Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam

The glories of Srimad Bhagavatam are unlimited. It is described as the summum bonum (ultimate source) of all Vedic literature, a comprehensive commentary on the Vedanta Sutra and a natural successor to the Bhagavad Gita. As an authoritative, absolute Vedic literature, it is self-delineating, and the following verses gives us a glimpse of the glories of the Bhagavatam.

SB 1.3.40

idam bhagavatam nama
puranam brahma-sammitam
uttama-sloka-caritam
cakara bhagavan rsih
nihsreyasaya lokasya
dhanyam svasty-ayanam mahat

TRANSLATION

This Srimad-Bhagavatam is the literary incarnation of God, and it is compiled by Srila Vyasadeva, the incarnation of God. It is meant for the ultimate good of all people, and it is all-successful, all-blissful and all-perfect.


SB 1.3. 41

tad idam grahayam asa
sutam atmavatam varam
sarva-vedetihasanam
saram saram samuddhrtam

TRANSLATION

Sri Vyasadeva delivered it to his son, who is the most respected among the self-realized, after extracting the cream of all Vedic literatures and histories of the universe.


SB 1.3.43

krsne sva-dhamopagate
dharma-jnanadibhih saha
kalau nasta-drsam esa
puranarko 'dhunoditah

TRANSLATION

This Bhagavata Purana is as brilliant as the sun, and it has arisen just after the departure of Lord Krsna to His own abode, accompanied by religion, knowledge, etc. Persons who have lost their vision due to the dense darkness of ignorance in the age of Kali shall get light from this Purana.

SB 1.7.6

anarthopasamam saksad
bhakti-yogam adhoksaje
lokasyajanato vidvams
cakre satvata-samhitam


TRANSLATION

The material miseries of the living entity, which are superfluous to him, can be directly mitigated by the linking process of devotional service. But the mass of people do not know this, and therefore the learned Vyasadeva compiled this Vedic literature (Srimad Bhagavatam), which is in relation to the Supreme Truth.