ŚrīmadBhāgavatam | Adhyayanam
Canto 01 | Chapter 01
Inquiry of the sages at Naimiśāraṇya
(Led by Śaunaka Maharṣi, the sages question Sūta Maharṣi to learn the teachings that can firmly establish dharma in Kali Yuga.)
Chapter introduction
Led by Śaunaka Ṛṣi, the sages gather in the sacred forest of Naimiśāraṇya and prepare to undertake a prolonged sacrifice for the welfare of all beings. Perceiving the onset of Kali Yuga, they approach Sūta with deep urgency. Their questions are not casual or merely philosophical; they arise from a genuine concern about the spiritual decline and confusion of humanity in this troubled age.
They inquire into the highest good attainable within a short lifespan filled with distractions, seeking clarity on the essence of dharma beyond the complexity of ritualistic practices. They ask about the true purpose of the scriptures, the nature of the ultimate reality, and the most effective path to attain lasting spiritual well-being. Their inquiry naturally turns toward the glories of ŚrīKṛṣṇa, whose departure from the earth marks a significant turning point in the cosmic order.
Thus, Sūta is not invited merely to recount events, but to reveal the very essence of Vedic wisdom. This chapter establishes the purpose, authority, and direction of ŚrīmadBhāgavatam as a text that answers the deepest questions of life through bhakti, knowledge, and remembrance of ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa.
Ślokapāṭham
janmādyasya yato’nvayāt itarataś cārtheṣv abhijñaḥ svarāṭ
tene brahma hṛdā ya ādi kavaye muhyanti yat sūrayaḥ ।
tejo vāri mṛdāṁ yathā vinimayo yatra trisargo’mṛṣā
dhāmnā svena sadā nirasta kuhakaṁ satyaṁ paraṁ dhīmahi ॥
॥ 01.01.01 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
janma ādyasya yataḥ anvayāt itarataḥ ca artheṣu abhijñaḥ svarāṭ
tene brahma hṛdā yaḥ ādi kavaye muhyanti yat sūrayaḥ ।
tejaḥ vāri mṛdāṁ yathā vinimayaḥ yatra tri sargaḥ amṛṣā
dhāmnā svena sadā nirasta kuhakaṁ satyaṁ param dhīmahi ॥
Pada - Padārtham
janma : creation; ādyasya : of the origin; yataḥ : from whom; anvayāt : by direct connection; itarataḥ : indirectly; ca : and; artheṣu : in matters; abhijñaḥ : fully aware; svarāṭ : independent; tene : by Him; brahma : Vedic knowledge; hṛdā : in the heart; yaḥ : who; ādi kavaye : to the first-born Brahmā; muhyanti : become bewildered; yat : in whom; sūrayaḥ : great sages; tejaḥ : fire; vāri : water; mṛdāṁ : of earth; yathā : just as; vinimayaḥ : transformation; yatra : wherein; tri sargaḥ : the threefold creation; amṛṣā : unreal; dhāmnā : by His effulgence; svena : by His own; sadā : always; nirasta kuhakam : free from illusion; satyam : truth; param : supreme; dhīmahi : we meditate
Yathātatha Anuvādam
From whom this creation has arisen, who by direct connection and also indirectly is fully aware in all matters and is independent; by whom Vedic knowledge was imparted into the heart of the first-born Brahmā; in whom great sages become bewildered; wherein this threefold creation appears unreal, just like the transformations of fire, water, and earth; and who by His own effulgence always remains free from illusion, upon that Supreme Truth we meditate.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
We meditate upon the Supreme Truth, the source of this entire universe. From Him arise creation, sustenance, and dissolution. He knows everything, both directly and indirectly, and is completely independent, relying on no one. At the beginning of creation, He revealed Vedic knowledge in the heart of Brahmā. He is so profound that even great sages cannot fully comprehend Him. This threefold creation, which appears real through transformations of fire, water, and earth, is ultimately an illusion. By His own effulgence, He always shines beyond illusion. Upon that Supreme Truth, we meditate.
Ślokapāṭham
dharmaḥ projjhita kaitavo’tra paramo nirmatsarāṇāṁ satām
vedyaṁ vāstavam atra vastu śivadam tāpatrayonmūlanam ।
śrīmadbhāgavate mahāmuni kṛte kiṁ vā parair īśvaraḥ
sadyo hṛdy avarudhyate’tra kṛtibhiḥ śuśrūṣubhis tat kṣaṇāt ॥
॥ 01.01.02 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
dharmaḥ projjhita kaitavaḥ atra paramaḥ nirmatsarāṇām satām
vedyam vāstavam atra vastu śivadam tāpa traya unmūlanam ।
śrīmadbhāgavate mahā muni kṛte kim vā paraiḥ īśvaraḥ
sadyaḥ hṛdi avarudhyate atra kṛtibhiḥ śuśrūṣubhiḥ tat kṣaṇāt ॥
Pada - Padārtham
dharmaḥ : dharma; projjhita kaitavaḥ : completely rejecting deceit; atra : in this; paramaḥ : supreme; nirmatsarāṇām : of those free from envy; satām : of the truthful; vedyam : to be known; vāstavam : real; atra : herein; vastu : truth; śivadam : bestowing auspiciousness; tāpa traya unmūlanam : uprooting the threefold miseries; śrīmadbhāgavate : in ŚrīmadBhāgavatam; mahā muni kṛte : composed by the great sage; kim vā : what need then; paraiḥ : of other texts; īśvaraḥ : the Supreme; sadyaḥ : immediately; hṛdi : in the heart; avarudhyate : becomes established; atra : herein; kṛtibhiḥ : by the virtuous; śuśrūṣubhiḥ : by those eager to hear; tat kṣaṇāt : at that very moment
Yathātatha Anuvādam
In this ŚrīmadBhāgavatam, the supreme dharma that completely rejects all deceit is presented, meant for the truthful who are free from envy; herein the reality to be known is the true substance, bestowing auspiciousness and uprooting the threefold miseries; in this work composed by the great sage, what need is there for other texts; for those who are virtuous and eager to hear with devotion, the Supreme becomes established in the heart immediately, at that very moment.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
In ŚrīmadBhāgavatam, the highest dharma free from all deceit is taught. It is meant for sincere and pure-hearted people, and it clearly reveals the true reality they seek to understand. It not only brings auspiciousness to the individual, but also removes, from the very root, the three kinds of suffering – physical, mental, and divine. For those who listen to this sacred work with faith, ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa, the Supreme Truth, Himself quickly becomes established in their hearts. Therefore, there remains no need for any other scripture.
Ślokapāṭham
nigamakalpataror galitaṁ phalam
śukamukhād amṛta dravasaṁyutam ।
pibata bhāgavataṁ rasamālayam
muhuraho rasikā bhuvi bhāvukāḥ ॥
॥ 01.01.03 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
nigama kalpataroḥ galitaṁ phalam
śuka mukhāt amṛta drava saṁyutam ।
pibata bhāgavatam rasam ālayam
muhuḥ aho rasikāḥ bhuvi bhāvukāḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
nigama : the Vedas; kalpataroḥ : of the wish-fulfilling tree; galitaṁ : ripened and fallen; phalam : fruit; śuka mukhāt : from the mouth of Śuka; amṛta drava saṁyutam : filled with nectar-like essence; pibata : drink; bhāgavatam : ŚrīmadBhāgavatam; rasam ālayam : the abode of rasa; muhuḥ : again and again; aho : oh; rasikāḥ : connoisseurs of rasa; bhuvi : on earth; bhāvukāḥ : refined souls
Yathātatha Anuvādam
The fruit that has ripened and fallen from the wish-fulfilling tree of the Vedas, filled with the nectar flowing from the mouth of Śuka; this ŚrīmadBhāgavatam, the abode of rasa, O connoisseurs, O refined souls on earth, drink it again and again.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
ŚrīmadBhāgavatam is like the finest, fully ripened fruit that has fallen from the wish-fulfilling tree of the Vedas. Because it has come through Śuka Maharṣi, it is filled with an even sweeter, nectar-like essence. Therefore, those who can truly relish spiritual taste, and who are filled with devotion, should drink this Bhāgavatam again and again, enjoying it deeply.
Ślokapāṭham
naimiṣe’nimiṣa kṣetre ṛṣayaḥ śaunakādayaḥ ।
satram svargāya lokāya sahasra samam āsata ॥
॥ 01.01.04 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
naimiṣe animiṣa kṣetre ṛṣayaḥ śaunaka ādayaḥ ।
satram svargāya lokāya sahasra samam āsata ॥
Pada - Padārtham
naimiṣe : in Naimiśāraṇya; animiṣa kṣetre : in the sacred place of Animiṣa (Viṣṇu); ṛṣayaḥ : sages; śaunaka ādayaḥ : headed by Śaunaka; satram : prolonged sacrificial session; svargāya : for attaining heaven; lokāya : for the welfare of the world; sahasra samam : for a thousand years; āsata : performed
Yathātatha Anuvādam
In Naimiśāraṇya, in the sacred place of Animiṣa, the sages headed by Śaunaka performed a prolonged sacrificial session for attaining heaven and for the welfare of the world, lasting for a thousand years.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
In the sacred place called Naimiśāraṇya, many sages, led by Śaunaka Maharṣi, gathered together and performed a long and continuous sacrifice for the welfare of the world and for attaining higher realms. Their effort was not for personal gain, but a noble and sacred undertaking for the good of all beings.
Ślokapāṭham
te ekadā tu munayaḥ prātarhutahutāgnayaḥ ।
satkṛtaṁ sūtamāsīnam papracchur idam ādarāt ॥
॥ 01.01.05 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
te ekadā tu munayaḥ prātaḥ huta huta agnayaḥ ।
satkṛtam sūtam āsīnam papracchuḥ idam ādarāt ॥
Pada - Padārtham
te : they; ekadā : once; tu : indeed; munayaḥ : sages; prātaḥ : in the morning; huta huta agnayaḥ : those who had performed offerings into the fire; satkṛtam : duly honored; sūtam : Sūta; āsīnam : seated; papracchuḥ : asked; idam : this; ādarāt : with respect
Yathātatha Anuvādam
They, once, in the morning, the sages who had performed offerings into the fire, respectfully asked Sūta, who was seated and duly honored, about this matter.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
One day, after completing their morning sacrificial duties, those great sages approached Sūta Maharṣi with respect as he was seated there, and humbly asked him their questions.
Ślokapāṭham
(ṛṣaya ūcuḥ)
tvayā khalu purāṇāni sa itihāsāni cānagha ।
ākhyātānyapyadhītāni dharmaśāstrāṇi yānyuta ॥
॥ 01.01.06 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tvayā khalu purāṇāni sa itihāsāni ca anagha ।
ākhyātāni api adhītāni dharma śāstrāṇi yāni uta ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tvayā : by you; khalu : indeed; purāṇāni : Purāṇas; sa itihāsāni : those Itihāsas; ca : and; anagha : O sinless one; ākhyātāni : explained; api : also; adhītāni : studied; dharma śāstrāṇi : scriptures of dharma; yāni : which; uta : and
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O sinless one, by you indeed the Purāṇas and those Itihāsas have been explained, and the scriptures of dharma which have also been studied.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
O sinless one, we know that you have thoroughly studied not only the Purāṇas and Itihāsas, but also the various Dharmaśāstras, and that you can clearly explain their true essence. Therefore, trusting that your knowledge is complete and reliable, we have come to you for guidance.
Ślokapāṭham
yāni vedavidāṁ śreṣṭhaḥ bhagavān bādarāyaṇaḥ ।
anye ca munayaḥ sūta parāvaravido viduḥ ॥
॥ 01.01.07 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
yāni veda vidāṁ śreṣṭhaḥ bhagavān bādarāyaṇaḥ ।
anye ca munayaḥ sūta para avara vidaḥ viduḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
yāni : which; veda vidāṁ : among those who know the Vedas; śreṣṭhaḥ : the foremost one; bhagavān : the revered sage; bādarāyaṇaḥ : Bādarāyaṇa; anye : others; ca : and; munayaḥ : sages; sūta : O Sūta; para avara vidaḥ : knowers of the higher and lower; viduḥ : know
Yathātatha Anuvādam
That which the revered sage Bādarāyaṇa, the foremost among those who know the Vedas, has known, and which other sages also know, O Sūta, being knowers of the higher and the lower.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
O Sūta, the truth understood by Bādarāyaṇa, who is foremost among the knowers of the Vedas, has also been realized by other sages who discern both higher and lower knowledge. We understand that you too stand in this same complete tradition of knowledge.
Ślokapāṭham
vettha tvaṁ saumya tat sarvaṁ tattvataḥ tadanugrahāt ।
brūyuḥ snigdhasya śiṣyasya guravo guhyamapyuta ॥
॥ 01.01.08 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
vettha tvam saumya tat sarvam tattvataḥ tat anugrahāt ।
brūyuḥ snigdhasya śiṣyasya guravaḥ guhyam api uta ॥
Pada - Padārtham
vettha : you know; tvam : you; saumya : O gentle one; tat sarvam : all that; tattvataḥ : in truth; tat anugrahāt : by their grace; brūyuḥ : would speak; snigdhasya : to the affectionate; śiṣyasya : disciple; guravaḥ : teachers; guhyam : the secret; api : also; uta : indeed
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O gentle one, you know all that in truth by their grace; teachers indeed speak even the secret to an affectionate disciple.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
O gentle one, by the grace of your teachers, you have understood all these truths as they really are. Teachers freely reveal even the deepest and most hidden knowledge to a disciple who has love and devotion toward them. Therefore, you have come to know this profound wisdom in full.
Ślokapāṭham
tatra tatra añjasā āyuṣman bhavatā yadviniścitam ।
puṁsām ekāntataḥ śreyaṁ tat naḥ śaṁsitumarhasi ॥
॥ 01.01.09 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tatra tatra añjasā āyuṣman bhavatā yat viniścitam ।
puṁsām ekāntataḥ śreyaḥ tat naḥ śaṁsitum arhasi ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tatra tatra : here and there; añjasā : clearly; āyuṣman : O long-lived one; bhavatā : by you; yat viniścitam : that which has been determined; puṁsām : for human beings; ekāntataḥ : ultimately; śreyaḥ : the highest good; tat : that; naḥ : to us; śaṁsitum : to explain; arhasi : you are worthy
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O long-lived one, that which has been clearly determined by you here and there, the ultimate good for human beings, that you are worthy to explain to us.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
O Sūta, having examined many scriptures, you are able to clearly determine what is truly the highest good for human beings. Therefore, we request you to tell us the path that brings the greatest and most lasting welfare for everyone.
Ślokapāṭham
prāyeṇālpāyuṣaḥ sabhya kalāvasmin yuge janāḥ ।
mandāḥ sumandamatayo mandabhāgyā hyupadrutāḥ ॥
॥ 01.01.10 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
prāyeṇa alpa āyuṣaḥ sabhya kalau asmin yuge janāḥ ।
mandāḥ su manda matayaḥ manda bhāgyāḥ hi upadrutāḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
prāyeṇa : generally; alpa āyuṣaḥ : short-lived; sabhya : O member of the assembly; kalau asmin yuge : in this age of Kali; janāḥ : people; mandāḥ : dull-minded; su manda matayaḥ : very slow in understanding; manda bhāgyāḥ : unfortunate; hi : indeed; upadrutāḥ : afflicted
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O member of the assembly, in this age of Kali, people are generally short-lived, dull-minded, very slow in understanding, unfortunate, and indeed afflicted by various disturbances.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
In this age of Kali, people generally live short lives and have weak discrimination. Their thinking is unclear, they lack good fortune, and they are troubled by many kinds of difficulties and anxieties. Because of this, their condition becomes unstable and life turns confused and unsettled.
Ślokapāṭham
bhūrīṇi bhūrikarmāṇi śrotavyāni vibhāgaśaḥ ।
ataḥ sādho’tra yat sāraṁ samuddhṛtya manīṣayā ॥
॥ 01.01.11 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
bhūrīṇi bhūri karmāṇi śrotavyāni vibhāgaśaḥ ।
ataḥ sādho atra yat sāraṁ samuddhṛtya manīṣayā ॥
Pada - Padārtham
bhūrīṇi : many; bhūri karmāṇi : many actions; śrotavyāni : to be heard; vibhāgaśaḥ : in divisions; ataḥ : therefore; sādho : O virtuous one; atra : here; yat sāram : that which is the essence; samuddhṛtya : extracting; manīṣayā : by intelligence
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Many actions are to be heard in various divisions; therefore, O virtuous one, that which is the essence here, having extracted it by intelligence.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
There are many scriptures to be heard and many duties to be performed, and they are all varied and complex. Therefore, O noble one, we ask you to use your wisdom to choose what is truly essential and beneficial for human life, and explain that clearly to us.
Ślokapāṭham
sūta jānāsi bhadraṁ te bhagavān sātvatāṁ patiḥ ।
devakyāṁ vasudevasya jāto yasya cikīrṣayā ॥
॥ 01.01.12 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
sūta jānāsi bhadraṁ te bhagavān sātvatāṁ patiḥ ।
devakyāṁ vasudevasya jātaḥ yasya cikīrṣayā ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sūta : O Sūta; jānāsi : you know; bhadraṁ te : may there be auspiciousness for you; bhagavān : the Lord; sātvatāṁ patiḥ : the lord of the Sātvatās; devakyāṁ : in Devakī; vasudevasya : of Vasudeva; jātaḥ : born; yasya : whose; cikīrṣayā : for the purpose of performing
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O Sūta, may there be auspiciousness for you, you know the Lord, the lord of the Sātvatās, who was born in Devakī, the son of Vasudeva, and for what purpose He desired to act.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
O Sūta, may all auspiciousness be yours. You know well the purpose for which ŚrīKṛṣṇa, the Lord of the Sātvatas, appeared as the son of Vasudeva and Devakī. We believe that you have fully understood the aim of His incarnation and its deeper meaning.
Ślokapāṭham
tannaḥ śuśrūṣamāṇānām arhasyaṅgānuvārṇitum ।
yasyāvatāro bhūtānāṁ kṣemāya ca bhavāya ca ॥
॥ 01.01.13 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tat naḥ śuśrūṣamāṇānām arhasi aṅga anuvārṇitum ।
yasya avatāraḥ bhūtānām kṣemāya ca bhavāya ca ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tat : that; naḥ : to us; śuśrūṣamāṇānām : to us who are eager to hear; arhasi : you are worthy; aṅga : O dear one; anuvārṇitum : to describe; yasya : whose; avatāraḥ : incarnation; bhūtānām : for beings; kṣemāya : for their welfare; ca : and; bhavāya : for their upliftment; ca : and
Yathātatha Anuvādam
To us who are eager to hear, O dear one, you are worthy to describe that; whose incarnation is for the welfare of beings and for their upliftment.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
O Sūta, we are eager and attentive to listen. Therefore, you are the right person to explain to us the divine mystery of the Lord’s incarnation, which took place for the welfare and upliftment of all beings.
Ślokapāṭham
āpannaḥ saṁsṛtiṁ ghorāṁ yannāma vivaśo gṛṇan ।
tataḥ sadyo vimucyeta yadbibheti svayaṁ bhayam ॥
॥ 01.01.14 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
āpannaḥ saṁsṛtim ghorām yat nāma vivaśaḥ gṛṇan ।
tataḥ sadyaḥ vimucyeta yat bibheti svayaṁ bhayam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
āpannaḥ : one who has attained; saṁsṛtim : the cycle of worldly existence; ghorām : terrible; yat nāma : whose name; vivaśaḥ : helplessly; gṛṇan : chanting; tataḥ : from that; sadyaḥ : immediately; vimucyeta : becomes liberated; yat : which; bibheti : fears; svayaṁ : itself; bhayam : fear
Yathātatha Anuvādam
One who has fallen into the terrible cycle of worldly existence, by chanting whose name even in a helpless state, from that immediately becomes liberated; whose name fear itself fears.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
A person trapped helplessly in the fearful cycle of worldly existence can become free from bondage simply by chanting the Lord’s name. Such is the power of that divine name that even fear itself is afraid of it. Remembering and repeating that sacred name protects and uplifts a person.
Ślokapāṭham
yat pādasaṁśrayāḥ sūta munayaḥ praśamāyanāḥ ।
sadyaḥ punantyupaspṛṣṭāḥ svardhunyāpo’nusevayā ॥
॥ 01.01.15 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
yat pāda saṁśrayāḥ sūta munayaḥ praśamāyanāḥ ।
sadyaḥ punanti upaspṛṣṭāḥ svardhunyāḥ apaḥ anusevayā ॥
Pada - Padārtham
yat : whose; pāda saṁśrayāḥ : those who have taken refuge at the feet; sūta : O Sūta; munayaḥ : sages; praśamāyanāḥ : peaceful in nature; sadyaḥ : immediately; punanti : purify; upaspṛṣṭāḥ : those who are touched; svardhunyāḥ apaḥ : the waters of the Ganges; anusevayā : by service
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O Sūta, those sages who have taken refuge at His feet are peaceful in nature; those who are touched by them are immediately purified, just as purity is attained by serving the waters of the Ganges.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
O Sūta, sages who have taken refuge at the Lord’s feet are filled with deep peace. Anyone who comes into their presence or even touches them becomes purified at once. Just as one gains purity by taking the waters of the Ganga, the same benefit is easily obtained through the company and contact of such great souls.
Ślokapāṭham
ko vā bhagavatastasya puṇyaślokedyakarmaṇaḥ ।
śuddhikāmo na śṛṇuyād yaśaḥ kalimalāpaham ॥
॥ 01.01.16 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
kaḥ vā bhagavataḥ tasya puṇya śloka iḍya karmaṇaḥ ।
śuddhi kāmaḥ na śṛṇuyāt yaśaḥ kali mala apaham ॥
Pada - Padārtham
kaḥ : who; vā : indeed; bhagavataḥ : of the Lord; tasya : His; puṇya śloka iḍya karmaṇaḥ : whose deeds are praised by sacred verses; śuddhi kāmaḥ : one who desires purity; na śṛṇuyāt : would not hear; yaśaḥ : the glory; kali mala apaham : that which removes the impurity of Kali
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Who indeed would not hear the glory of the Lord, whose deeds are praised by sacred verses, which removes the impurity of Kali, if one desires purity?
Saraḷa Bhāvam
The Lord’s sacred deeds and glories have the power to remove the impurities of Kali Yuga. So, why would anyone who seeks purity not listen to them? Truly, anyone who desires inner cleansing should listen with faith to the Lord’s divine glories.
Ślokapāṭham
tasya karmāṇyudārāṇi parigītāni sūribhiḥ ।
brūhi naḥ śraddadhānānāṁ līlayā dadhataḥ kalāḥ ॥
॥ 01.01.17 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tasya karmāṇi udārāṇi parigītāni sūribhiḥ ।
brūhi naḥ śraddha dhānānāṁ līlayā dadhataḥ kalāḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tasya : His; karmāṇi : deeds; udārāṇi : glorious; parigītāni : sung; sūribhiḥ : by sages; brūhi : tell; naḥ : to us; śraddha dhānānāṁ : to those who are full of faith; līlayā : in divine play; dadhataḥ : assuming; kalāḥ : manifestations
Yathātatha Anuvādam
His glorious deeds are sung by sages; tell us, who are full of faith, about Him who, in divine play, assumes manifestations.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
The Lord’s glorious deeds have been sung and made famous by great sages. He takes on various incarnations as divine play, and we are eager to hear about those sacred acts. Therefore, we request you to explain them to us in detail.
Ślokapāṭham
athākhyāhi hareḥ dhīman avatārakathāḥ śubhāḥ ।
līlā vidadhataḥ svairam īśvarasyātmamāyayā ॥
॥ 01.01.18 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
atha ākhyāhi hareḥ dhīman avatāra kathāḥ śubhāḥ ।
līlā vidadhataḥ svairam īśvarasya ātma māyayā ॥
Pada - Padārtham
atha : now; ākhyāhi : describe; hareḥ : of Hari; dhīman : O wise one; avatāra kathāḥ : the stories of incarnations; śubhāḥ : auspicious; līlā vidadhataḥ : performing divine pastimes; svairam : freely; īśvarasya : of the Lord; ātma māyayā : by His own māyā
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Now, O wise one, describe the auspicious stories of the incarnations of Hari, of the Lord who freely performs divine pastimes by His own māyā.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
O wise one, please now describe to us the auspicious stories of the Lord Hari’s incarnations, along with His divine pastimes, which He performs freely through His own power. We are eager to hear how these incarnations take place and how they bring good to the world.
Ślokapāṭham
vayaṁ tu na vitṛpyāma uttamaśloka vikrame ।
yacchṛṇvatāṁ rasajñānāṁ svādu svādu pade pade ॥
॥ 01.01.19 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
vayam tu na vitṛpyāma uttama śloka vikrame ।
yat śṛṇvatām rasa jñānām svādu svādu pade pade ॥
Pada - Padārtham
vayam : we; tu : indeed; na vitṛpyāma : are not satisfied; uttama śloka vikrame : in the heroic deeds of the Lord praised by exalted verses; yat : which; śṛṇvatām : to those who hear; rasa jñānām : to the connoisseurs of rasa; svādu svādu : sweet, sweeter; pade pade : at every step
Yathātatha Anuvādam
We indeed are not satisfied with the heroic deeds of the Lord praised by exalted verses; for those who hear, who are connoisseurs of rasa, it is sweet, sweeter at every step.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
We never feel satisfied hearing about the Lord’s glories and divine pastimes. For those who truly appreciate their spiritual sweetness, every word becomes more and more delightful, creating a desire to hear them again and again.
Ślokapāṭham
kṛtavān kila karmāṇi saha rāmeṇa keśavaḥ ।
ati martyāni bhagavān gūḍhaḥ kapaṭamānuṣaḥ ॥
॥ 01.01.20 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
kṛtavān kila karmāṇi saha rāmeṇa keśavaḥ ।
ati martyāni bhagavān gūḍhaḥ kapaṭa mānuṣaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
kṛtavān : performed; kila : indeed; karmāṇi : deeds; saha rāmeṇa : along with Rāma; keśavaḥ : Keśava; ati martyāni : beyond human; bhagavān : the Lord; gūḍhaḥ : hidden; kapaṭa mānuṣaḥ : appearing as a human
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Keśava indeed performed deeds along with Rāma; the Lord, though beyond human, remained hidden, appearing as a human.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
The Lord Keśava, along with Balarāma, performed many divine deeds. Though He appeared outwardly like an ordinary human, His actions were beyond human ability. Keeping His true divine nature hidden, He enacted His pastimes in human form.
Ślokapāṭham
kalimāgatamājñāya kṣetre’smin vaiṣṇave vayam ।
āsīnā dīrghasatreṇa kathāyāṁ sakṣaṇā hareḥ ॥
॥ 01.01.21 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
kalim āgatam ājñāya kṣetre asmin vaiṣṇave vayam ।
āsīnāḥ dīrgha satreṇa kathāyām sa kṣaṇāḥ hareḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
kalim : the age of Kali; āgatam : having arrived; ājñāya : knowing; kṣetre asmin vaiṣṇave : in this Vaiṣṇava sacred place; vayam : we; āsīnāḥ : seated; dīrgha satreṇa : through a prolonged sacrificial session; kathāyām : in the narration; sa kṣaṇāḥ : being close; hareḥ : of Hari
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Knowing that the age of Kali has arrived, in this Vaiṣṇava sacred place, we are seated, engaged in a prolonged sacrificial session, being close to the narration of Hari.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Realizing that Kali Yuga has begun, we have gathered in this sacred Vaiṣṇava place and are engaged in a long sacrifice. At the same time, we are absorbed in listening to the stories of ŚrīHari, staying close to His divine narratives in order to attain spiritual welfare.
Ślokapāṭham
tvaṁ naḥ sandarśito dhātrā dustaraṁ nistitīrṣatām ।
kalim sattvaharam puṁsāṁ karṇadhāra ivārṇavam ॥
॥ 01.01.22 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tvam naḥ sandarśitaḥ dhātrā dustaram nistitīrṣatām ।
kalim sattva haram puṁsām karṇa dhāraḥ iva arṇavam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tvam : you; naḥ : to us; sandarśitaḥ : shown; dhātrā : by the creator; dustaram : difficult to cross; nistitīrṣatām : for those who wish to cross; kalim : the age of Kali; sattva haram : that which takes away virtue; puṁsām : of human beings; karṇa dhāraḥ : a helmsman; iva : like; arṇavam : the ocean
Yathātatha Anuvādam
You have been shown to us by the creator, for those who wish to cross the difficult-to-cross age of Kali; like a helmsman for human beings, to cross the ocean of Kali which takes away virtue.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
O Sūta, for us who wish to cross the difficult ocean of Kali Yuga, you have been given to us by the Creator as a guide. This age weakens the goodness in people and leads them astray. In such a condition, you can guide us safely across, like a skilled navigator leading a boat.
Ślokapāṭham
brūhi yogeśvare kṛṣṇe brahmaṇye dharmavarmaṇi ।
svāṁ kāṣṭhāmadhunopete dharmaḥ kam śaraṇaṁ gataḥ ॥
॥ 01.01.23 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
brūhi yogeśvare kṛṣṇe brahmaṇye dharma varmaṇi ।
svām kāṣṭhām adhunā upete dharmaḥ kam śaraṇam gataḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
brūhi : tell; yogeśvare kṛṣṇe : in ŚrīKṛṣṇa, the Lord of Yoga; brahmaṇye : favorable to the Brāhmaṇas; dharma varmaṇi : the protector of dharma; svām kāṣṭhām : His own supreme abode; adhunā upete : having now departed; dharmaḥ : dharma; kam śaraṇam : to whom as refuge; gataḥ : has gone
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Tell, when ŚrīKṛṣṇa, the Lord of Yoga, who is favorable to the Brāhmaṇas and the protector of dharma, has now departed to His own supreme abode, to whom has dharma gone for refuge?
Saraḷa Bhāvam
O Sūta, ŚrīKṛṣṇa, the Lord of Yoga, who was favorable to the Brāhmaṇas and the protector of dharma, has now departed to His divine abode. After His departure, please tell us who or what dharma has taken shelter in this world.
Chapter conclusion Ślokapāṭham
iti śrīmadbhāgavate mahāpurāṇe pāramahaṁsyāṁ saṁhitāyām ।
prathama skandhe prathamo’dhyāyaḥ ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
iti śrīmad bhāgavate mahā purāṇe pāramahaṁsyām saṁhitāyām ।
prathama skandhe prathamaḥ adhyāyaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
iti : thus; śrīmadbhāgavate : in ŚrīmadBhāgavatam; mahā purāṇe : in the great Purāṇa; pāramahaṁsyām : pertaining to the paramahaṁsas; prathama skandhe : in the first canto; prathamaḥ adhyāyaḥ : the first chapter
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Thus, in ŚrīmadBhāgavatam, the great Purāṇa, in the compendium relating to the Supreme Lord, in the first canto, in the inquiry of the sages at Naimiśāraṇya, the first chapter.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
This traditional colophon marks the completion of the First Chapter of the First Canto. It identifies the text as ŚrīmadBhāgavatam, the great Purāṇa revered as a sacred compilation for seekers established in the highest devotion and realization. By recording the canto and chapter, it preserves the traditional structure of the scripture and formally brings the chapter to its conclusion.
“When inquiry is pure, truth begins to reveal itself.”
Other Study Paths | Canto 01 | Chapter 01
Parāyaṇam | Bhāvārtham | Sāram | Sārāmśam