SRIMAD-BHAGAVATAM

Srimad-Bhagavatam, an epic philosophical and literary classic, holds a prominent position in India’s voluminous written wisdom. The timeless wisdom of India is expressed in the vedas, ancient sanskrit texts that touch upon all fields of human knowledge. Originally preserved through oral tradition, the vedas were first put into writing by Vyasadeva, “the literary incarnation of God.” After compiling the Vedas, Vyasadeva was inspired by his spiritual master to present their profound essence in the form of Srimad-Bhagavatam. Known as “the ripened fruit of the tree of vedic literature,” Srimad-Bhagavatam is the most complete and authoritative exposition of vedic Knowledge.

After writing the Bhagavatam, Vyasadeva taught it to his son, Sukadeva Goswami, who later spoke the Bhagavatam to Maharaja Pariksit in an assembly of sages on the banks of the sacred Ganges river. Although Maharaja Pariksit was a great rajarsi (saintly king) and the Emperor of the World, when he learned that he would die in seven days, he renounced his entire kingdom and retired to the banks of the Ganges to seek spiritual enlightenment.

The questions of King Parïksit and Sukadeva Goswami’s illuminating answers, concerning everything from the nature of the self to the origin of the universe, are the basis of Srimad-Bhagavatam.

This edition of Bhagavatam is the only complete english translation with an elaborate and scholarly commentary, and it is the first edition widely available to the english-reading public. This work is the product of the scholarly and devotional effort of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the world’s most distinguished teacher of Indian religious and philosophical thought. His sanskrit scholarship and intimate familiarity with vedic culture combine to reveal to the West a magnificent exposition of this important classic.

With its comprehensive system of providing the original sanskrit text, roman transliteration, precise word-for-word equivalents, a lucid english translation and a comprehensive commentary, it will appeal to scholars, students and laymen alike. The entire multi volume text, presented by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, promises to occupy a significant place in the intellectual, cultural and spiritual life of modern man for a long time to come.

REVIEWS ON SRIMAD-BHAGAVATAM

“This is a work to be treasured. No one of whatever faith or philosophical persuasion who reads these books with an open mind can fail to be both moved and impressed….”

Dr. Garry Gelade
Professor of Psychology
Oxford University

“It has been my great pleasure recently to have read the Srimad-Bhagavatam in the superb edition authorized by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada….I am sure this monumental work will go far to bring the sublime message of the Bhagavatam to numerous Westerners who otherwise would miss this opportunity. “

Dr. Alex Wayman
Professor of Sanskrit, Columbia University

“The Srimad-Bhagavatam is extremely useful for all those interested in ancient India, whether their interest be that of the philosopher, the student of religion, the historian, the linguist, the sociologist or the political scientist….I truly hope that Srila Prabhupada will complete his translation of the entire Bhagavatam and continue to translate other eminent Sanskrit works as well. Undoubtedly, this work of Swamiji’s is a great contribution to the troubled human society of today’s world.”

Dr. Sooda L. Bhatt
Professor of Indian Languages, Boston University

“The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust editions of famous religious classics of India, with new translations and commentaries, are an important addition to our expanding knowledge of spiritual India. The new edition of the Srimad-Bhagavatam is particularly welcome.”

Dr. John L. Mish
Chief, Oriental Division, New York Public Library

“In the diversity of religious approaches offered by the yogis of India, the most significant, of course, is the way of Krishna consciousness. It is amazing to see how Sri Bhaktivedanta Swami has in less than ten years succeeded, by his personal devotion, untiring energy and efficient direction, in organizing the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Now, he has undertaken the stupendous project of rendering the entire Bhagavata, the great devotional classic of India, into English. His edition is learning blended with devotional feeling and inspired by a definite purpose of communicating the intense Iyrical and devotional quality of the Bhagavata. Srila Prabhupada has done an excellent service by his able rendition of ‘the abode of divine joy’ that the Bhagavata is.”

Dr. Mahesh Mehta, Professor of Asian Studies
University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada

“It is axiomatic that no book can be expected entirely to satisfy all its potential readers. Here is one, however, which can be said to come remarkably close to that ideal….we have here the ideal of what an edition of a Sanskrit text for a Western audience should be.”

Dr. R. E. Asher
Professor of Linguistics, University of Edinburgh

“…For those who have no access to the Sanskrit language, these books convey, in superb manner, the message of the Bhagavatam. In addition to being a scholarly work, it directly reflects the spiritual aspirations of a religious community which has gained considerable popularity in modern America.”

Dr. Alaka Hejib
Department of Sanskrit and Indian Studies, Harvard University

“Srimad-Bhagavatam is a valuable source material and cannot but be attractive to serious students and scholars of religion and philosophy. I recommend this series, to anyone, as an important and useful reference work.”

Dr. C. P. Agrawal, Chairwoman
Department of Humanities, University of Michigan