Bhagavatam (Skanda 1, Chapter 5, Slokas 16-23)

By Anil Hattangadi (Recap given by Sreelatha on 5 Dec ‘02)

The main theme of this chapter is Vyasa’s unrest after writing Mahabharata. We heard how Naradji instructs Sage Vyasa to compose Bhagavatam expounding only the greatness of Vasudeva.

In Slokas 15 to 23, Nadada continues to explain the purpose of Bhagavatam and about Supremacy of Bhakti. The glories of Lord or Bhagavatam should reach every person who is the slave of the three Gunas. Living in this material world thinking ourselves as the creator, destroyer and sustainer, we have forgotten our real nature. Keeping the Lord in center, even if one befalls from his Swadharma, will attain the ultimate. So a wiseman or a true knowledgeable person will see the Lord in every being without any ego. A true devotee will never be entangled in this Samsara. Our deity should see us instead of we see the deity. Even if we forget Him, He is always there within us, watching, guiding and protecting us like a mother. Like a magnet attracting and holding an iron piece, those who are attracted by the Lord will constantly attach to Him by his memory. This Universe is none than the Lord who is responsible for creation, sustenance and destruction who acts as a Sakshi.

So Naradji instructs Sage Vyasa to describe the Bhagavatam at full length. Whatever we do, whether it is a sacrifice, performance, austerity or recitation of the Vedas, it should give us enlightenment about the glories of the Lord.