.
THE BIRTH OF THE MARUTS

78.
YUDHISHTIRA'S DOUBT

79.
HIRANYAKASHIPU

80.
HIRANYAKASHIPU IS GRANTED A BOON

81.
PRAHLADA, THE SON OF HIRANYA

82.
THE LESSONS WHICH PRAHLADA LEARNT

83.
HOW HE KNEW ABOUT NARAYANA

84.
THE FINAL ENCOUNTER

85.
NARASIMHA

86.
PRAHLADA'S PRAYER

87.
THE ELEPHANT AND THE CROCODILE

88.
LIBERATION

89.
AMRITA MANTHANA

90.
THE CHURNING OF THE OCEAN - KURMA AVATARA

91.
KALAKUTA

92.
THE BIRTH OF LAKSHMI

93.
AMRITA, AT LAST

94.
THE WAR RESUMED

95.
BALI THE POWERFUL

96.
THE BIRTH OF VAMANA

97.
BALI'S YAJNA

98.
"DO NOT GIVE", SAYS SHUKRA

99.
"THREE PACES OF GROUND"

100. BALI KEEPS HIS PROMISE
101. MATSYA AVATARA
102. MARKANDEYA, THE BHARGAVA
103. THE VISION SEEN BY MARKANDEYA

104. SUKANYA
105. NAABHAAKA
106. AMBARISHA
107. KAKUTSTHA AND OTHERS
108. SAGARA AND HIS SONS
109. AMSHUMAN
110. GANGA-BHAGIRATHI
111. KING SAUDASA
112. SRI RAMA
113. THE CHANDRA VAMSA
114. PURURAVAS
115. PARASURAMA
116. KARTAVIRYA, THE HEHAYA
117. VASISHTHA HOSTS THE KING
118. A FRUSTRATED KING
119. KAUSHIKA'S TAPAS
120. KING TRISHANKU OF THE SOLAR RACE
121. TRISHANKU SVARGA
122. SHUNAHSHEPA
123. KAUSHIKA'S LAPSE
124. VISHVAMITRA, THE BRAHMARSHI
125. NAHUSHA
126. THE QUARREL
127. A KING TO THE RESCUE
128. DEVAYANI'S REVENGE
129. YAYATI WEDS DEVAYANI
130. SHARMISHTHA
131. DEVAYANI'S ANGER AND SHUKRA'S CURSE
132. THE SONS OF YAYATI
133. DISSATISFACTION
134. DUSHYANTA
135. SHAKUNTALA
136. THE KING WEDS SHANKUNTALA
137. HER CONFESSION
138. SHANKUNTALA WAITS IN VAIN
139. THE LEAVE-TAKING
140. MOTHER AND SON

141. DUSHYANTA - THE KING
142. THE PENITENT KING
143. RANTIDEVA
144. GANGA AND THE VASUS
145. THE YADAVA LINE
146. ADHARMA IS RAMPANT
147. A VOICE FROM THE HEAVENS
148. SHANKARSHANA
149. THE BIRTH OF KRISHNA
150. KRISHNA IS TAKEN TO GOKULA
151. VISHNUMAYA
152. KAMSA'S CAMPAIGNS
153. HEAVEN ON EARTH
154. PUTANA
155. SHAKATASURA AND TRINAVARTA
156. THE NAMING OF THE CHILDREN
157. KRISHNA'S PRANKS
158. YASHODA SEES A VISION
159. YASHODA TIES UP KRISHNA
160. THE TWIN TRESS IN THE COURTYARD
161. KRISHNA, THE LIFE AND SOUL OF GOKULA
162. A HANDFUL OF ARANYAKA FRUITS
163. FROM GOKULA TO BRINDAVAN
164. VATSA AND BAKA
165. AGHASURA
166. BRAHMA'S DOUBT
167. THE MASQUERADE FOR A YEAR
168. BRAHMA'S CHAGRIN
169. BALARAMA KILLS DHENUKA
170. THE POISONED LAKE
171. KALIYA
172. KALIYA SUBDUED
173. THE FEUD IN RAMANAKA
174. PRALAMBHA
175. THE FOREST FIRE
176. THE RAINY SEASON
177. SHARAD RITU