ŚrīmadBhāgavatam | Adhyayanam
Canto 01 | Chapter 4
Vyāsa Maharṣi's inner contemplation
Chapter introduction
ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa’s many descents and their divine activities are described in the third chapter. The fourth chapter then turns inward. Having narrated the grandeur of creation, avatāras, and divine pastimes, the narrative now examines the inner state of Vyāsa Mahārṣi, the sage who compiled these sacred accounts. In this way, the focus shifts from the external world to the inner world.
After dividing the Vedas, composing the Purāṇas, and compiling the Mahābhārata, Vyāsa Mahārṣi still experiences an unexplained dissatisfaction within his heart. Although his great works appear complete from an external perspective, he feels that something essential remains lacking. This feeling becomes the central background of the chapter.
Vyāsa Mahārṣi’s inner contemplation is not merely a personal experience. It points to a deeper truth: even when knowledge, duty, and literary accomplishment are present, the heart cannot attain complete fulfilment without the full illumination of devotion to ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa. Thus, this chapter serves as a crucial turning point, revealing the inner cause behind the descent of ŚrīmadBhāgavatam.
At this moment, Nārada Mahārṣi arrives at Vyāsa Mahārṣi’s āśrama and explains the root cause of his mental unrest. Through their dialogue, the divine purpose behind the appearance of ŚrīmadBhāgavatam gradually unfolds. Therefore, the fourth chapter is not merely the beginning of a sacred composition; it is also a spiritual awakening that leads toward the perfection of bhakti.
Ślokapāṭham
( vyāsa uvāca )
iti bruvāṇaṁ saṁstūya munīnāṁ dīrghasatriṇām ।
vṛddhaḥ kulapatiḥ sūtaṁ bahvṛcaḥ śaunako’bravīt ॥
॥ 01.04.01 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
( vyāsa uvāca )
iti bruvāṇam saṁstūya munīnām dīrghasatriṇām ।
vṛddhaḥ kulapatiḥ sūtam bahvṛcaḥ śaunakaḥ abravīt ॥
Pada - Padārtham
vyāsa uvāca : Vyāsa Mahārṣi said; iti : thus; bruvāṇam : one who was speaking; saṁstūya : having praised; munīnām : of the sages; dīrghasatriṇām : who were conducting the long sacrificial session; vṛddhaḥ : the elder; kulapatiḥ : the head of the assembly; sūtam : Sūta Mahārṣi; bahvṛcaḥ : learned in the Ṛgveda; śaunakaḥ : Śaunaka Mahārṣi; abravīt : spoke
Yathātatha Anuvādam
After praising Sūta Mahārṣi, who was speaking in this manner to the sages engaged in the long sacrificial session, Śaunaka Mahārṣi, the elder and learned head of the assembly, proficient in the Ṛgveda, addressed him as follows.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Having attentively heard the teachings of Sūta Mahārṣi, Śaunaka Mahārṣi praised him and prepared to ask further questions with a desire to learn more. Thus, the inquiry of the sages moves forward into a deeper and more profound direction.
Ślokapāṭham
( śaunaka uvāca )
sūta sūta mahābhāga vada no vadatāṁ vara ।
kathāṁ bhāgavatīṁ puṇyāṁ yad āha bhagavān śukaḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.02 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
( śaunaka uvāca )
sūta sūta mahābhāga vada naḥ vadatām vara ।
kathām bhāgavatīm puṇyām yat āha bhagavān śukaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
śaunaka uvāca : Śaunaka Mahārṣi said; sūta : O Sūta Mahārṣi; sūta : O Sūta Mahārṣi; mahābhāga : greatly fortunate one; vada : please tell; naḥ : to us; vadatām : among speakers; vara : O best one; kathām : the narration; bhāgavatīm : concerning the Lord; puṇyām : sacred and meritorious; yat : which; āha : was spoken; bhagavān : endowed with divine devotion and wisdom; śukaḥ : Śuka Mahārṣi
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Śaunaka Mahārṣi said: O Sūta Mahārṣi, greatly fortunate one and best among speakers, please narrate to us that sacred Bhāgavata narration concerning the Lord which was spoken by Śuka Mahārṣi.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Śaunaka Mahārṣi expresses his deep eagerness to hear the narration of ŚrīmadBhāgavatam as taught by Śuka Mahārṣi. With great respect, he requests Sūta Mahārṣi to share that sacred wisdom with the assembled sages.
Ślokapāṭham
kasmin yuge pravṛtteyaṁ sthāne vā kena hetunā ।
kutaḥ sañcoditaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ kṛtavān saṁhitāṁ muniḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.03 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
kasmin yuge pravṛttā iyam sthāne vā kena hetunā ।
kutaḥ sañcoditaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ kṛtavān saṁhitām muniḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
kasmin : in which; yuge : age; pravṛttā : commenced; iyam : this; sthāne : place; vā : or; kena : by what; hetunā : reason; kutaḥ : by whose inspiration; sañcoditaḥ : impelled; kṛṣṇaḥ : Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsa Mahārṣi; kṛtavān : composed; saṁhitām : the saṁhitā; muniḥ : the sage
Yathātatha Anuvādam
In which age did this saṁhitā originate? In what place and for what reason was it composed? By whose inspiration did the sage Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsa Mahārṣi compose this saṁhitā?
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Śaunaka Mahārṣi now wishes to learn about the background of ŚrīmadBhāgavatam. He asks when and where it was composed, why it was written, and what inspired Vyāsa Mahārṣi to undertake this divine work.
Ślokapāṭham
tasya putro mahāyogī samadṛṅ nirvikalpakaḥ ।
ekāntamatirunnidro gūḍho mūḍha ivāyate ॥
॥ 01.04.04 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tasya putraḥ mahāyogī samadṛk nirvikalpakaḥ ।
ekāntamatiḥ unnidraḥ gūḍhaḥ mūḍhaḥ iva āyate ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tasya : to him; putraḥ : son; mahāyogī : a great yogi; samadṛk : one of equal vision; nirvikalpakaḥ : free from distinctions and duality; ekāntamatiḥ : one whose mind is completely fixed; unnidraḥ : one who has overcome the sleep of ignorance; gūḍhaḥ : one who concealed his greatness; mūḍhaḥ iva : like a simple or ignorant person; āyate : appeared
Yathātatha Anuvādam
He had a son who was a great yogi, possessed equal vision, was free from all sense of distinction, had a completely fixed mind, and had overcome the sleep of ignorance. Concealing his greatness, he appeared as though he were an ordinary and unknowing person.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Śaunaka Mahārṣi describes the nature of Śuka Mahārṣi. Though endowed with the highest spiritual realization, he did not display his greatness outwardly. To ordinary people he appeared simple and detached, while inwardly he shone with perfect self realization and divine wisdom.
Ślokapāṭham
dṛṣṭvā’nuyāntaṁ ṛṣimātmajam apyanagnam
devyo hriyā paridadhur na sutasya citram ।
tadvīkṣya pṛcchati munau jagadustavāsti
strīpuṁbhidā na tu sutasya viviktadṛṣṭeḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.05 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
dṛṣṭvā anuyāntam ṛṣim ātmajam api anagnam
devyaḥ hriyā paridadhuḥ na sutasya citram ।
tat vīkṣya pṛcchati munau jagat u stava asti
strīpuṁbhidā na tu sutasya viviktadṛṣṭeḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
dṛṣṭvā : having seen; anuyāntam : following behind; ṛṣim : the sage; ātmajam : his own son; api : although; anagnam : unclothed; devyaḥ : the celestial maidens; hriyā : out of modesty; paridadhuḥ : put on garments; na : not; sutasya : in the case of the son; citram : astonishing; tat : that; vīkṣya : seeing; pṛcchati : asked; munau : regarding the sage; jagat u stava asti : does there exist in the world; strīpuṁbhidā : distinction between woman and man; na tu : but not; sutasya : for the son; viviktadṛṣṭeḥ : whose vision was free from such distinctions
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Seeing the sage following behind his unclothed son, the celestial maidens modestly covered themselves. Yet they had not done so in the presence of his son. Observing this, the sage asked whether there existed in the world a distinction between woman and man, for his son possessed a vision free from all such distinctions.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
This verse illustrates the equal vision of Śuka Mahārṣi. Since he had no bodily identification and perceived no distinction between male and female, the celestial maidens felt no embarrassment in his presence. However, seeing Vyāsa Mahārṣi, who still appeared to engage with the world in the usual manner, they modestly covered themselves. The incident reveals the depth of Śuka Mahārṣi’s spiritual realization.
Ślokapāṭham
katham ālakṣitaḥ pauraiḥ samprāptaḥ kurujāṅgalān ।
unmattamūkajaḍavad vicaran gajasāhvaye ॥
॥ 01.04.06 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
katham ālakṣitaḥ pauraiḥ samprāptaḥ kurujāṅgalān ।
unmattamūkajaḍavat vicaran gajasāhvaye ॥
Pada - Padārtham
katham : how; ālakṣitaḥ : recognized; pauraiḥ : by the townspeople; samprāptaḥ : arrived; kurujāṅgalān : the regions of Kuru country; unmattamūkajaḍavat : like a madman, a mute, or a dull person; vicaran : wandering; gajasāhvaye : in the city known as Gajasāhvaya
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Wandering as though he were a madman, a mute, or an unintelligent person, how was he recognized by the townspeople when he arrived in the regions of Kuru country and came to the city known as Gajasāhvaya?
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Śaunaka Mahārṣi seeks to learn more about the life of Śuka Mahārṣi. Since he moved about in a manner that appeared unusual to ordinary people, Śaunaka wonders how the people recognized him and how he came to the Kuru region.
Ślokapāṭham
kathaṁ vā pāṇḍaveyasya rājarṣeḥ muninā saha ।
saṁvādaḥ samabhūttāta yatraiṣā sātvatī śrutiḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.07 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
katham vā pāṇḍaveyasya rājarṣeḥ muninā saha ।
saṁvādaḥ samabhūt tāta yatra eṣā sātvatī śrutiḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
katham : how; vā : or; pāṇḍaveyasya : of the descendant of the Pāṇḍavas; rājarṣeḥ : of the royal sage; muninā : with the sage; saha : together; saṁvādaḥ : dialogue; samabhūt : took place; tāta : O dear one; yatra : wherein; eṣā : this; sātvatī : relating to the Lord; śrutiḥ : divine teaching, sacred revelation
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O dear one, how did this dialogue between the royal sage, the descendant of the Pāṇḍavas, and the sage take place, wherein this divine teaching concerning the Lord was revealed?
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Śaunaka Mahārṣi now wishes to learn the background of the sacred dialogue between Mahārāja Parīkṣit and Śuka Mahārṣi. He requests Sūta Mahārṣi to explain the circumstances in which the flow of ŚrīmadBhāgavatam began.
Ślokapāṭham
sa godohanamātraṁ hi gṛheṣu gṛhamedhinām ।
avekṣate mahābhāgaḥ tīrthī kurvan tadāśramam ॥
॥ 01.04.08 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
saḥ godohanamātram hi gṛheṣu gṛhamedhinām ।
avekṣate mahābhāgaḥ tīrthī kurvan tat āśramam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
saḥ : he; godohanamātram : only for the duration of milking a cow; hi : indeed; gṛheṣu : in the homes; gṛhamedhinām : of householders; avekṣate : stayed; mahābhāgaḥ : the greatly blessed one; tīrthī kurvan : making into a sacred place; tat : that; āśramam : dwelling or home
Yathātatha Anuvādam
That greatly blessed sage would remain in the homes of householders only for the time it took to milk a cow. By his very presence, he would transform that dwelling into a sacred place of pilgrimage.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Śuka Mahārṣi never stayed long in any household. He remained only briefly before continuing his journey. Yet his divine presence was so purifying that even a short visit would make a home spiritually sanctified.
Ślokapāṭham
abhimanyusutaṁ sūta prāhurbhāgavatottamam ।
tasya janma mahāścaryaṁ karmāṇi ca gṛṇīhi naḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.09 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
abhimanyusutam sūta prāhuḥ bhāgavatottamam ।
tasya janma mahāścaryam karmāṇi ca gṛṇīhi naḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
abhimanyusutam : Mahārāja Parīkṣit, the son of Abhimanyu; sūta : O Sūta Mahārṣi; prāhuḥ : they say; bhāgavatottamam : the foremost devotee of the Lord; tasya : his; janma : birth; mahāścaryam : most wonderful; karmāṇi : deeds and activities; ca : and; gṛṇīhi : please describe; naḥ : to us
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O Sūta Mahārṣi, Mahārāja Parīkṣit, the son of Abhimanyu, is spoken of as the foremost devotee of the Lord. Please describe to us his wondrous birth and his remarkable deeds.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Śaunaka Mahārṣi now wishes to hear about the greatness of Mahārāja Parīkṣit. Known as one of the most exalted devotees of ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa, his birth, life, and glorious activities are requested as the next subject of narration.
Ślokapāṭham
sa samrāṭ kasya vā hetoḥ pāṇḍūnāṁ mānavardhanaḥ ।
prāyopaviṣṭo gaṅgāyām anādṛtyādhirāṭ śriyam ॥
॥ 01.04.10 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
saḥ samrāṭ kasya vā hetoḥ pāṇḍūnām mānavardhanaḥ ।
prāyopaviṣṭaḥ gaṅgāyām anādṛtya adhirāṭ śriyam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
saḥ : that; samrāṭ : emperor; kasya : for what; vā : or; hetoḥ : reason; pāṇḍūnām : of the Pāṇḍavas; mānavardhanaḥ : one who increased their glory; prāyopaviṣṭaḥ : undertook fasting unto death; gaṅgāyām : on the bank of the Gaṅgā; anādṛtya : disregarding, setting aside; adhirāṭ : imperial; śriyam : royal prosperity and opulence
Yathātatha Anuvādam
For what reason did that emperor, who enhanced the glory of the Pāṇḍavas, renounce the splendour of his imperial kingdom and undertake a fast unto death on the bank of the Gaṅgā?
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Śaunaka Mahārṣi wishes to understand why Mahārāja Parīkṣit, a great emperor blessed with power, wealth, and honour, abandoned everything and sat on the bank of the Gaṅgā in a vow of fasting. He asks Sūta Mahārṣi to explain the event that led to this decision.
Ślokapāṭham
namanti yat pādaniketam ātmanaḥ
śivāya hānīya dhanāni śatravaḥ ।
kathaṁ sa vīraḥ śriyam aṅga dustyajāṁ
yuvaiṣatotsraṣṭum aho sahāsubhiḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.11 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
namanti yat pādaniketam ātmanaḥ
śivāya hānīya dhanāni śatravaḥ ।
katham saḥ vīraḥ śriyam aṅga dustyajām
yuvā eṣa utsraṣṭum aho saha asubhiḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
namanti : offer, submit; yat : at whose; pādaniketam : feet; ātmanaḥ : their own; śivāya : for their welfare; hānīya : harmful; dhanāni : wealth and possessions; śatravaḥ : enemies; katham : how; saḥ : he; vīraḥ : hero; śriyam : prosperity and royal opulence; aṅga : O dear one; dustyajām : difficult to renounce; yuvā : youthful; eṣa : this person; utsraṣṭum : to abandon; aho : indeed, how astonishing; saha : together with; asubhiḥ : his very life
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Even his enemies would place their own wealth at his feet for their welfare, considering such possessions insignificant before him. O dear one, how could such a heroic and youthful king renounce that difficult to abandon royal prosperity, and even his very life?
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Śaunaka Mahārṣi marvels at the renunciation of Mahārāja Parīkṣit. Though he was young, powerful, and universally respected, even by his enemies, he willingly turned away from royal glory and accepted the path that would lead to the end of his earthly life. This deep detachment inspires Śaunaka’s question.
Ślokapāṭham
śivāya lokasya bhavāya bhūtaye
ya uttamaślokaparāyaṇā janāḥ ।
jīvanti nātmārtham asau parāśrayaṁ
mumoca nirvidya kutaḥ kalevaram ॥
॥ 01.04.12 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
śivāya lokasya bhavāya bhūtaye
ye uttamaślokaparāyaṇāḥ janāḥ ।
jīvanti na ātmārtham asau parāśrayam
mumoca nirvidya kutaḥ kalevaram ॥
Pada - Padārtham
śivāya : for the welfare; lokasya : of the world; bhavāya : for the prosperity and well being; bhūtaye : for the upliftment of living beings; ye : who; uttamaślokaparāyaṇāḥ : devoted to Uttamaśloka, ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa; janāḥ : noble persons; jīvanti : live; na : not; ātmārtham : for their own benefit; asau : that king; parāśrayam : a refuge for many; mumoca : abandoned; nirvidya : having become detached; kutaḥ : how; kalevaram : the body
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Those devoted to Uttamaśloka, ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa, live not for their own sake but for the welfare of the world and the upliftment of all beings. How then did that king, who was a refuge to so many, become detached and abandon his body?
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Śaunaka Mahārṣi describes Mahārāja Parīkṣit not merely as a ruler but as a great devotee who lived for the benefit of others. Since such noble souls dedicate their lives to the welfare of the world, he wonders how Parīkṣit Mahārāja came to the point of renouncing even his own body.
Ślokapāṭham
tatsarvaṁ naḥ samācakṣva pṛṣṭo yad iha kiñcana ।
manye tvāṁ viṣaye vācāṁ snātam anyatra chāndasāt ॥
॥ 01.04.13 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tat sarvam naḥ samācakṣva pṛṣṭaḥ yat iha kiñcana ।
manye tvām viṣaye vācām snātam anyatra chāndasāt ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tat : that; sarvam : all; naḥ : to us; samācakṣva : explain in full; pṛṣṭaḥ : having been asked; yat : whatever; iha : here; kiñcana : anything; manye : I consider; tvām : you; viṣaye : in matters concerning; vācām : scriptural statements and teachings; snātam : thoroughly immersed and well versed; anyatra : especially beyond; chāndasāt : the ritualistic portion of the Vedas
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Please explain to us all these matters that have been asked here. I consider you to be thoroughly versed in the teachings of the scriptures, especially in the truths that lie beyond the ritualistic portion of the Vedas.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Śaunaka Mahārṣi expresses his confidence in the wisdom of Sūta Mahārṣi. Respectfully acknowledging his deep understanding not only of the Vedas but also of their highest spiritual meaning, he requests complete answers to all the questions raised by the sages.
Ślokapāṭham
( sūta uvāca )
dvāpare samanuprāpte tṛtīye yugaparyaye ।
jātaḥ parāśarād yogī vāsavyāṁ kalayā hareḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.14 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
( sūta uvāca )
dvāpare samanuprāpte tṛtīye yugaparyaye ।
jātaḥ parāśarāt yogī vāsavyām kalayā hareḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sūta uvāca : Sūta Mahārṣi said; dvāpare : in the Dvāpara Yuga; samanuprāpte : when it had arrived; tṛtīye : the third; yugaparyaye : in the cycle of yugas; jātaḥ : was born; parāśarāt : from Parāśara Mahārṣi; yogī : the great yogi; vāsavyām : in Satyavatī, the daughter of Vasu; kalayā : as a partial manifestation; hareḥ : of ŚrīHari
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Sūta Mahārṣi said: When the third age of the yuga cycle, Dvāpara Yuga, arrived, the great yogi was born from Parāśara Mahārṣi and Satyavatī, the daughter of Vasu, as a partial manifestation of ŚrīHari.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Sūta Mahārṣi now describes the appearance of Vyāsa Mahārṣi. He explains that Vyāsa took birth as a manifestation of ŚrīHari in order to preserve, organize, and transmit sacred knowledge for the benefit of the world.
Ślokapāṭham
sa kadācit sarasvatyā upaspṛśya jalaṁ śuciḥ ।
vivikta eka āsīna udite ravimaṇḍale ॥
॥ 01.04.15 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
saḥ kadācit sarasvatyāḥ upaspṛśya jalam śuciḥ ।
vivikte ekaḥ āsīnaḥ udite ravimaṇḍale ॥
Pada - Padārtham
saḥ : he; kadācit : on one occasion; sarasvatyāḥ : in the Sarasvatī River; upaspṛśya : having performed purification and bathed; jalam : the water; śuciḥ : purified; vivikte : in a secluded place; ekaḥ : alone; āsīnaḥ : seated; udite : having risen; ravimaṇḍale : when the sun had risen
Yathātatha Anuvādam
On one occasion, after bathing in the waters of the Sarasvatī and becoming purified, he sat alone in a secluded place when the sun had risen.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
A calm spiritual setting is established before the inner contemplation of Vyāsa Mahārṣi begins. Having completed his purification in the sacred river, he sits alone in the quiet atmosphere of the morning, preparing to reflect deeply within himself.
Ślokapāṭham
parāvarajñaḥ sa ṛṣiḥ kālenāvyaktarṁhasā ।
yugadharmavyatikaraṁ prāptaṁ bhuvi yuge yuge ॥
॥ 01.04.16 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
parāvarajñaḥ saḥ ṛṣiḥ kālena avyaktarṁhasā ।
yugadharmavyatikaram prāptam bhuvi yuge yuge ॥
Pada - Padārtham
parāvarajñaḥ : knower of both the higher and lower realities; saḥ : that; ṛṣiḥ : sage; kālena : through the influence of time; avyaktarṁhasā : moving with an imperceptible force and speed; yugadharmavyatikaram : the decline and disturbance of the principles of the age; prāptam : having occurred; bhuvi : upon the earth; yuge yuge : in every age
Yathātatha Anuvādam
That sage, who understood both the higher and lower realities, observed how the principles of dharma in each age become disturbed and decline through the subtle and imperceptible influence of time upon the earth.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Vyāsa Mahārṣi was not only aware of the past but also deeply understood the movement of time and its effects upon the world. He clearly perceived how dharma gradually weakens and becomes obscured as the ages progress. This realization becomes the foundation for the great work he is about to undertake.
Ślokapāṭham
bhautikānāṁ ca bhāvānāṁ śaktihrāsaṁ ca tatkṛtam ।
aśraddadhānān niḥsattvān durmedhān hrasitāyuṣaḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.17 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
bhautikānām ca bhāvānām śaktihrāsam ca tatkṛtam ।
aśraddadhānān niḥsattvān durmedhān hrasitāyuṣaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
bhautikānām : of material conditions and natures; ca : and; bhāvānām : of living beings and their states; śaktihrāsam : decline of strength and capacity; ca : and; tatkṛtam : caused by that; aśraddadhānān : lacking faith; niḥsattvān : deprived of purity and strength of character; durmedhān : of poor understanding; hrasitāyuṣaḥ : possessing shortened lifespans
Yathātatha Anuvādam
He observed that, because of the influence of time, the strength of material conditions and of living beings had declined, and that people had become lacking in faith, diminished in purity, weak in understanding, and short in lifespan.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Vyāsa Mahārṣi foresaw the effects of the age that was approaching. He perceived that people would gradually lose strength, faith, purity, wisdom, and longevity. Recognizing this condition, he understood the need to provide spiritual guidance that future generations could readily receive and follow.
Ślokapāṭham
durbhagāṁś ca janān vīkṣya munir divyena cakṣuṣā ।
sarvavarṇāśramāṇāṁ yad dadhyau hitam amoghadṛk ॥
॥ 01.04.18 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
durbhagān ca janān vīkṣya muniḥ divyena cakṣuṣā ।
sarvavarṇāśramāṇām yat dadhyau hitam amoghadṛk ॥
Pada - Padārtham
durbhagān : unfortunate; ca : and; janān : people; vīkṣya : seeing; muniḥ : the sage; divyena : with divine; cakṣuṣā : vision; sarvavarṇāśramāṇām : of all social and spiritual orders; yat : what; dadhyau : contemplated; hitam : welfare; amoghadṛk : one whose vision was unfailing
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Seeing the unfortunate condition of the people with his divine vision, the sage of unfailing insight contemplated what would bring welfare to all sections of society and all stages of life.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
With his divine insight, Vyāsa Mahārṣi observed the difficulties that people would face. Concerned for the well being of everyone, he began reflecting on a path that could genuinely benefit all people, regardless of their position in society or stage of life.
Ślokapāṭham
cāturhotraṁ karma śuddhaṁ prajānāṁ vīkṣya vaidikam ।
vyadadhādyajñasantatyai vedam ekaṁ caturvidham ॥
॥ 01.04.19 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
cāturhotram karma śuddham prajānām vīkṣya vaidikam ।
vyadadhāt yajñasantatyai vedam ekam caturvidham ॥
Pada - Padārtham
cāturhotram : involving the four officiating priests; karma : sacrificial rite; śuddham : prescribed and proper; prajānām : of the people; vīkṣya : observing; vaidikam : Vedic; vyadadhāt : divided; yajñasantatyai : for the continuation of sacrificial tradition; vedam : the Veda; ekam : one; caturvidham : into four parts
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Observing the proper Vedic sacrificial practices of the people, he divided the one Veda into four parts so that the tradition of Vedic sacrifices might continue uninterrupted.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Recognizing that people’s abilities were gradually declining, Vyāsa Mahārṣi organized the Veda into four divisions to make its study and preservation more manageable. In this way, he ensured that Vedic knowledge and practice could continue to be transmitted to future generations.
Ślokapāṭham
ṛgyajuḥsāmātharvākhyā vedāś catvāra uddhṛtāḥ ।
itihāsapurāṇaṁ ca pañcamo veda ucyate ॥
॥ 01.04.20 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
ṛk yajuḥ sāma atharvākhyāḥ vedāḥ catvāraḥ uddhṛtāḥ ।
itihāsapurāṇam ca pañcamaḥ vedaḥ ucyate ॥
Pada - Padārtham
ṛk : Ṛgveda; yajuḥ : Yajurveda; sāma : Sāmaveda; atharvākhyāḥ : known as Atharvaveda; vedāḥ : the Vedas; catvāraḥ : four; uddhṛtāḥ : divided and arranged; itihāsapurāṇam : the Itihāsas and Purāṇas; ca : and; pañcamaḥ : the fifth; vedaḥ : Veda; ucyate : is said to be
Yathātatha Anuvādam
The Veda was arranged into four divisions known as the Ṛgveda, Yajurveda, Sāmaveda, and Atharvaveda. The Itihāsas and Purāṇas are also spoken of as the fifth Veda.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Vyāsa Mahārṣi not only organized the Vedas into four divisions but also made their teachings accessible through the Itihāsas and Purāṇas. These sacred narratives preserve and communicate Vedic wisdom in a form that can be more easily understood and remembered by people.
Ślokapāṭham
tatra ṛgvedadharaḥ pailaḥ sāmago jaiminiḥ kaviḥ ।
vaiśampāyana evaiko niṣṇāto yajuṣām uta ॥
॥ 01.04.21 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tatra ṛgvedadharaḥ pailaḥ sāmagaḥ jaiminiḥ kaviḥ ।
vaiśampāyanaḥ eva ekaḥ niṣṇātaḥ yajuṣām uta ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tatra : among them; ṛgvedadharaḥ : custodian of the Ṛgveda; pailaḥ : Paila Mahārṣi; sāmagaḥ : knower and chanter of the Sāmaveda; jaiminiḥ : Jaimini Mahārṣi; kaviḥ : wise sage; vaiśampāyanaḥ : Vaiśampāyana Mahārṣi; eva : indeed; ekaḥ : one; niṣṇātaḥ : thoroughly proficient; yajuṣām : in the Yajurveda; uta : and
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Among them, Paila Mahārṣi became the custodian of the Ṛgveda, the wise Jaimini Mahārṣi mastered the Sāmaveda, and Vaiśampāyana Mahārṣi became thoroughly proficient in the Yajurveda.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
After dividing the Vedas, Vyāsa Mahārṣi entrusted them to his disciples. Each disciple received responsibility for preserving and transmitting a particular Vedic tradition, ensuring that the sacred knowledge would continue through successive generations.
Ślokapāṭham
atharvāṅgirasām āsīt sumantur dāruṇo muniḥ ।
itihāsapurāṇānāṁ pitā me romaharṣaṇaḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.22 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
atharvāṅgirasām āsīt sumantuḥ dāruṇaḥ muniḥ ।
itihāsapurāṇānām pitā me romaharṣaṇaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
atharvāṅgirasām : of the Atharvaveda; āsīt : became; sumantuḥ : Sumantu Mahārṣi; dāruṇaḥ : resolute and powerful; muniḥ : sage; itihāsapurāṇānām : of the Itihāsas and Purāṇas; pitā : teacher, preceptor; me : my; romaharṣaṇaḥ : Romaharṣaṇa Mahārṣi
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Sumantu Mahārṣi became the custodian of the Atharvaveda, and Romaharṣaṇa Mahārṣi became my teacher in the tradition of the Itihāsas and Purāṇas.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Sūta Mahārṣi explains his place within the lineage of sacred learning. While the Atharvaveda was entrusted to Sumantu Mahārṣi, the tradition of the Itihāsas and Purāṇas was carried forward through Romaharṣaṇa Mahārṣi, from whom Sūta received this knowledge.
Ślokapāṭham
ta ete ṛṣayo vedaṁ svaṁ svaṁ vyasyann anekadhā ।
śiṣyaiḥ praśiṣyaiś tacchiṣyair vedās te śākhino’bhavan ॥
॥ 01.04.23 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
te ete ṛṣayaḥ vedam svam svam vyasyan anekadhā ।
śiṣyaiḥ praśiṣyaiḥ tat śiṣyaiḥ vedāḥ te śākhinaḥ abhavan ॥
Pada - Padārtham
te : they; ete : these; ṛṣayaḥ : sages; vedam : the Veda; svam svam : their respective portions; vyasyan : divided and arranged; anekadhā : in many ways; śiṣyaiḥ : by disciples; praśiṣyaiḥ : by disciples of disciples; tat śiṣyaiḥ : by their succeeding disciples; vedāḥ : the Vedas; te : those; śākhinaḥ : divided into branches; abhavan : became
Yathātatha Anuvādam
These sages divided and arranged their respective portions of the Veda in many ways. Through their disciples, their disciples’ disciples, and succeeding generations, those Vedas came to exist in numerous branches.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
The work begun by Vyāsa Mahārṣi continued through the guru disciple tradition. As each generation taught the next, the Vedas spread into many branches, allowing the sacred knowledge to be preserved and transmitted across generations.
Ślokapāṭham
ta eva vedā durmedhaiḥ dhāryante puruṣair yathā ।
evaṁ cakāra bhagavān vyāsaḥ kṛpaṇavatsalaḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.24 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
te eva vedāḥ durmedhaiḥ dhāryante puruṣaiḥ yathā ।
evam cakāra bhagavān vyāsaḥ kṛpaṇavatsalaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
te : those; eva : indeed; vedāḥ : Vedas; durmedhaiḥ : by those of limited understanding; dhāryante : may be learned and retained; puruṣaiḥ : by people; yathā : so that; evam : in this manner; cakāra : he arranged; bhagavān : the revered sage; vyāsaḥ : Vyāsa Mahārṣi; kṛpaṇavatsalaḥ : compassionate toward those of limited capacity
Yathātatha Anuvādam
So that even people of limited understanding could learn and retain the Vedas, the compassionate Vyāsa Mahārṣi made these arrangements.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Vyāsa Mahārṣi did not divide the Vedas merely for organization. Out of compassion, he made Vedic knowledge more accessible, knowing that people in later times would have less capacity for study and remembrance. This arrangement reflects both his kindness and his foresight.
Ślokapāṭham
strīśūdradvijabandhūnāṁ trayī na śrutigocarā ।
karmaśreyasi mūḍhānāṁ śreya evaṁ bhaved iha ॥
॥ 01.04.25 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
strīśūdradvijabandhūnām trayī na śrutigocarā ।
karmaśreyasi mūḍhānām śreyaḥ evam bhavet iha ॥
Pada - Padārtham
strīśūdradvijabandhūnām : for women, śūdras, and those born in twice born families without the corresponding qualifications; trayī : the three Vedas; na : not; śrutigocarā : directly accessible through Vedic study and hearing; karmaśreyasi : regarding the welfare obtained through righteous action; mūḍhānām : of those with limited understanding; śreyaḥ : welfare and benefit; evam : in this way; bhavet : may arise; iha : in this world
Yathātatha Anuvādam
The threefold Vedic learning was not directly accessible to women, śūdras, and those lacking the qualifications for Vedic study. Therefore, for the welfare of those of limited understanding in matters of righteous action, benefit could be attained in this way.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Vyāsa Mahārṣi desired that spiritual knowledge should benefit all sections of society. Recognizing that many people did not have access to formal Vedic study, he saw the need for teachings that could communicate dharma and spiritual wisdom in a form accessible to everyone.
Ślokapāṭham
iti bhāratam ākhyānaṁ kṛpayā muninā kṛtam ।
evaṁ pravṛttasya sadā bhūtānāṁ śreyasi dvijāḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.26 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
iti bhāratam ākhyānam kṛpayā muninā kṛtam ।
evam pravṛttasya sadā bhūtānām śreyasi dvijāḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
iti : thus; bhāratam : the Mahābhārata; ākhyānam : sacred history; kṛpayā : out of compassion; muninā : by the sage; kṛtam : was composed; evam : in this manner; pravṛttasya : engaged; sadā : always; bhūtānām : of all living beings; śreyasi : in their welfare; dvijāḥ : O twice born sages
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O sages, thus the Mahābhārata was composed by the sage out of compassion, for he was always engaged in promoting the welfare of all living beings.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Vyāsa Mahārṣi did not compose his works for personal recognition. Motivated by compassion and concern for the welfare of all living beings, he composed Mahābhārata so that the teachings of dharma could reach and benefit a wider audience.
Ślokapāṭham
sarvātmakenāpi yadā nātuṣyad dhṛdayaṁ tataḥ ।
nātiprasīdaddhṛdayaḥ sarasvatyās taṭe śucau ॥
॥ 01.04.27 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
sarvātmakena api yadā na atuṣyat dhṛdayam tataḥ ।
na atiprasīdat dhṛdayaḥ sarasvatyāḥ taṭe śucau ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sarvātmakena : by this all encompassing work; api : even though; yadā : when; na : not; atuṣyat : became satisfied; dhṛdayam : the heart; tataḥ : then; na : not; atiprasīdat : became fully pleased; dhṛdayaḥ : the mind and heart; sarasvatyāḥ : of the Sarasvatī River; taṭe : on the bank; śucau : in a sacred place
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Even after accomplishing these all encompassing works, his heart did not become satisfied. Thus, while seated in the sacred place on the bank of the Sarasvatī, his heart did not attain complete contentment.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Although Vyāsa Mahārṣi had completed many great spiritual and literary works, he still felt an inner dissatisfaction. Outwardly everything appeared accomplished, yet deep within, a sense of incompleteness remained in his heart.
Ślokapāṭham
vitarkayan viviktastha idaṁ provāca dharmavit ।
dhṛtavratena hi mayā chandāṁsi guravo’gnayaḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.28 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
vitarkayan viviktasthaḥ idam provāca dharmavit ।
dhṛtavratena hi mayā chandāṁsi guravaḥ agnayaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
vitarkayan : reflecting and deliberating; viviktasthaḥ : situated in a secluded place; idam : this; provāca : spoke; dharmavit : knower of dharma; dhṛtavratena : with firm vows; hi : indeed; mayā : by me; chandāṁsi : the Vedas; guravaḥ : the spiritual teachers; agnayaḥ : the sacred fires
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Reflecting deeply while seated in seclusion, that knower of dharma spoke thus: “Indeed, with steadfast vows I have properly attended to the Vedas, my teachers, and the sacred fires.”
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Vyāsa Mahārṣi now begins examining his own heart. As he reflects in solitude, he recalls how faithfully he had followed the Vedic path, studied the scriptures, honoured his teachers, and performed his sacred duties, yet still found himself lacking complete satisfaction.
Ślokapāṭham
mānitā nirvyalīkena gṛhītaṁ cānuśāsanam ।
bhāratavyapadeśena hyāmnāyārthaś ca pradarśitaḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.29 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
mānitāḥ nirvyalīkena gṛhītam ca anuśāsanam ।
bhāratavyapadeśena hi āmnāyārthaḥ ca pradarśitaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
mānitāḥ : honoured and respected; nirvyalīkena : without deceit or hypocrisy; gṛhītam : accepted; ca : and; anuśāsanam : scriptural instruction; bhāratavyapadeśena : through the Mahābhārata; hi : indeed; āmnāyārthaḥ : the essence of the Vedas; ca : and; pradarśitaḥ : revealed and explained
Yathātatha Anuvādam
The instructions received from the teachers were honoured and accepted without deceit, and indeed the essence of the Vedas was revealed through the Mahābhārata.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Vyāsa Mahārṣi reflects upon the work he had accomplished. He had faithfully followed the teachings of his teachers and had presented the essence of Vedic wisdom through Mahābhārata so that it could reach a wider audience. Yet, despite these achievements, his inner dissatisfaction remained.
Ślokapāṭham
dṛśyate yatra dharmādi strīśūdrādibhir apyuta ।
tathāpi bata me daihyo hyātmā caivātmanā vibhuḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.30 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
dṛśyate yatra dharmādiḥ strīśūdrādibhiḥ api uta ।
tathā api bata me daihyaḥ hi ātmā ca eva ātmanā vibhuḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
dṛśyate : is seen and understood; yatra : wherein; dharmādiḥ : dharma and related teachings; strīśūdrādibhiḥ : by women, śūdras, and others; api : even; uta : indeed; tathā api : even so; bata : alas; me : my; daihyaḥ : embodied self, inner being associated with bodily existence; hi : indeed; ātmā : heart and mind; ca eva : nevertheless; ātmanā : by myself; vibhuḥ : though capable and accomplished
Yathātatha Anuvādam
The teachings of dharma and related truths have been made accessible even to women, śūdras, and others. Yet alas, though I am capable and accomplished, my own heart still does not find complete satisfaction.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Vyāsa Mahārṣi expresses his inner dissatisfaction more openly. Even though he had made spiritual teachings accessible to a wider audience, he still felt that something essential remained undone. Deep within, he sensed that his work had not yet reached its true completion.
Ślokapāṭham
asampanna ivābhāti brahmavarcasyasattamaḥ ।
kiṁ vā bhāgavatā dharmā na prāyeṇa nirūpitāḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.31 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
asampannaḥ iva ābhāti brahmavarcasyasattamaḥ ।
kim vā bhāgavatāḥ dharmāḥ na prāyeṇa nirūpitāḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
asampannaḥ : incomplete, unfulfilled; iva : as though; ābhāti : appears; brahmavarcasyasattamaḥ : the foremost among those endowed with Vedic brilliance; kim vā : or perhaps; bhāgavatāḥ : pertaining to the Lord; dharmāḥ : sacred principles and practices; na : not; prāyeṇa : fully, adequately; nirūpitāḥ : explained and established
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Though I am regarded as foremost among those endowed with Vedic brilliance, I still appear to myself as one who is incomplete. Or perhaps the principles of devotion to the Lord have not been fully explained.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Vyāsa Mahārṣi begins to discern the true source of his dissatisfaction. A thought arises within him that, despite composing many sacred works, he may not have sufficiently presented the path of loving devotion to ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa. This realization brings him closer to understanding what is still missing from his work.
Ślokapāṭham
priyāḥ paramahaṁsānāṁ ta eva hyacyutapriyāḥ ।
tasyaivaṁ khilam ātmānaṁ manyamānasya khidyataḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.32 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
priyāḥ paramahaṁsānām te eva hi acyutapriyāḥ ।
tasya evam khilam ātmānam manyamānasya khidyataḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
priyāḥ : dear; paramahaṁsānām : to the paramahaṁsas; te : those; eva : indeed; hi : certainly; acyutapriyāḥ : dear to Acyuta, ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa; tasya : of him; evam : thus; khilam : incomplete, deficient; ātmānam : himself; manyamānasya : considering; khidyataḥ : feeling distressed
Yathātatha Anuvādam
That which is dear to the paramahaṁsas is indeed dear to Acyuta as well. Thus, considering himself still incomplete, he became troubled and distressed.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
A deeper realization begins to take shape within Vyāsa Mahārṣi. As he reflects, he senses that the teachings most cherished by the great devotees and by ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa Himself may not have been fully brought to the forefront. Thinking in this way, he feels a profound inner dissatisfaction.
Ślokapāṭham
kṛṣṇasya nārado’bhyāgād āśramaṁ prāgudāhṛtam ।
tam abhijñāya sahasā pratyutthāyāgataṁ muniḥ ॥
॥ 01.04.33 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
kṛṣṇasya nāradaḥ abhyāgāt āśramam prāk udāhṛtam ।
tam abhijñāya sahasā pratyutthāya āgatam muniḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
kṛṣṇasya : of Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsa Mahārṣi; nāradaḥ : Nārada Mahārṣi; abhyāgāt : came; āśramam : to the āśrama; prāk udāhṛtam : previously mentioned; tam : him; abhijñāya : recognizing; sahasā : immediately; pratyutthāya : rising to receive; āgatam : the one who had arrived; muniḥ : the sage
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Nārada Mahārṣi came to the āśrama of Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana Vyāsa Mahārṣi that was mentioned earlier. Recognizing him, the sage immediately rose to receive the arriving Nārada Mahārṣi.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
While Vyāsa Mahārṣi was absorbed in deep reflection, Nārada Mahārṣi arrived at his āśrama. His arrival was not accidental. The moment had come for Vyāsa Mahārṣi to receive the guidance that would reveal the true cause of his inner dissatisfaction.
Ślokapāṭham
pūjayāmāsa vidhivat nāradaṁ surapūjitam ॥
॥ 01.04.34 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
pūjayāmāsa vidhivat nāradam surapūjitam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
pūjayāmāsa : worshipped and honoured; vidhivat : according to proper etiquette; nāradam : Nārada Mahārṣi; surapūjitam : honoured by the Devatās
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Vyāsa Mahārṣi properly received and honoured Nārada Mahārṣi, who is revered by the Devatās.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
As soon as Nārada Mahārṣi arrived, Vyāsa Mahārṣi welcomed him with great respect and honour. Thus, the setting was prepared for the important dialogue between guru and disciple that would ultimately lead to the revelation of ŚrīmadBhāgavatam.
Chapter conclusion Ślokapāṭham
iti śrīmadbhāgavate mahāpurāṇe pāramahaṁsyāṁ saṁhitāyām ।
prathama skandhe caturtho’dhyāyaḥ ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
iti śrīmat bhāgavate mahā purāṇe pāramahaṁsyām saṁhitāyām ।
prathama skandhe caturthaḥ adhyāyaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
iti : thus; śrīmat bhāgavate : in ŚrīmadBhāgavatam; mahā purāṇe : in the great Purāṇa; pāramahaṁsyām : pertaining to the paramahaṁsas; saṁhitāyām : in the sacred compilation; prathama skandhe : in the First Canto; caturthaḥ adhyāyaḥ : the Fourth Chapter
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Thus ends the Fourth Chapter of the First Canto of ŚrīmadBhāgavatam, the great Purāṇa and sacred compilation intended for the paramahaṁsas.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
This chapter describes the inner contemplation of Vyāsa Mahārṣi, his concern over the decline of dharma, the compassionate purpose behind the division of the Vedas, and his search for the cause of his own dissatisfaction. With the arrival of Nārada Mahārṣi at the end of the chapter, the stage is set for the profound guru disciple dialogue that will lead to the revelation of ŚrīmadBhāgavatam.
“When sincere inquiry begins, truth reveals itself.”
Other Study Paths | Canto 01 | Chapter 04
Parāyaṇam | Bhāvārtham | Sāram | Sārāmśam