Human body is a machine and Vedas are the manual that God provides us with this machine. Human life if regulated according to the Vedas leads to the ultimate bliss. Srimad Bhagwatam, and all other religious texts that we receive directly from God or His authorized representative are the heritage of the entire human civilization. No single person or community has proprietorship over them. In this article we will read in detail about – How did Srimad Bhagwatam originate? What is the significance of Srimad Bhagavatam?

Why Is Srimad Bhagavtam Such A Special Vedic Scripture? 

If the vast network of Vedic literature as explained above is considered as a tree, then the fruit of that tree is knowledge, once that fruit matures it becomes sweet. Srimad Bhagwatam is that matured fruit of Vedic Knowledge. The most secret and sophisticated topics of spiritual science are explained very sweetly in Srimad Bhagavatam. Srimad Bhagvatam is also known as Bhagavta Purana.

To understand the etymology of Srimad Bhagavatam let’s consider each word individually.

• Sri means Goddess of Fortune / Wealth or Opulence,
• Mad can be translated as Belief or Faith.
• The word Bhagavat or Bhagavatam means a faithful devotee of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Bhagavan.
• Purana refers to ancient history.

Hence, the title Srimad Bhagavatam Purana can be understood as

“History of those who possess the wealth of Faith in the Supreme Personality of God.”

 

What is written in Srimad Bhagavatam?

The contents of Srimad Bhagavatam are very vast, yet, they are intended to drive only one point into our subconscious mind – Always remember Lord Shri Krishna, Never forget Lord Shri Krishna. To underscore this principle of human life Srimad Bhagvatam contains numerous historical accounts of Lord Shri Krishna and His Devotees. In other words we can say that Srimad Bhagvatam is all about Bhagwan, Bhakti and Bhakta.

From the point of view of spiritual life, the Srimad Bhagvatam contains sufficient information about all walks of life be it politics, family ties, magic, astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, romance, friendship, mathematics, etc. I would like to clarify here that although Srimad Bhagvatam is a spiritual book, all the topics concerning our life are dealt with in great detail. The reason for such detailed logical explanations is two fold. On one hand they satisfy the curiosity of one’s mind and on the other hand they help us to see the Hand of God in all the activities around us.

 

Srimad Bhagvatam comprises 18000 verses or Slokas. These are organized into 12 volumes (Skandhas) and 332 chapters. The most widely read edition of Srimad Bhagvatam can be found here to read online or you can get a hard copy from here. 

Who Should Read Srimad Bhagavatam?

Srimad Bhagvatam is a sublime literature. It has a holistic spiritual outlook. A person who has firm faith in the existence of God would derive much pleasure by reading this priceless work of Spiritual literature. 

Srimad Bhagvatam has been attributed as an incarnation of Supreme Personality of Godhead in the form of literature. Therefore, when a person reads Srimad Bhagvatam, they execute service to God. A person who is yet to receive the gift of faith in God would immensely benefit by performing this service and further develop faith in the Almighty.