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Srimad Bhagavatam: First Canto
Srimad-Bhagavatam, an epic philosophical and literary classic, holds a prominent position in India's voluminous written wisdom. The timeless wisdom of India is expressed in the Vedas, ancient Sanskrit texts that touches upon all fields of human knowledge. Originally preserved through oral tradition, the Vedas were first put into writing by Srila Vyasadeva, the "literary incarnation of God." After compiling the Vedas, Srila Vyasadeva was inspired by his spiritual master to present their profound essence in the form of Srimad-Bhagavatam. Known as "the ripened fruit of the tree of Vedic literature," Srimad-Bhagavatam is the most complete and authoritative exposition of Vedic knowledge.After writing the Bhagavatam, Vyasa taught it to his son, Shukadeva Goswami, who later spoke the Bhagavatam to Maharaja Parikshit in an assembly of sages on the bank of the sacred Ganges River. Although Maharaja Parikshit was a great rajarshi (saintly king) and the emperor of the world, when he received notice of his death seven days in advance, he renounced his entire kingdom and retired to the bank of the Ganges to seek spiritual enlightenment. The questions of King Parikshit and Shukadeva Goswami's illuminating answers, concerning everything from the nature of the self to the origin of the universe, are the basis of Srimad-Bhagavatam.This edition of Bhagavatam is the only complete English translation with an elaborate and scholarly commentary, and it is the first edition widely available to the English-reading public. This work is the product of the scholarly and devotional effort of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the world's most distinguished teacher of Indian religious and philosophical thought. His Sanskrit scholarship and intimate familiarity with Vedic culture combine to reveal to the West a magnificent exposition of this important classic.
1384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1972
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About the author
A.C. Bhaktivedanta
385 books718 followersHis Divine Grace Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (अभय चरणारविन्द भक्तिवेदान्त स्वामी प्रभुपाद)was born as Abhay Charan De on 1 September 1896 in Calcutta, India.
He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent devotional scholar and the founder of sixty-four branches of Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes), liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge in the Western world. Srila Prabhupada became his student, and eleven years later (1933) at Allahabad, he became his formally initiated disciple.
At their first meeting, in 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge through the English language. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and in 1944, without assistance, started an English fortnightly magazine.
In the last ten years of his life, in spite of his advanced age, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe twelve times on lecture tours that have took him to six continents. In spite of such a vigorous schedule, Srila Prabhupada continued to write prolifically. His writings constitute a veritable library of Vedic philosophy, religion, literature and culture.
He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent devotional scholar and the founder of sixty-four branches of Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes), liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge in the Western world. Srila Prabhupada became his student, and eleven years later (1933) at Allahabad, he became his formally initiated disciple.
At their first meeting, in 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge through the English language. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and in 1944, without assistance, started an English fortnightly magazine.
In the last ten years of his life, in spite of his advanced age, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe twelve times on lecture tours that have took him to six continents. In spite of such a vigorous schedule, Srila Prabhupada continued to write prolifically. His writings constitute a veritable library of Vedic philosophy, religion, literature and culture.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 10, 2014
This is the first canto of twelve of this great work, otherwise known as the Bhagavat Purana. Prabhupada has translated the entire work from the original Sanskrit and provided illuminating commentaries on the text. The title loosely translates as ‘The beautiful pastimes of the Supreme Godhead.’ It is a deeply philosophical work, dealing with themes such as karma, reincarnation, time, the soul, eternity, God, the cosmos and just about everything in between. It is intended to take the reader on a spiritual journey that culminates in self-realization, attaining a level of consciousness where one can perceive the absolute truth and one’s eternal relationship with that truth. In the end it is about love, the ultimate end of all knowledge. Those who have properly assimilated its messages and adopted all the associated lifestyle changes will find themselves immersed in a divine ocean of ecstatic love of God.
Certainly it is a challenging read, and really you need a spiritual guide to assist you in comprehending its meaning and applying its messages to your life. I would first recommend a reading of Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita before attempting a study of this great work. That will provide you with the spiritual and philosophical foundation required, and indeed elevate your consciousness to a point where you can cope with the concepts presented in the Bhagavatam.
This is a richly rewarding read that offers solutions life’s deepest dilemmas. In my view there is no greater work of literature available anywhere.
Certainly it is a challenging read, and really you need a spiritual guide to assist you in comprehending its meaning and applying its messages to your life. I would first recommend a reading of Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita before attempting a study of this great work. That will provide you with the spiritual and philosophical foundation required, and indeed elevate your consciousness to a point where you can cope with the concepts presented in the Bhagavatam.
This is a richly rewarding read that offers solutions life’s deepest dilemmas. In my view there is no greater work of literature available anywhere.
July 26, 2023
The book is heavily biased towards Prabhupad's interpretation of the text. It references heavily Gaudiya Vaishnava authors like Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, and whoever the other authors are. I surprisingly found myself agreeing with some of his political views. He promotes a kind of Traditionalist inspired theocratic feudal caste system utopia. Kings, administrators, merchants, and labourers, all working in devotion to God. Chanting. There is a large mention of how we are in the Kali Yuga. There is self-reflection and self-critique of the degraded brahmanas aka brahma-bandhus, but from that self-critique is a reassertion of brahminical status in the dominance hierarchy. It's an intriguing text, I thought I would hate it - I didn't. I find it ironic that he was criticising the useage of tobacco as part of the Kali Yuga, when he knowingly used tobacco to supposedly "cure" his high blood pressure. He also has liberal views on prostitution, and that said something not exactly promoting it, but he said its a necessary evil kind of thing. I highlighted a bunch of interesting passages in it but haven't transcribed them all yet. Overall, a very devotional dualistic take on a traditionally advaitic text. We are eternal servants of krishna, serve him eternally in love and devotion yadda yadda. Great stuff. Don't be a mayavadi, don't merge into brahman. Just a few of his interpolations which stem from the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. Also a lot of the term 'Supreme Personality of Godhead'. Also, his English wasn't that good, and this text clearly had someone edit out the grammatical errors - and I'm glad there was an editor. Was it Kirtanananda?
The whole book is ironic, all about how Krishna will protect devotees, ISKCON never protected the children who were abused in their organisation. It's all very catholic church to me. Also, Sulochana Das anyone? Lokhanath Swami? Kirtananda Swami? Yeah. There's just too many incidents to be honest. They're not perfect, and they're not "pure devotees" either.
Nevertheless, this has given me inspiration about devotion to Krishna. Just the concept of "pure devotees" which Prabhupad introduces, none of the ISKCON practitioners are "pure", and none of their gurus are bona-fide acharyas, or ever were. He introduced drug addicts, child abusers, and sex maniacs into his religion without a proper screen check, and then he made them into GURUS! So definitely no protection there. Nevertheless I want to try the second canto and see where it goes.
The purports help explain the story as well, so its a good journey.
The whole book is ironic, all about how Krishna will protect devotees, ISKCON never protected the children who were abused in their organisation. It's all very catholic church to me. Also, Sulochana Das anyone? Lokhanath Swami? Kirtananda Swami? Yeah. There's just too many incidents to be honest. They're not perfect, and they're not "pure devotees" either.
Nevertheless, this has given me inspiration about devotion to Krishna. Just the concept of "pure devotees" which Prabhupad introduces, none of the ISKCON practitioners are "pure", and none of their gurus are bona-fide acharyas, or ever were. He introduced drug addicts, child abusers, and sex maniacs into his religion without a proper screen check, and then he made them into GURUS! So definitely no protection there. Nevertheless I want to try the second canto and see where it goes.
The purports help explain the story as well, so its a good journey.
March 16, 2018
The Srimad_Bhagavatam is actually 31 books!!! Indeed there are 10 "cantos" and it took 31 books to contain it all. This is the oldest written word on God, some 5,000+ years ago in India. Because it is another culture we tend to call it Hinduism, but to "Hindu's" it's Sanatana Dharma (which means: Eternal truth, Eternal Law, Natural Law) I discovered the whole 31 volume set on Amazon in 2012 and took 6 months to read through them all. I was amazed, delighted and overcome with joy to find so much information about my favorite subject in the world: GOD!
October 29, 2016
Inspiring and Fascinating
Surprisingly understandable and accessible, while remaining true to the rigorous literary tradition of Vedanta. Recommended for anyone interested in transcendental philosophy and history.
Surprisingly understandable and accessible, while remaining true to the rigorous literary tradition of Vedanta. Recommended for anyone interested in transcendental philosophy and history.
June 10, 2025
Loved this book - full of thought provoking stories that get you thinking about your life, its purpose, and how to live every moment to the fullest.
January 23, 2020
Working my way through this book to discover my true self with this book.
September 15, 2024
THE FOUNDER OF THE "HARE KRISHNA" MOVEMENT TRANSLATES AND COMMENTS ON THIS SCRIPTURE
Abhay Charanaravinda (A.C.) Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) was the Founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON; the "Hare Krishna Movement"). He wrote many books/booklets, such as 'Krsna: The Supreme Personality of Godhead,' 'The Nectar of Devotion: The Complete Science of Bhakti-Yoga,' 'The Path of Perfection,' 'Yoga for the Modern Age,' 'The scientific basis of Krsna consciousness,' 'The Perfection of Yoga,' 'Perfect Questions Perfect Answers,' 'Beyond Birth and Death,' etc., and translated many East Indian scriptures, such as 'Bhagavad-Gita As It Is,' etc. His "authorized" biography is: 'Prabhupada: He Built a House in Which the Whole World Can Live.'
He wrote, "[the book's author] has nothing to do with mundane affairs, sociology, politics, economic development or any such sphere of life. Srimad-Bhagavatam is the purely transcendental urge of the soul." (Pg. 29) He adds, "Srimad-Bhagavatam ... is purely transcendental literature which can be understood only by the pure devotees of the Lord who are transcendental to competitive sense gratification." (Pg. 52)
He also adds, "There is only one religion in the world to be followed by one and all, and that is the Bhagavata-dharma, or the religion which teaches one to worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead and no one else." (Pg. 123) Still later, he says, "Srimad-Bhagavatam is the summum bonum remedy for the suffering humanity in the clutches of maya." (Pg. 323)
He observes, "Technically Lord Buddha's philosophy is called atheistic because there is no acceptance of the Supreme Lord because that system of philosophy denied the authority of the Vedas. But that is an act of camouflage... Lord Buddha is the incarnation of Godhead. As such, he is the original propounder of Vedic knowledge. He therefore cannot reject Vedic philosophy. But he rejected it outwardly because ... the demons ... try to support cow killing or animal killing from the pages of the Vedas... Lord Buddha had to reject the authority of the Vedas altogether...
"We are glad that people are taking an interest in the nonviolent movement of Lord Buddha. But will they take the matter very seriously and close the animal slaughterhouses altogether? If not, there is no meaning to the animsa cult." (Pg. 162-163) But he also said, "Formerly battles were fought on the principles of religion and not for the sake of sense gratification... These are some codes of religious war... Violence carried out on religious principles is far superior to so-called nonviolence." (Pg. 356)
He suggests, "One should... attempt to know the distinction between soul and body without attachment for male and female... At least theoretically one must be convinced that a living entity is neither a male nor female. The outward dress is made of matter by material nature to attract the opposite sex and thus keep one entangled in material existence. A liberated soul is above this perverted distinction." (Pg. 196)
He also states, "The Lord reveals His identity gradually to one who has unflinching faith... After this, the devotee is endowed with mystic opulences... A pure devotee is more interested in serving the Lord than in showing an exhibition of the mystic powers dormant in him." (Pg. 277)
Prabhupada's books will be of great interest to anyone interested in the Krishna movement.
Abhay Charanaravinda (A.C.) Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977) was the Founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON; the "Hare Krishna Movement"). He wrote many books/booklets, such as 'Krsna: The Supreme Personality of Godhead,' 'The Nectar of Devotion: The Complete Science of Bhakti-Yoga,' 'The Path of Perfection,' 'Yoga for the Modern Age,' 'The scientific basis of Krsna consciousness,' 'The Perfection of Yoga,' 'Perfect Questions Perfect Answers,' 'Beyond Birth and Death,' etc., and translated many East Indian scriptures, such as 'Bhagavad-Gita As It Is,' etc. His "authorized" biography is: 'Prabhupada: He Built a House in Which the Whole World Can Live.'
He wrote, "[the book's author] has nothing to do with mundane affairs, sociology, politics, economic development or any such sphere of life. Srimad-Bhagavatam is the purely transcendental urge of the soul." (Pg. 29) He adds, "Srimad-Bhagavatam ... is purely transcendental literature which can be understood only by the pure devotees of the Lord who are transcendental to competitive sense gratification." (Pg. 52)
He also adds, "There is only one religion in the world to be followed by one and all, and that is the Bhagavata-dharma, or the religion which teaches one to worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead and no one else." (Pg. 123) Still later, he says, "Srimad-Bhagavatam is the summum bonum remedy for the suffering humanity in the clutches of maya." (Pg. 323)
He observes, "Technically Lord Buddha's philosophy is called atheistic because there is no acceptance of the Supreme Lord because that system of philosophy denied the authority of the Vedas. But that is an act of camouflage... Lord Buddha is the incarnation of Godhead. As such, he is the original propounder of Vedic knowledge. He therefore cannot reject Vedic philosophy. But he rejected it outwardly because ... the demons ... try to support cow killing or animal killing from the pages of the Vedas... Lord Buddha had to reject the authority of the Vedas altogether...
"We are glad that people are taking an interest in the nonviolent movement of Lord Buddha. But will they take the matter very seriously and close the animal slaughterhouses altogether? If not, there is no meaning to the animsa cult." (Pg. 162-163) But he also said, "Formerly battles were fought on the principles of religion and not for the sake of sense gratification... These are some codes of religious war... Violence carried out on religious principles is far superior to so-called nonviolence." (Pg. 356)
He suggests, "One should... attempt to know the distinction between soul and body without attachment for male and female... At least theoretically one must be convinced that a living entity is neither a male nor female. The outward dress is made of matter by material nature to attract the opposite sex and thus keep one entangled in material existence. A liberated soul is above this perverted distinction." (Pg. 196)
He also states, "The Lord reveals His identity gradually to one who has unflinching faith... After this, the devotee is endowed with mystic opulences... A pure devotee is more interested in serving the Lord than in showing an exhibition of the mystic powers dormant in him." (Pg. 277)
Prabhupada's books will be of great interest to anyone interested in the Krishna movement.
September 2, 2019
This book is the very book that I want whoever is in my live at that time to read to me nonstop on my deathbed. I first read it when I was eighteen in 1984. I have read it many times since and it is the kind of book that gets better and better the more it is read. Of cause it is just the First Canto out of twelve and all of the Cantos are astonishing and the rendering of the translations from Sanskrit and the purports by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami are learned, pure and clear. A must for any person who understand that we are spiritual beings having a material experience.
March 17, 2025
My humble obeisance to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada ji the founding ācarya of ISKCON.
He was the leader who changed the people, living for eating, intoxication, earning money and mating, into characterful people who wake up in Brahma Muhrat, having bath two times, attend 4.30am Mangla Arti, doing Nama japa, read Bhagavad Gita daily, distributing prasadam to everyone and eating prasadam, doing kirtan of HARI, giving Bhagavad Gita to everyone and lots of many things...
All of these come true by reading this first canto of Srimad Bhagavatam purana.
I always believe in one thing that we can do any philanthropic activity but to change the heart ❤️ of people is the best of everything.
Give the good character to a person and it will change the entire upcoming generation of it.
Why would you take this purāna 📖?
If you are thinking about what is the responsibility of a human life, what are the things to do if you are on the verge of death💀, why do I have this human body👁️....
Take up this book and enlighted yourself.
He was the leader who changed the people, living for eating, intoxication, earning money and mating, into characterful people who wake up in Brahma Muhrat, having bath two times, attend 4.30am Mangla Arti, doing Nama japa, read Bhagavad Gita daily, distributing prasadam to everyone and eating prasadam, doing kirtan of HARI, giving Bhagavad Gita to everyone and lots of many things...
All of these come true by reading this first canto of Srimad Bhagavatam purana.
I always believe in one thing that we can do any philanthropic activity but to change the heart ❤️ of people is the best of everything.
Give the good character to a person and it will change the entire upcoming generation of it.
Why would you take this purāna 📖?
If you are thinking about what is the responsibility of a human life, what are the things to do if you are on the verge of death💀, why do I have this human body👁️....
Take up this book and enlighted yourself.
January 26, 2023
Loved it! Learnt a lot of paradigm-shifting ideas. Over the course of reading this book - I've made a lot of atomic changes -- and my life generally looks a lot different (more happier) - an interesting byproduct:)
By the middle of the 1st canto - a very important set of questions are being raised:
Q.1: What is the duty (or purpose) of every person?
Q.2: Specifically, what is the duty of a dying man? The character (Parikshit, grandson of Arjuna - of the Mahabharata fame) here has 7 days to live - so what should one spend his time pursuing?
And then Sukadev goswami begins answering those questions and lo-behold unravels one of the key principles of Bhagavata dharma (the essence of all the vedas!).
Going to leave Suka's answers untold for those who may be curious to explore it for themselves.
By the middle of the 1st canto - a very important set of questions are being raised:
Q.1: What is the duty (or purpose) of every person?
Q.2: Specifically, what is the duty of a dying man? The character (Parikshit, grandson of Arjuna - of the Mahabharata fame) here has 7 days to live - so what should one spend his time pursuing?
And then Sukadev goswami begins answering those questions and lo-behold unravels one of the key principles of Bhagavata dharma (the essence of all the vedas!).
Going to leave Suka's answers untold for those who may be curious to explore it for themselves.
July 9, 2025
the srimad bhagavatam is a beautiful work, and just like most hindu books it requires a skilled and even-handed interpreter for the reader to understand the intended meaning. fortunately, prahbupada has an excellent understanding of spirtuality both personally and as a scholar. !!however!!, just like his other works, in his purports at times he uses the book as a vehicle to reprimand religious beliefs outside of his own. of course, this isnt a problem if youre prepared to share his perspective, but do not go into it expecting an impartial perspective.
August 26, 2025
This canto begins with rishis who are gathering at Naimisaranya forest to do a yagna, and they get to meet Suta. Their inquiries lead to the recital of Srimad Bhagavatham. From the end of the Kurushetra war to the presence of Suka Muni by the banks of the Ganges to meet King Parikshit, where Srimad Bhagavatham was first recited.
October 14, 2017
A very systematic presentation of ancient teachings in a contemporary style!
January 11, 2019
Best book on earth
September 19, 2019
Marvellous. One of the the greatest books I've ever read. Beyond any material book. The best of our Vedic literatures.
This is even superior to the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
This is even superior to the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
May 17, 2021
Bought this off a dude on the corner of Union and Court in Athens
November 25, 2021
Fascinating read. The commentary is interesting and accessible even to those without much knowledge of hinduism or gaudiya vaishnavism.
May 17, 2023
Only one word i can say as a review is Hare Kṛṣṇa!!! None other words can describe.
May 24, 2025
An amazing book. Someone called it Krsna's lotus feet.
January 1, 2026
All glories to His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada !
December 6, 2024
The Śrīmad Bhāgavatam: First Canto is a profound spiritual treasure, masterfully presented by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda. This sacred text offers timeless wisdom, illuminating the essence of devotion, dharma, and the path to self-realization.
Prabhupāda’s detailed commentary brings clarity and accessibility to this ancient scripture, making it both inspiring and thought-provoking for readers of all backgrounds. The narratives, such as the departure of Bhīṣma and the life of King Parīkṣit, are deeply moving and filled with spiritual lessons.
This canto sets the stage for the entire Bhāgavatam, emphasizing the importance of surrender, humility, and divine love. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of life’s purpose.
Prabhupāda’s detailed commentary brings clarity and accessibility to this ancient scripture, making it both inspiring and thought-provoking for readers of all backgrounds. The narratives, such as the departure of Bhīṣma and the life of King Parīkṣit, are deeply moving and filled with spiritual lessons.
This canto sets the stage for the entire Bhāgavatam, emphasizing the importance of surrender, humility, and divine love. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of life’s purpose.
April 30, 2023
Srila Prabhupada has certainly put in a lot of efforts in writing commentaries on the Bhagavatam. If I am not wrong, no one else has ever done the way that he has done, verse by verse.
I would have given the work five stars if not for the obvious purposeful misinterpretations of certain verses, by which he had wanted to influence his readers by his sectarian bias. The following are some of the examples:
1. Commentary on 1:13:4
2. pgs. 183, 534, 568, 778, 884
I would have given the work five stars if not for the obvious purposeful misinterpretations of certain verses, by which he had wanted to influence his readers by his sectarian bias. The following are some of the examples:
1. Commentary on 1:13:4
2. pgs. 183, 534, 568, 778, 884
June 14, 2022
Powerful!!
This has been such a powerful read! I’ve always been fascinated by this book but never quite got a chance to read it through. Needless to say, I’m awed by the sheer depth and expansiveness of this book in transcending teachings across space and time. I can’t wait to pick up the second canto!! Highly recommended if you want to understand the true purpose of human life!
This has been such a powerful read! I’ve always been fascinated by this book but never quite got a chance to read it through. Needless to say, I’m awed by the sheer depth and expansiveness of this book in transcending teachings across space and time. I can’t wait to pick up the second canto!! Highly recommended if you want to understand the true purpose of human life!
May 18, 2016
Amazing narration of Historical events of this world!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews