Bhagavatam | भागवतम्
Revered as the 'Fifth Veda' and a beacon of devotion, the Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana (Devanagari: श्रीमद् भागवत महापुराण, ISO15919: śrīmad bhāgavata mahāpurāṇa), often simply called the Bhagavata, stands as the most vital among the eighteen Puranas.
At its heart, the Bhagavata champions nishkam bhakti—selfless, unconditional devotion to Shri Krishna—transcending all worldly desires (bhukti) and even the yearning for liberation (mukti). It asserts that the ultimate human (jiva) aspiration called Pancham Purusharth (the Fifth Goal of life) should be to attain prem—pure, divine love for God, a state achievable solely through the path of unwavering devotion (bhakti).
📜 Lineage of Revelation
The sacred journey of the Bhagavata began with Shri Krishna Himself, who first imparted its wisdom to Lord Brahma for propagation in this brahmand (universe). Brahma, in turn, revealed it to the celestial sage Narada, who then transmitted it to the revered Sage Veda Vyasa. It was Sage Vyasa who meticulously penned the 18,000 verses, later revealing them to his son, Shukdev Paramhans. Shukdev Paramhans then famously narrated this profound wisdom to King Parikshit, a narration that has since become eternally celebrated. From there, it became accessible to all of us.
Since this great scripture started with God and was handed down in succession to Avatars of God and God-realized saints, it is also called Paramhans Sanghita (Devanagari: परमहंस संघिता, ISO15919: paramahṁsa saṅghitā).
This profound scripture is also known by various names including Bhagavata Purana, Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana, Shrimad Bhagavatam, or simply Bhagavat.
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REFERENCES
Prema Rasa Madira - The Intoxicating Bliss of Divine Love, Vol. 1, Ch. 1