Chapter 3 – Cessation of Bhakti’s Suffering
Nārada said:
1. With the object of stabilizing Bhakti, Jñāna and Vairāgya, I shall now zealously perform a Jñāna-Yajña (Sacrifice for the spreading of Knowledge) illumined by a reading of Śrimad Bhāgavata (the scripture expounded by the sage Śuka).
2. May the place where I should perform this sacrifice (of Bhāgavata) be pointed out to me. And the importance and glory of this sacred scripture of Śuka be explained by you, the experts in the Vedic lore.
3. Please explain to me, in how many days the story of the Bhāgavata is to be heard, and what are the ritualistic procedures to be followed with reference to this (jñāna- yajña)?
Kumāras explained:
4. Listen, O Nārada! We shall tell you all this, humble and discreet as you are. Near Haridwāra (the gateway of the holy Gaṅgā, so-called because it enters the plains here) on the river bank is a place known by the name of Ānanda.
5. It is inhabited by numerous hosts of Ṛṣis and frequented by gods and Siddhas (who are endowed with mystic powers by their very birth). It is covered with various trees and creepers and overspread with fresh and soft sands.
6. The place is charming (to look at) and situated in a sequestered area. It is (ever) charged with the sweet odour of golden lotuses. Animosity (towards one another) does not abide in the mind of living beings dwelling near that place.
7. A Jñāna-Yajña may be commenced there by you without taking any special pains over it and you will find that the reading of Śrimad Bhāgavata there will be full of unprecedented charm.
Special Note – Why should a Jñāna-Yajña be performed without taking any special pains over it? Answer : Unlike physical yajñas (sacrifices involving elaborate rituals, offerings, and fire oblations), Jñāna Yajña is about listening, studying, and contemplating on divine wisdom, which can be done anywhere and anytime without external complications. A person who is genuinely absorbed in spiritual truths does not feel burdened by the process. Instead, it feels joyful and fulfilling, making it seem effortless.
8. Accompanied in the fore-front by the pair (Jñāna and Vairāgya) which was (formerly) lying before her devoid of strength and with their bodies worn out with old age, Bhakti herself will visit that place, in person.
9. Wherever there is the recitation of the story of the Bhāgavata, Bhakti (Jñāna & Vairāgya) attend to it. Hearing the words of the story (of the Bhāgavata), the triad gets rejuvenated.
Sūta said:
10. Having explained thus (to Nārada), the Kumāra- sages thence hastily accompanied Nārada and arrived at the bank of the holy Gaṅgā, for making people drink the (nectarine) juice of the (Bhāgavata) story.
11. When they reached the bank (of the Gaṅgā), there was a loud uproar on the earth, in the celestial world and in the region of God Brahmā (Satyaloka) as well.
12. All those who were keen to enjoy the taste of the Lord’s stories, and first of all the votaries of Lord Viṣṇu came running to drink the nectar-like story of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata.
13-14. The sages Bhṛgu, Vasiṣṭha, Cyavana, Gautama, Medhātithi, Devala, Devarāta, Paraśurāma, Viśvāmitra (the son of Gādhi), Śākala, Mārkaṇḍeya (the son of Mṛkaṇḍu), Dattātreya (the son of Atri), Pippalāda, Vyāsa and his father Parāśara (both masters of yoga,), Chāyāśuka (Śuka) and all the hosts of sages, the foremost of whom were Jājali and Jahnu, came along with their children, disciples and spouses, as they entertained a deep attachment and longing (to listen to the Bhāgavata).
Special Note – 1.) Bhṛgu {Mānasaputra (mind-born son) of Lord Brahmā & is one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages)}, 2.) Vasiṣṭha {Mānasaputra (mind-born son) of Lord Brahmā, is one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages), he was also the guru of the Ikṣvāku Dynasty (also called as Sūryavaṁśa / solar dynasty), which included kings like Harishchandra, Raghu, Daśaratha, and Lord Rāma (which made him the Guru of Lord Rāma)}, 3.) Cyavana {son of Sage Bhṛgu & a great sage known for his Tapas}, 4.) Gautama {is one of the Saptarishis (Seven Great Sages) & is one of the Ṛṣi of the Rigveda}, 5.) Medhātithi {a sage and an ancient commentator on the Manusmṛti called as Medhātithi Bhāṣya, his commentary provides deeper interpretations of dharma, legal principles and ethical conduct, making it one of the most influential works on the philosophy of law, 6.) Devala {known for his teachings and works in Dharmaśāstra (law), Smṛtis (legal texts), and spiritual philosophy (Sāṁkhya and other Yoga traditions), 7.) Devarāta {also known as Sunasśepa, he was the father of the great sage Yājñavalkya}, 8.) Paraśurāma {warrior-sage and the sixth avatar of lord Vishnu}, 9.) Viśvāmitra {originally born as a powerful king known as Kaushika, he rose to attain the status of a Saptarishi (Seven Great Sages) due to his intense austerities and penance). 10.) Śākala {a Rig vedic sage, who is also attributed to the Śākala Śākhā (branch) of Rig Veda}, 11.) Mārkaṇḍeya {an immortal sage and a great devotee of Lord Shiva, the Mārkaṇḍeya Purana is attributed to this sage which comprises a dialogue between sage Mārkaṇḍeya and sage Jaimini}, 12.) Dattātreya {he was a sage and a deity, as he was considered an avatar of the Trimurti Gods (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), 13.) Pippalāda {powerful sage to whom the Prashna Upanishad is attributed}, 14.) Vyāsa {sage Veda Vyās, the author of the Mahabharata and The Puranas, 15.) Parāśara {grandson of Sage Vasiṣṭha & the father of sage Vyāsa, known for his contributions to astrology and Puranic literature}, 16.) Chāyāśuka {the son of sage Vyāsa, who is said to have been born of a shadow (chāyā) and is revered as an enlightened sage, 17.) Jājali {sage known for his intense tapas (penance)}, 18.) Jahnu {the sage who drank the entire water of the river Ganga, upon the pleas of Bhagiratha and other gods, he released the Ganges from his ear}.
15-16. So there came the upaniṣaḍs and the vedas, Mantras and Tantras, the seventeen Purāṇas and the six Śāstras (systems of philosophy). (There came also) sacred rivers (of whom the Gaṅgā stands first), lakes (of which Puṣkara is the prominent one), holy places (like Kurukṣetra), the four quarters (north, south, east & west), and forests (like the Daṇḍaka), all assembled in a living form.
17. Mountains (like Meru and Himālayas), celestial beings like gods and demigods like Gandharvas and Kinnaras (divine musicians) came there. Sage Bhṛgu, due to his position of being the teacher, advised and brought the remaining persons who failed to come (due to their worldly interests).
18. Invited with due ceremony by Nārada to expound Śrīmad Bhāgavata and greeted by all, the Kumāras (sage Sanaka and his three brothers) who are devoted to Śrī Kṛṣṇa, now occupied the excellent seats offered to them.
19.The devotees of Lord Viṣṇu, those who renounced the world, the Saṃnyāsins (recluses) and the celibates were seated in the front (of all the listeners), and Nārada (being the convener or chief member of the audience) occupied the first (front-most seat).
20. One side was occupied by the host of sages, the other side by the celestial beings. The Vedas and Upaniṣads sat on one side; the (presiding deities of Tīrthas) holy places occupied another side, while the ladies occupied another part.
21. Sounds of victory (Jaya) and sounds of salutations (Namah), and also thus, the sounds of the conch shells, and the scattering of aromatic powder (cūrṇa, used in rituals and celebrations), parched grains of rice, and flowers were abundant.
22. Some leaders of gods ascended their aerial cars and profusely showered all those assembled there with flowers of the wish- yielding (heavenly) trees.
Sūta said:
23. When they were all seated as aforesaid and listening with concentrated minds, the Kumāras began to describe in clear terms the glory of Śrīmad Bhāgavata to the high-souled Nārada as follows.
Kumāras said:
24. We shall now describe to you the great glory of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata (the scripture expounded by the sage Śuka), through the mere hearing of which Liberation (from Saṃsāra) is secured within the palms of one’s hand.
25. One should constantly listen to the story of Śrīmad Bhāgavata (throughout one’s life), for by simply listening to it, Śrī Hari occupies one’s heart (God realization takes place).
26. Listen to the Bhāgavata Purāṇa which work consists of 18,000 verses (Ślokas) and is divided into 12 Skandhas, and forms a dialogue between King Parīkṣit and the sage Śuka.
27. A person revolves on this wheel of transmigration through ignorance only so long as the story of Śrimad Bhāgavata does not enter into their ears (once this wisdom enters into the ears (heart) of a person, liberation is ensured).
28. Of what use are the many Śāstras (scriptures) and Purāṇas listening to which causes nothing but confusion? The Bhāgavata is the only scripture which loudly announces the granting of Liberation from Saṃsāra (by listening to it).
29. That house itself in which Śrimad Bhāgavata is read everyday is actually converted into a sacred place and drives away the sins of those dwelling in it.
30. Thousands of Aśwamedha Yajñas (Horse-sacrifices) and hundreds of Vājapeya sacrifices (for power and sovereignty) do not stand in comparison with the one-sixteenth of the efficacy of reading the story of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata.
31. Oh Sages who regard austerities as your wealth! Sins persist in this body so long as Śrīmad Bhāgavata is not properly listened to by humans.
32. In terms of efficacy (fruit of a Sādhanā), neither the holy Gangā, nor Gayā, nor Kāśī, nor the sacred lake Puṣkara, nor the holy place Prayāga, can bear comparison with a reading of Śrimad Bhāgavata.
33. If you seek the highest destiny (Mokṣa), read even by yourself daily one half of (even) a quarter of a verse of Śrimad Bhāgavata.
34-36. Wise persons knowing the truth as it is, do not desire to distinguish between the sacred syllable OM (the ultimate source of the Vedas), the Gāyatrī (the mother of the Vedas), the Puruṣa sūkta (a hymn mentioned in Ṛg Veda Saṃhitā 10.90 consisting of sixteen Mantras sacred to the Cosmic Person (Puruṣa) and which explains the creation of the universe), the three Vedas (ṚK, Sāma and Yajur), the Bhāgavata, the sacred mantra of twelve syllables (Om Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevāya), the Sun god who appears to assume twelve forms (one per month of the Hindu calendar), the sacredmost place Prayāga, Kāla or the Time spirit represented by one year, Brāhmaṇas, Agnihotra (offering of oblations daily to sacrificial fire—a duty of every householder), Surabhi (the wish-yielding cow), the twelfth day of the dark and bright halves of a lunar month, the Tulasī plant, the season called spring (consisting of months Caitra, and Vaiśākha) and Lord Viṣṇu, the Supreme-Most person.
37. There is absolutely no doubt that the sin committed in millions of previous lives of a person is destroyed completely, if that person every day reads the scripture of the Bhāgavata understanding its import.
38. A person who always reads at least the half or a quarter of a verse from the Bhāgavata everyday attains the combined merits of the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha sacrifices.
39. Reading of the Bhāgavata every day, the practice of meditation on Śrī Hari, watering the Tulasī plant every day, and feeding and service rendered to cows—all these bear equal fruit.
40. To a person who (happens to) hear at least a sentence out of the Bhāgavata at the time of death, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, out of love, offers that person (a place in) Vaikuṇṭha.
41. It is definitely certain that a person who presents the Bhāgavata, placing it on a throne (seat) of gold, to a votary of Śrī Viṣṇu attains the Sāyujya type of Liberation consisting in absorption in Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
42. The fool by whom even a little of the story of Śrimad Bhāgavata is not drunk (heard) with a concentrated mind during their whole lifetime has, alas!, spent their life like a donkey in vain and (only) proved instrumental in causing pangs of childbirth to their mother.
43. That person of sinful deeds by whom not even a few words of Śrimad Bhāgavata (consisting of a discourse of Śri Śuka to Parīkşit) have never been heard in their entire life is depicted as a living corpse. Leaders of the community of gods in heaven speak (of such a person) like this: “Fie upon such a person, who is on a level with the beasts and a veritable burden on the earth !”
44. The story elucidated in the Bhāgavata is certainly very rare (to listen) in this world. It is obtained (heard) as a fruit of the culmination of meritorious actions performed in millions of previous lives.
45. Oh highly intelligent Nārada who are a treasure house of yoga! One should listen to the story of the Bhāgavata with a perfect concentration (of mind). There is no restriction of the number of days within which it should be heard. The hearing of the Bhāgavata is always commended at all times.
46. It is ordained that while hearing the Bhāgavata one should always observe (the vows of) truthfulness and celibacy. But that being impossible in the Kali age, specific observances as laid down by Śuka for this should be known.
47. Since it is not possible in the age of Kali to control the vagaries of the mind, to observe rules of conduct strictly and to remain consecrated to a sacred purpose for a long period of time, it is considered advisable to hear the whole of it in the course of a week.
48. The fruit that one attains by hearing every day the Bhāgavata with faith and devotion in the month of Māgha (between January/February, when people worship God early in the morning after taking bath), the same is allotted by sage Śuka to the listening of the Bhāgavata within the duration of a week.
49. The complete hearing of Śrimad Bhāgavata within a week’s time is recommended, due to lack of control over the mind, prevalence of diseases (and illness), shortened span of life among humans, and also because a number of evils are rampant in the Kali age.
50. One can easily attain the whole of that fruit by listening (to the entire Bhāgavata) in a week, which one cannot obtain even through the performance of penance, through the yogic process, and through meditation (and an absorption of the mind in the Supreme Soul).
51. The seven days of hearing of Śrimad Bhāgavata is superior to a sacrificial performance; it is even superior to fasting. It is far superior to performing austerities, and is even superior to a visit to sacred places.
52. It is superior to Yoga; it is superior even to meditation and spiritual knowledge. What shall we say of its superiority? Oh, the wonder of it is that it is superior to everything else!
Śaunaka asked:
53. This incident (of Nārada’s meeting and dialogue with the Kumāra sages) as narrated by you is really wonderful. But how has the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, revealing as it does the true nature of Lord Nārãyana (the cause even of Brahmā, a master of Yoga), proved efficacious at the present moment as a means to final beatitude (Liberation from saṃsāra), superseding all other disciplines (such as yoga and other spiritual wisdoms)?
Sūta replied:
54. “When Śrī Kṛṣṇa became ready to depart from this earth to go to his region (Vaikuṇṭha), Uddhava, despite his listening to the spiritual knowledge imparted in the Eleventh Skandha (of the Bhāgavata) addressed him as follows:
Uddhava said:
55. “Oh Kṛṣṇa (The protector of cows)! you, on your part are going away after achieving the work of your devotees. There is however, great anxiety in my mind. Please give a hearing to me and bring me happiness.
56-57. This terrible age of Kali is imminent. Wicked people will reassert themselves again. Even good persons will contract cruelty sheerly through their association with them (the evil people). To whom can this earth overburdened with sinners, resort in the form of a cow? Oh lotus-eyed God! There is no other protector except you, who appears in my view.
58. You are affectionate to the devotees! At least have mercy on the pious people, and do not depart (from this world). Though you are formless, pure consciousness, you have (sportively) assumed a form possessing excellences for the sake of your devotees.
59. How can your devotees continue to live on the earth when separated from you? There is a great difficulty in worshipping God without attributes (Śrī Kṛṣṇa in his formless aspect). Hence think over it a little.”
60. Hearing this submission of Uddhava on the holy site of Prabhāsa, Śri Hari thought (within Himself): “What can be done by me for supporting my devotees”.
61. The Lord infused all his glory and energy into the Bhāgavata and disappeared in the ocean of Śrimad Bhāgavata.
62. Hence this (Bhāgavata) is a visible verbal manifestation of Śrī Hari directly. It annihilates all of one’s sins by being waited upon, heard, read or (even simply) seen.
63. Therefore, hearing it in a week has been recognized as superior to all (other spiritual disciplines); in Kaliyuga it has been declared to be the (only) righteous course excelling (all) other disciplines.
64. Indeed this is the righteous course prescribed in the Kali age for washing away all agony, poverty, misfortune and sin, as well as for conquering passion and anger.
65. Otherwise the Mayā of Lord Viṣṇu is extremely difficult even for gods to overcome. How (then) can it be set aside by humans? Hence (with the object of overcoming Māyā) the course of hearing Śrimad Bhāgavata within a week has been highly recommended.
Sūta said:
66. While the glorious merits of the great dharma consisting of listening to the Bhāgavata in a week’s duration was being proclaimed by the sages (four kumāras), a great miracle took place there. Oh Śaunaka, listen to it carefully as it is now being described.
67. Bhakti (Devotion), which is identical with love for God, appeared (in a living form) all of a sudden, accompanied by her two sons (Jñāna and Vairāgya) now being fully rejuvenated and repeatedly uttering the names of the Lord, ‘Oh Lord! Oh Kṛṣṇa! Oh Govinda! Oh Hari! Oh Murāri! (Destroyer of the demon Mura)’.
68. The members of the assembly saw her come attired in excellently charming garments, and adorned with ornaments in the form of the teachings of the Bhāgavata and began to guess as to how she entered and how she appeared in the midst of the sages.
69. The juvenile sages (four kumāras) then made the following statement : ‘It is from the very import of the story of the Bhāgavata that she has now sprung up’. Hearing these words, she along with her sons humbly made the following submission to (the sage) Sanatkumāra.
Bhakti said:
70. “Mutilated and practically dead as I was, due to Kali age, you revived me back today by feeding me with the nectar-like stories (of the Bhāgavata). May you, the sons of God Brahmā, direct me to what place I, along with my sons should stay”. They thereupon, spoke the following words to her:
71. “Assuming the excellent form of Govinda, you persistently preserve the divine love among the devotees and cure completely their disease of Saṃsāra. Resorting to absolute firmness, you perpetually occupy the minds of the devotees of Lord Viṣṇu.
72. Though prevailing over the whole world these evils born of Kaliyuga, will not be able to cast their eyes on you there. “Even while she was thus being directed by them, Bhakti instantly took up her abode in the minds of the devotees of Śri Hari”.
73. Blessed are they in all the three worlds in whose hearts abides unflinching devotion to Śrī Hari, the Lord of Śrī (Affluence), even though they may be destitute of wealth (as spiritual wealth is invaluable when compared to material wealth). It is hence that Śrī Hari, being tied with the bond of devotion, enters (and abides) in their hearts completely renouncing his own realm of Vaikuṇṭha.
74. What more can we extol now about the great glory of this embodiment of the Vedas (Brahmavidyā), designated as the Bhāgavata, in this world. It is by resorting (i.e. listening) to and by expounding it in details, that both the eloquent preacher as well as the attentive listener attain oneness with Śrī Kṛṣṇa. This path is self-sufficient; and will lead the seeker to righteousness.
Thus ends the third discourse entitled “Cessation of Bhakti’s Agony”, forming part of the “Glory of Śrimad Bhāgavata” contained in the Uttara-Khanda of the glorious Padma-Purāna.
Summarization Of The Entire Chapter :
The sage Nārada, deeply concerned about the decline of Bhakti (devotion), Jñāna (spiritual wisdom), and Vairāgya (renunciation) in Kali Yuga, seeks guidance from the four Kumāra sages—Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanātana, and Sanatkumāra—on how to revive these divine virtues. The sages advise him to perform a Jñāna-Yajña (sacrifice of knowledge) at Ānanda, a sacred place on the banks of the Gaṅgā near Haridwāra, known for its serene environment and divine presence. They further reveal that the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Purāṇa is the ultimate scripture for reviving Bhakti, Jñāna, and Vairāgya, and wherever it is read, these virtues will naturally flourish. Following this advice, Nārada, along with the Kumāras, organizes a grand Bhāgavata discourse, drawing an extraordinary assembly of great sages like Bhṛgu, Vasiṣṭha, Vyāsa, Paraśurāma, and Mārkaṇḍeya, along with celestial beings, the personified Vedas, Upaniṣads, holy rivers, and mountains. As the discourse begins, divine signs manifest—chants of victory, the blowing of celestial conches, and showers of divine flowers—indicating the auspiciousness of the event.
The Kumāras extol the unparalleled spiritual potency of the Bhāgavata, stating that merely listening to it grants liberation (mokṣa), purifies the soul, and establishes a direct connection with Śrī Kṛṣṇa. They emphasize that Śrīmad Bhāgavata is superior to all spiritual practices, including thousands of Vedic sacrifices, rigorous penances, pilgrimages, and meditations. A household where it is read daily becomes a sacred tīrtha (pilgrimage site), and even a single verse grants immense spiritual merit. The Kumāras recall a profound conversation between Uddhava and Śrī Kṛṣṇa, where Uddhava, foreseeing the challenges of Kali Yuga, expresses concern about how devotees will attain salvation in an age filled with ignorance, sin, and spiritual decline. In response, Śrī Kṛṣṇa infuses His divine presence into the Śrīmad Bhāgavata, declaring it to be His eternal form on earth, accessible to all. He assures that listening to the Bhāgavata in a seven-day reading (Saptāha) is the easiest and most effective means of liberation in Kali Yuga, surpassing all other disciplines.
As the Bhāgavata reading unfolds, a miraculous event occurs—Bhakti, in a divine form, along with her sons Jñāna and Vairāgya, becomes fully rejuvenated and radiant. The previously weakened trio, afflicted by the corruption of Kali Yuga, is restored to their original strength solely by the power of the Bhāgavata. Overwhelmed with joy, Bhakti sings the divine names of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, filling the atmosphere with bliss. She inquires where she should reside permanently, and the Kumāras instruct her to dwell in the hearts of devotees who continuously chant Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s name and engage in the Bhāgavata’s reading. The discourse concludes with the Kumāras affirming that devotees immersed in the Bhāgavata are more exalted than celestial beings, as Śrī Kṛṣṇa Himself takes residence in their hearts. The Bhāgavata is declared the supreme scripture, transcending all other spiritual paths, and is established as the ultimate means of salvation in Kali Yuga. The recitation of the Śrīmad Bhāgavata grants liberation effortlessly, destroying all sins and sufferings, making it the most precious and divine treasure for humanity.
Short Question & Answers :
Q1: Why did Nārada seek to restore Bhakti, Jñāna, and Vairāgya?
A: He saw that in Kali Yuga, Bhakti (devotion) was weak, and Jñāna (knowledge) and Vairāgya (renunciation) had grown old and powerless.
Q2: What solution did the Sanat-Kumāras give Nārada for restoring them?
A: They advised him to read Śrīmad Bhāgavata, as it alone could rejuvenate Bhakti and her sons.
Q3: Why was the location Ānanda near Haridwāra chosen for the recitation?
A: It was a sacred and serene place, free from worldly distractions, where sages and divine beings would gather to listen.
Q4: Who attended the grand recitation of Śrīmad Bhāgavata?
A: Great sages like Vyāsa, Paraśurāma, Mārkaṇḍeya, Dattātreya, celestial beings, rivers, holy places, and even the Vedas and Purāṇas.
Q5: What transformation occurred during the Bhāgavata recitation?
A: Bhakti became radiant and strong, and Jñāna and Vairāgya regained their youthful energy.
Q6: How does Śrīmad Bhāgavata compare to other scriptures?
A: Unlike other texts, it alone grants liberation (Mokṣa) just by hearing it.
Q7: What did Bhakti tell about her true home?
A: She said she resides eternally in the hearts of Lord Viṣṇu’s devotees.
Q8: What is the consequence of neglecting the Bhāgavata?
A: A person who never listens to the Bhāgavata is like a living corpse and is compared to an animal burdened with worldly worries.
Q9: How does the Bhāgavata purify a home?
A: A home where it is read becomes a sacred place, purifying its residents and attracting divine blessings.
Q10: What happened when the Bhāgavata was read?
A: They saw Bhakti awaken, and Jñāna and Vairāgya regain their youth, proving the text’s power.
Q11: How does the Bhāgavata help devotees in Kali Yuga?
A: It provides an easy path to salvation, even when spiritual practices become difficult.
Q12: What happens to a person’s sins upon hearing the Bhāgavata?
A: It destroys all sins, no matter how great, accumulated over millions of lifetimes.
Q13: How does the Bhāgavata surpass other spiritual practices?
A: It is more powerful than sacrifices (Yajñas), pilgrimages, meditation, and yoga, as it directly leads to divine realization.
Q14: What does hearing the Bhāgavata grant in this lifetime?
A: It grants devotion (Bhakti), knowledge (Jñāna), renunciation (Vairāgya), and ultimate liberation (Mokṣa).
Q15: What concern did Uddhava express before Kṛṣṇa left the world?
A: He asked how devotees would survive spiritually in Kali Yuga without Kṛṣṇa’s direct presence.
Q16: What divine gift did Śrī Kṛṣṇa leave for His devotees?
A: He infused His divine energy into Śrīmad Bhāgavata, making it His verbal incarnation on earth.
Q17: How does the Bhāgavata serve as Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s living presence?
A: Reading and hearing it is the same as being in Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s company.
Q18: Why is the Bhāgavata often recited in seven days (Saptāha)?
A: Because in Kali Yuga, people have short lives, limited patience, and weak concentration. The seven-day method grants the same merits as a lifetime of devotion.
Q19: What special benefits does the Saptāha provide?
A: It destroys sins, grants divine wisdom, and ensures liberation even for the most sinful souls.
Q20: Who was the first to receive Bhāgavata’s seven-day recitation?
A: King Parīkṣit, who heard it from Śukadeva before his death.
Q21: How does the Bhāgavata affect one’s past karma?
A: It washes away karmic debts and prevents future suffering.
Q22: What happens to those who read or hear the Bhāgavata with devotion?
A: They attain eternal bliss, become free from material worries, and ultimately merge with Lord Viṣṇu’s divine presence.
Q23: What qualities develop in a person who regularly hears the Bhāgavata?
A: They gain peace, detachment, wisdom, humility, and unwavering faith in God.
Q24: What do the Kumāras say about the Bhāgavata?
A: They declare it the essence of all scriptures, leading directly to Mokṣa.
Q25: Why do even celestial beings gather to hear the Bhāgavata?
A: Because it grants divine bliss and ensures freedom from rebirth, even for them.
Q26: How can a person ensure spiritual progress in Kali Yuga?
A: By listening to, reading, or reciting the Bhāgavata daily.
Q27: What is the result of hearing even a single verse of the Bhāgavata?
A: It brings spiritual merit greater than performing thousands of sacrifices.
Q28: What happens if someone listens to the Bhāgavata but does not follow its teachings?
A: They remain spiritually stagnant, like a dry seed that never sprouts.
Q29: Can even sinful people benefit from the Bhāgavata?
A: Yes, even the worst sinners attain purification by sincerely hearing it.
Q30: What is the ultimate goal of reading the Bhāgavata?
A: To attain pure devotion, divine wisdom, and final liberation, uniting the self with Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
