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॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
॥ तृतीयोऽध्यायः - ३ ॥
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Discourse III
Cessation of Bhakti's Suffering (Preamble)
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नारद उवाच।
ज्ञानयज्ञं करिष्यामि शुकशास्त्रकथोज्ज्वलम् ।
भक्तिज्ञानविरागाणां स्थापनार्थं प्रयत्नतः ॥ १॥
कुत्र कार्यो मया यज्ञः स्थलं तद्वाच्यतामिह ।
महिमा शुकशास्त्रस्य वक्तव्यो वेदपारगैः ॥ २॥
कियद्भिर्दिवसैः श्राव्या श्रीमद्भागवती कथा ।
को विधिस्तत्र कर्तव्यो ममेदं ब्रुवतामितः ॥ ३॥
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Nārada submitted : With the object of stabilizing Bhakti, Jñāna and Vairāgya I shall now zealously perform a Jñāna-Yajña (Sacrifice for the dissemination of Knowledge) illumined by a reading of Śrīmad Bhāgavata (the scripture expounded by the sage Śuka). (1)
The place where this sacrifice should be performed by me may now (kindly) be pointed out (to me). The glory of Śrīmad Bhāgavata may (also) be stated by you, masters of the Veda. (2)
In how many days should a reading of Śrīmad Bhāgavata be heard and what procedure should be adopted in it: (pray) tell me that on this occasion. (3) (1-3)
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कुमारा ऊचुः ।
शृणु नारद वक्ष्यामो विनम्राय विवेकिने ।
गङ्गाद्वारसमीपे तु तटमानन्दनामकम् ॥ ४॥
नानाऋषिगणैर्जुष्टं देवसिद्धनिषेवितम् ।
नानातरुलताऽऽकीर्णं नवकोमलवालुकम् ॥ ५॥
रम्यमेकान्तदेशस्थं हेमपद्मसुसौरभम् ।
यत्समीपस्थजीवानां वैरं चेतसि न स्थितम् ॥ ६॥
ज्ञानयज्ञस्त्वया तत्र कर्तव्यो ह्यप्रयत्नतः ।
अपूर्वरसरूपा च कथा तत्र भविष्यति ॥ ७॥
पुरःस्थं निर्बलं चैव जराजीर्णकलेवरम् ।
तद्द्वयं च पुरस्कृत्य भक्तिस्तत्रागमिष्यति ॥ ८॥
यत्र भागवती वार्ता तत्र भक्त्यादिकं व्रजेत् ।
कथाशब्दं समाकर्ण्य तत्त्रिकं तरुणायते ॥ ९॥
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The Kumāras replied: 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. (4)
It is inhabited by numerous hosts of Ṛṣis and frequented by gods and Siddhas (who are endowed with mystic powers by their very birth). (Nay,) it is crowded with various trees and creepers and overspread with fresh and soft sands. (5)
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. (6)
A Jñāna-Yajña may be commenced there by you without taking any (special) pains (over it) and (you will find that) the reading of Śrīmad Bhāgavata there will be full of unprecedented charm. (7)
Bhakti too will appear there (in person) placing in the forefront the aforesaid pair (viz., Jñāna and Vairāgya), always lying before her devoid of (all) strength and with a body worn out with age. (8)
Bhakti and her two sons must reach there where a reading of Śrīmad Bhāgavata is going on. (Nay) the said trio gets rejuvenated as it were on hearing the words of the story. (9) (4-9)
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सूत उवाच।
एवमुक्त्वा कुमारास्ते नारदेन समं ततः ।
गङ्गातटं समाजग्मुः कथापानाय सत्वराः ॥ १०॥
यदा यातास्तटं ते तु तदा कोलाहलोऽप्यभूत् ।
भूर्लोके देवलोके च ब्रह्मलोके तथैव च ॥ ११॥
श्रीमद्भागवतपीयूषपानाय रसलम्पटाः ।
धावन्तोऽप्याययुः सर्वे प्रथमं ये च वैष्णवाः ॥ १२॥
भृगुर्वसिष्ठश्च्यवनश्च गौतमो मेधातिथिर्देवलदेवरातौ ।
रामस्तथा गाधिसुतश्च शाकलो मृकण्डुपुत्रात्रिजपिप्पलादाः ॥ १३॥
योगेश्वरौ व्यासपराशरौ च छायाशुको जाजलिजह्नुमुख्याः ।
सर्वेऽप्यमी मुनिगणाः सहपुत्रशिष्याः स्वस्त्रीभिराययुरतिप्रणयेन युक्ताः ॥ १४॥
वेदान्तानि च वेदाश्च मन्त्रास्तन्त्राः समूर्तयः ।
दशसप्तपुराणानि षट्शास्त्राणि तथाऽऽययुः ॥ १५॥
गङ्गाद्याः सरितस्तत्र पुष्करादिसरांसि च ।
क्षेत्राणि च दिशः सर्वा दण्डकादिवनानि च ॥ १६॥
नगादयो ययुस्तत्र देवगन्धर्वदानवाः ।
गुरुत्वात्तत्र नायातान् भृगुः सम्बोध्य चानयत् ॥ १७॥
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Sūta resumed: Having spoken thus, the aforesaid Kumāras with Nārada went thence together to that bank of the (holy) Gaṅgā impatient to enjoy the story of Śrīmad Bhāgavata. (10)
As they reached the bank there rose at once an uproar in the terrestrial region and the realm of the gods as well as in Satyaloka (the realm of Brahmā, the creator). (11)
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 Śrīmad Bhāgavata. (12)
The sages Bhṛgu, Vasiṣṭha and Cyavana, Gautama, Medhātithi, Devala, Devarāta and Paraśurāma, even so Viśwāmitra (the son of Gādhi), Śākala, Mārkaṇḍeya (the son of Mṛkaṇḍu), Lord Dattātreya and Pippalāda, Vyāsa and (his father) Parāśara, both masters of Yoga, Chāyāśuka and all the hosts of sages, the foremost of whom were Jājali and Jahnu, arrived alongwith their wives, accompanied by their sons and pupils and full of excessive longing (to listen to the story). (13-14)
So came there the Upaniṣads and the Vedas, Mantras and Tantras, the seventeen Purāṇas and the six Śāstras (systems of philosophy), rivers such as the Gaṅgā, Puṣkara and the other lakes, holy places, all the (four) quarters, as well as Daṇḍaka and the other forests (all) in a living form. (15-16)
Mountains etc., as well as gods, Gandharvas and demons went there. The sage Bhṛgu persuaded and brought there (even) those who did not come because of their importance. (17) (10-17)
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दीक्षिता नारदेनाथ दत्तमासनमुत्तमम् ।
कुमारा वन्दिता सर्वैर्निषेदुः कृष्णतत्पराः ॥ १८॥
वैष्णवाश्च विरक्ताश्च न्यासिनो ब्रह्मचारिणः ।
मुखभागे स्थितास्ते च तदग्रे नारदः स्थितः ॥ १९॥
एकभागे ऋषिगणास्तदन्यत्र दिवौकसः ।
वेदोपनिषदोऽन्यत्र तीर्थाऽन्यत्र स्त्रियोऽन्यतः ॥ २०॥
जयशब्दो नमःशब्दः शङ्खशब्दस्तथैव च ।
चूर्णलाजा प्रसूनानां निक्षेपः सुमहानभूत् ॥ २१॥
विमानानि समारुह्य कियन्तो देवनायकाः ।
कल्पवृक्षप्रसूनैस्तान् सर्वांस्तत्र समाकिरन् ॥ २२॥
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Invited with due ceremony by Nārada to expound Śrīmad Bhāgavata and greeted by all, the Kumāras (the sage Sanaka and his three brothers), who are devoted to Śrī Kṛṣṇa, now occupied the excellent seat offered to them. (18)
The votaries of Lord Viṣṇu and those who have recoiled from worldly enjoyments, recluses and celibates sat in the van and in front of them (all) sat Nārada. (19)
On one side sat the hosts of seers. On another side sat the denizens of heaven (gods and others). On a different side sat the Vedas and Upaniṣads. On one side sat (the deities presiding over) the Tirthas (sacred places), while on another sat the ladies. (20)
Shouts of glory, shouts of greetings and blasts of conchs were heard. There was a tremendous shower of red powder, flowers and parched grains of paddy. (21)
Many a leader of the gods mounted his aerial cars, and covered all those assembled (there) with flowers of the wish-yielding tree. (22) (18-22)
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सूत उवाच।
एवं तेष्वेकचित्तेषु श्रीमद्भागवतस्य च ।
माहात्म्यमूचिरे स्पष्टं नारदाय महात्मने ॥ २३॥
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Sūta continued: When they were (all) seated as aforesaid and had concentrated their mind, the Kumāras began to describe in clear terms the glory of Śrīmad Bhāgavata to the high-souled Nārada (as follows): (23) (23)
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कुमारा ऊचुः ।
अथ ते वर्ण्यतेऽस्माभिर्महिमा शुकशास्त्रजः ।
यस्य श्रवणमात्रेण मुक्तिः करतले स्थिता ॥ २४॥
सदा सेव्या सदा सेव्या श्रीमद्भागवती कथा ।
यस्याः श्रवणमात्रेण हरिश्चित्तं समाश्रयेत् ॥ २५॥
ग्रन्थोऽष्टादशसाहस्रो द्वादशस्कन्धसम्मितः ।
परीक्षिच्छुकसंवादः शृणु भागवतं च यत् ॥ २६॥
तावत्संसारचक्रेऽस्मिन् भ्रमतेऽज्ञानतः पुमान् ।
यावत्कर्णगता नास्ति शुकशास्त्रकथा क्षणम् ॥ २७॥
किं श्रुतैर्बहुभिः शास्त्रैः पुराणैश्च भ्रमावहैः ।
एकं भागवतं शास्त्रं मुक्तिदानेन गर्जति ॥ २८॥
कथा भागवतस्यापि नित्यं भवति यद्गृहे ।
तद्गृहं तीर्थरूपं हि वसतां पापनाशनम् ॥ २९॥
अश्वमेधसहस्राणि वाजपेयशतानि च ।
शुकशास्त्रकथायाश्च कलां नार्हन्ति षोडशीम् ॥ ३०॥
तावत्पापानि देहेऽस्मिन्निवसन्ति तपोधनाः ।
यावन्न श्रूयते सम्यक् श्रीमद्भागवतं नरैः ॥ ३१॥
न गङ्गा न गया काशी पुष्करं न प्रयागकम् ।
शुकशास्त्रकथायाश्च फलेन समतां नयेत् ॥ ३२॥
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The Kumāras said: We now (proceed to) tell you the glory of Śrīmad Bhāgavata (the scripture expounded by the sage Śuka), through the mere hearing of which Liberation is secured within one's palm (as it were). (24)
One should constantly attend and constantly listen, to an exposition of Śrīmad Bhāgavata, through the hearing of which Śrī Hari takes up His abode in one's heart. (25)
This work consists of eighteen thousand Ślokas and is divided into twelve Skandhas (Books) and it is in the form of a dialogue between king Parikṣit and Śrī Śuka. (Do) hear the story of the said Bhāgavata. (26)
A man revolves on this whirligig of transmigration through ignorance only so long as the story of Śrīmad Bhāgavata does not enter his ear even for a moment. (27)
What will be gained through the hearing of many scriptures and Purāṇas, which will (only) create confusion (in one's mind) ? The Bhāgavata-Sāstra alone proclaims loudly its capacity to grant Liberation. (28)
That house itself in which Śrīmad Bhāgavata is read everyday is actually converted into a sacred place and drives away the sins of those dwelling in it. (29)
Thousands of Aśwamedha Yajñas and hundreds of Vājapeya sacrifices cannot compare (in their efficacy even) with one-sixteenth of a reading of Śrīmad Bhāgavata. (30)
Sins persist in this body, O sages rich in asceticism, (only) so long as the story of the glorious Bhāgavata is not duly heard by men. (31)
In point of efficacy neither the (holy) Gaṅgā nor Gayā nor Kāśī nor Puṣkara nor Prayāga can bear comparison with a reading of Śrīmad Bhāgavata. (32) (24-32)
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श्लोकार्धं श्लोकपादं वा नित्यं भागवतोद्भवम् ।
पठस्व स्वमुखेनैव यदीच्छसि परां गतिम् ॥ ३३॥
वेदादिर्वेदमाता च पौरुषं सूक्तमेव च ।
त्रयी भागवतं चैव द्वादशाक्षर एव च ॥ ३४॥
द्वादशात्मा प्रयागश्च कालः संवत्सरात्मकः ।
ब्राह्मणाश्चाग्निहोत्रं च सुरभिर्द्वादशी तथा ॥ ३५॥
तुलसी च वसन्तश्च पुरुषोत्तम एव च ।
एतेषां तत्त्वतः प्राज्ञैर्न पृथग्भाव इष्यते ॥ ३६॥
यश्च भागवतं शास्त्रं वाचयेदर्थतोऽनिशम् ।
जन्मकोटिकृतं पापं नश्यते नात्र संशयः ॥ ३७॥
श्लोकार्धं श्लोकपादं वा पठेद्भागवतं च यः ।
नित्यं पुण्यमवाप्नोति राजसूयाश्वमेधयोः ॥ ३८॥
उक्तं भागवतं नित्यं कृतं च हरिचिन्तनम् ।
तुलसीपोषणं चैव धेनूनां सेवनं समम् ॥ ३९॥
अन्तकाले तु येनैव श्रूयते शुकशास्त्रवाक् ।
प्रीत्या तस्यैव वैकुण्ठं गोविन्दोऽपि प्रयच्छति ॥ ४०॥
हेमसिंहयुतं चैतद्वैष्णवाय ददाति यः ।
कृष्णेन सह सायुज्यं स पुमाँल्लभते ध्रुवम् ॥ ४१॥
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If you seek the highest destiny, read even yourself daily one half of (even) a quarter of a verse of Śrīmad Bhāgavata. (33)
(The sacred syllable) OM (the seed of Veda) and the (holy) Gāyatri (the Mother of Veda), as also the Puruṣa-Sūkta (a hymn consisting of sixteen Mantras sacred to the Cosmic Person and figuring with a little variation in all the Vedas), the three Vedas (Ṛk, Sāma and Yajus) and so also Śrīmad Bhāgavata as well as the twelve-syllabled Mantra (ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय), the sun-god (appearing in twelve forms, severally presiding over the twelve months of the Hindu calendar), Prayāga, Kāla (the Time-Spirit) represented by a twelve month, nay, the Brāhmaṇas and Agnihotra (the daily offering of oblations—chiefly consisting of milk, oil and sour gruel considered as incumbent on every householder of the twice-born classes in the former days), the cow and even so the twelfth of every lunar month, also the (holy) basil plant and the vernal season (consisting of the two months, Caitra and Vaiśākha, roughly corresponding to March and April of the English calendar) as well as Lord Viṣṇu (the Supreme Person)—no distinction in reality is recognized by the wise among these. (34—36)
The sins committed in crores of lives by the man who intelligently reads the whole of the scripture known by the name of Śrīmad Bhāgavata without a pause get rooted out: there is no doubt about it. (37)
Again, he who reads one half or (even) one quarter of a verse of Śrīmad Bhāgavata everyday secures the (combined) fruit of a Rājasūya and an Aśwamedha sacrifice. (38)
Śrīmad Bhāgavata read everyday, contemplation practised on Śrī Hari, the watering of the Tulasi plant and service rendered to cows are equal (in value). (39)
Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa (the Protector of cows) out of love grants an abode in Vaikuṇṭha itself to him by whom is heard at the time of his death even a sentence from Śrīmad Bhāgavata. (40)
Nay, the man who gifts a copy of it placed on a seat of gold to a votary of Lord Viṣṇu decidedly attains absorption into Śrī Kṛṣṇa. (41) (33-41)
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आजन्ममात्रमपि येन शठेन किञ्चित् चित्तं विधाय शुकशास्त्रकथा न पीता ।
चाण्डालवच्च खरवद्बत तेन नीतं मिथ्या स्वजन्म जननीजनिदुःखभाजा ॥ ४२॥
जीवच्छवो निगदितः स तु पापकर्मा येन श्रुतं शुककथावचनं न किञ्चित् ।
धिक् तं नरं पशुसमं भुवि भाररूपं एवं वदन्ति दिवि देवसमाजमुख्याः ॥ ४३॥
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The fool by whom even a little of the story of Śrīmad Bhāgavata is not drunk with a concentrated mind during his whole lifetime has alas! spent his life like a pariah or a donkey in vain and (only) proved instrumental in causing pangs of childbirth to his mother. (42)
That fellow of sinful deeds by whom not even a few words of Śrīmad Bhāgavata (consisting of a discourse of Śrī Śuka to Parikṣit) have (ever) been heard is depicted as a living corpse. Leaders of the community of gods in heaven speak (of such a man) like this: "Fie upon such a man, who is on a level with the beasts and a veritable burden on earth!" (43) (42-43)
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दुर्लभैव कथा लोके श्रीमद्भागवतोद्भवा ।
कोटिजन्मसमुत्थेन पुण्येनैव तु लभ्यते ॥ ४४॥
तेन योगनिधे धीमन् श्रोतव्या सा प्रयत्नतः ।
दिनानां नियमो नास्ति सर्वदा श्रवणं मतम् ॥ ४५॥
सत्येन ब्रह्मचर्येण सर्वदा श्रवणं मतम् ।
अशक्यत्वात्कलौ बोध्यो विशेषोऽत्र शुकाज्ञया ॥ ४६॥
मनोवृत्तिजयश्चैव नियमाचरणं तथा ।
दीक्षां कर्तुमशक्यत्वात्सप्ताहश्रवणं मतम् ॥ ४७॥
श्रद्धातः श्रवणे नित्यं माघे तावद्धि यत्फलम् ।
तत्फलं शुकदेवेन सप्ताहश्रवणे कृतम् ॥ ४८॥
मनसश्चाजयाद्रोगात्पुंसां चैवायुषः क्षयात् ।
कलेर्दोषबहुत्वाच्च सप्ताहश्रवणं मतम् ॥ ४९॥
यत्फलं नास्ति तपसा न योगेन समाधिना ।
अनायासेन तत्सर्वं सप्ताहश्रवणे लभेत् ॥ ५०॥
यज्ञाद्गर्जति सप्ताहः सप्ताहो गर्जति व्रतात् ।
तपसो गर्जति प्रोच्चैस्तीर्थान्नित्यं हि गर्जति ॥ ५१॥
योगाद्गर्जति सप्ताहो ध्यानाज्ज्ञानाच्च गर्जति ।
किं ब्रूमो गर्जनं तस्य रे रे गर्जति गर्जति ॥ ५२॥
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An exposition of Śrīmad Bhāgavata is certainly rare in the world. In fact (an opportunity to hear) it can be had only through merit percolated through crores of lives. (44)
Therefore, O wise one, O storehouse of Yoga, this should be heard with diligence. There is no restriction regarding the (number of) days in the course of which it is to be heard. The hearing of it is commended at all times. (45)
The hearing of it is advised at all times side by side with the vows of truthfulness and continence. This being impracticable (however) in Kaliyuga, the specific rules promulgated by Śrī Śuka in this behalf should (accordingly) be known. (46)
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. (47)
That (very) reward which is attained by listening to it with reverence everyday during (the month of) Māgha has been ascribed by Śrī Śukadeva to the hearing of Śrīmad Bhāgavata in a week's time. (48)
The (complete) hearing of Śrīmad Bhāgavata in a week has been commended due to lack of control over the mind and prevalence of diseases as well as because the span of life of man has been shortened and also because a number of evils are rampant in the Kali age. (49)
One bids fair to attain with ease, through the hearing of Śrīmad Bhāgavata in a week, that fruit in its entirety which cannot be attained through askesis nor through concentration of mind nor again through Samādhi (complete absorption of the mind in the Universal Spirit). (50)
The seven days' hearing of Śrīmad Bhāgavata is superior to a sacrificial performance; it is (even) superior to fasting. It is far superior to askesis and is ever superior to (a visit to) sacred places. (51)
It is superior to Yoga; (nay) it is superior (even) to meditation and spiritual enlightenment. What shall we say of its superiority ? Oh, the wonder of it is that it is superior to everything (else) ! (52) (44-52)
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शौनक उवाच ।
साश्चर्यमेतत्कथितं कथानकं ज्ञानादिधर्मान् विगणय्य साम्प्रतम् ।
निःश्रेयसे भागवतं पुराणं जातं कुतो योगविदादिसूचकम् ॥ ५३॥
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Śaunaka submitted : This story told by you is (really) wonderful. (But) how has the Bhāgavata-Purāṇa, revealing as it does the true nature of Lord Nārāyaṇa (the cause even of Brahmā, a master of Yoga), proved efficacious at the present moment as a means to final beatitude, superseding (all other) disciplines such as spiritual enlightenment ? (53) (53)
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सूत उवाच।
यदा कृष्णो धरां त्यक्त्वा स्वपदं गन्तुमुद्यतः ।
एकादशं परिश्रुत्याप्युद्ध्वो वाक्यमब्रवीत् ॥ ५४ ॥
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Sūta replied : When Śrī Kṛṣṇa was ready to ascend to His own (divine) realm, leaving this earth, Uddhava, even after hearing (His teaching contained in) Book Eleven of Śrīmad Bhāgavata, addressed the following words to Him: (54) (54)
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उद्धव उवाच ।
त्वं तु यास्यसि गोविन्द भक्तकार्यं विधाय च ।
मच्चित्ते महती चिन्ता तां श्रुत्वा सुखमावह ॥ ५५॥
आगतोऽयं कलिर्घोरो भविष्यन्ति पुनः खलाः ।
सत्सङ्गेनैव सन्तोऽपि गमिष्यन्त्युग्रतां यदा ॥ ५६॥
तदा भारवती भूमिर्गोरूपेयं कमाश्रयेत् ।
अन्यो न दृश्यते त्राता त्वत्तः कमललोचन ॥ ५७॥
अतः सत्सु दयां कृत्वा भक्तवत्सल मा व्रज ।
भक्तार्थं सगुणो जातो निराकारोऽपि चिन्मयः ॥ ५८॥
त्वद्वियोगेन ते भक्ताः कथं स्थास्यन्ति भूतले ।
निर्गुणोपासने कष्टमतः किञ्चिद्विचारय ॥ ५९॥
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Uddhava said : Having accomplished the object of Your devotees, O Kṛṣṇa (the Protector of cows) ! You are going away. There is (however) great anxiety in my mind. (Pray) give ear to it and make me happy. (55)
The terrible Kaliyuga is imminent. Wicked people will appear again. When sheerly due to their fellowship even the virtuous develop ferocity, whom will this earth, bearing a (heavy) burden (in the shape of sinners on her bosom), resort to in the form of a cow ? No protector other than You, O lotus-eyed One ! is in sight. (56-57)
Therefore, taking compassion on the virtuous, O Love of (Your) devotees, (pray) do not go. It is for the sake of (Your) devotees that You have appeared in a qualified (personal) form, though formless and all consciousness. (58)
How will those devotees live on earth, when separated from You? There is (great) hardship in worshipping God without attributes. Here ponder a little (again). (59) (55-59)
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इत्युद्धववचः श्रुत्वा प्रभासेऽचिन्तयद्धरिः ।
भक्तावलम्बनार्थाय किं विधेयं मयेति च ॥ ६०॥
स्वकीयं यद्भवेत्तेजस्तच्च भागवतेऽदधात् ।
तिरोधाय प्रविष्टोऽयं श्रीमद्भागवतार्णवम् ॥ ६१॥
तेनेयं वाङ्मयी मूर्तिः प्रत्यक्षा वर्तते हरेः ।
सेवनाच्छ्रवणात्पाठाद्दर्शनात्पापनाशिनी ॥ ६२॥
सप्ताहश्रवणं तेन सर्वेभ्योऽप्यधिकं कृतम् ।
साधनानि तिरस्कृत्य कलौ धर्मोऽयमीरितः ॥ ६३॥
दुःखदारिद्र्यदौर्भाग्यपापप्रक्षालनाय च ।
कामक्रोधजयार्थं हि कलौ धर्मोऽयमीरितः ॥ ६४॥
अन्यथा वैष्णवी माया देवैरपि सुदुस्त्यजा ।
कथं त्याज्या भवेत्पुम्भिः सप्ताहोऽतः प्रकीर्तितः ॥ ६५॥
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Hearing this submission of Uddhava on the holy site of Prabhāsa, Śrī Hari thought (within Himself): "What should be done by Me for sustaining My devotees ?" (60)
The Lord infused all his glory and energy into the Bhāgavata and disappeared in the ocean of Śrīmad Bhāgavata. (61)
This constitutes, therefore, a visible verbal manifestation of Śrī Hari. It drives away (all) one's sins by being waited upon, heard, read or seen. (62)
Therefore, hearing it in a week has been recognized as superior to all ( other disciplines); (nay) in Kaliyuga it has been declared to be the (only) righteous course excelling (all) other disciplines. (63)
Indeed this is the righteous course prescribed in the Kali age for washing away all agony, poverty, misfortune and sin as well as for the conquest of passion and anger. (64)
Otherwise the Māyā of Lord Viṣṇu is most difficult to get rid of even for the gods. How (then) can it be set aside by men? Hence (with the object of getting over this Māyā too) the course of hearing Śrīmad Bhāgavata in a week has been commended. (65) (60-65)
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सूत उवाच।
एवं नगाहश्रवणोरुधर्मे प्रकाश्यमाने ऋषिभिः सभायाम् ।
आश्चर्यमेकं समभूत्तदानीं तदुच्यते संशृणु शौनक त्वम् ॥ ६६॥
भक्तिः सुतौ तौ तरुणौ गृहीत्वा प्रेमैकरूपा सहसाऽऽविरासीत् ।
श्रीकृष्ण गोविन्द हरे मुरारे नाथेति नामानि मुहुर्वदन्ती ॥ ६७॥
तां चागतां भागवतार्थभूषां सुचारुवेषां ददृशुः सदस्याः ।
कथं प्रविष्टा कथमागतेयंमध्ये मुनीनामिति तर्कयन्तः ॥ ६८॥
ऊचुः कुमारा वचनं तदानीं कथार्थतो निष्पतिताधुनेयम् ।
एवं गिरः सा ससुता निशम्य सनत्कुमारं निजगाद नम्रा ॥ ६९॥
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Sūta went on : While the great virtue of hearing Śrīmad Bhāgavata in a week's times was thus being promulgated by the sages (Sanaka and his three brothers), a great marvel took place in that assembly at that time. It is (presently) being narrated (to you). Listen you to it, O Śaunaka ! (66)
Bhakti, which is identical with love (for God), appeared (in a living form) all of a sudden, taking (with her) her aforesaid sons (Jñāna and Vairāgya) resorted to their youth and repeating the names of Śrī Kṛṣṇa ! Govinda ! Hari ! Murārī ! Lord ! all in the vocative. (67)
Those present in that assembly saw the aforesaid arrived (there) clad in a most lovely attire and adorned with jewels in the form of truths contained in Śrīmad Bhāgavata. They (all) began to speculate as to how she had come and how entered the assembly in the midst of sages. (68)
The juvenile sages (Sanaka and his three brothers) then made the (following) observation:—"She has just emerged out of the substance of the story of Śrīmad Bhāgavata." Hearing these words, she alongwith her sons humbly spoke to the sage Sanatkumāra (as follows): (69) (66-69)
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भक्तिरुवाच ।
भवद्भिरद्यैव कृतास्मि पुष्टा कलिप्रणष्टापि कथारसेन ।
क्वाहं तु तिष्ठाम्यधुना ब्रुवन्तु ब्राह्मा इदं तां गिरमूचिरे ते ॥ ७०॥
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Bhakti submitted : Almost dead in Kaliyuga, I have been reinvigorated by you and your brothers this very day, having been fed with the nectar-like story of Śrīmad Bhāgavata. (Pray) tell me now as to where I should stay, O sons of Brahmā ! (Thereupon) they addressed the following words to her : (70) (70)
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भक्तेषु गोविन्दसरूपकर्त्री प्रेमैकधर्त्री भवरोगहन्त्री ।
सा त्वं च तिष्ठस्व सुधैर्यसंश्रया निरन्तरं वैष्णवमानसानि ॥ ७१॥
ततोऽपि दोषाः कलिजा इमे त्वां द्रष्टुं न शक्ताः प्रभवोऽपि लोके ।
एवं तदाज्ञावसरेऽपि भक्तिः तदा निषण्णा हरिदासचित्ते ॥ ७२॥
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"You bestow on the devotees a form similar to that of Śrī Kṛṣṇa (the Protector of cows). You are the only sustainer of love (for the Lord) and put an end to the disease of transmigration. (Therefore) taking recourse to extreme firmness, dwell you as such incessantly in the minds of votaries of Lord Viṣṇu. (71)
Though prevailing over the (whole) world, these evils born of Kaliyuga either 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 mind of the devotees of Śrī Hari. (72) (71-72)
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सकलभुवनमध्ये निर्धनास्तेऽपि धन्याः निवसति हृदि येषां श्रीहरेर्भक्तिरेका ।
हरिरपि निजलोकं सर्वथातो विहाय प्रविशति हृदि तेषां भक्तिसूत्रोपनद्धः ॥ ७३॥
ब्रूमोऽद्य ते किमधिकं महिमानमेवं ब्रह्मात्मकस्य भुवि भागवताभितस्य ।
यत्संश्रयान्निगदिते लभते सुवक्ता श्रोतापि कृष्णसमतामलमन्यधर्मैः ॥ ७४॥
इति श्रीपद्मपुराणे उत्तरखण्डे श्रीमद्भागवतमाहात्म्येभक्तिकष्ट निवर्तनं नाम तृतीयोऽध्यायः ॥ ३॥
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Though destitute, they are (really) blessed in all the (three) worlds, in whose heart abides exclusive devotion to Śrī Hari. It is for this reason that, bound with the chord of Devotion, Śrī Hari too dwells in their heart, completely renouncing His own (divine) realm. (73)
More than this what shall we say with regard to the glory of the aforesaid scripture bearing the name of Bhāgavata, the (very) embodiment of Brahma? On its being expounded with full dependence on it, the praiseworthy exponent as well as the man listening to its exposition both attain equality with Śrī Kṛṣṇa ! Have done (therefore) with other righteous courses. (74)
Thus ends the third discourse entitled "Cessation of Bhakti's Agony", forming part of the "Glory of Śrīmad Bhāgavata" contained in the Uttara-Khaṇḍa of the glorious Padma-Purāṇa. (73-74)
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