Fourth Canto: The Creation of the Fourth Order: Part One - Chapters 1 - 19

by A.C. Bhaktivedanta

Srimad-Bhagavatam, an epic philosophical and literary classic, holds a prominent position in Indiaʹs voluminous written wisdom. The timeless wisdom of India is expressed in the vedas, ancient sanskrit texts that touch upon all fields of human knowledge. Originally preserved through oral tradition, the vedas were first put into writing by Vyasadeva, "the literary incarnation of God." After compiling the Vedas, Vyasadeva was inspired by his spiritual master to present their profound essence in the form of Srimad-Bhagavatam. -- Jacket.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Hinduism, Gnosticism, Nonfiction, Philosophy

998 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1972

About the author

His 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.

Reviews

[Rony Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This canto narrates the story of Prajapati Daksa hosting a yajna to which Lord Shiva is not invited. Sati, Lord Shiva’s wife and Daksa’s daughter is convinced that she can make her father see the error of his ways. She sets off to the event against Lord Shiva’s advise. What occurs at the yajna long and lasting consequences.

Next is the story of Dhruva Maharaj who at the tender age of five exhibited great resolve and complete devotion in performing severe austerities. This part of the book moved me.

These are not merely stories but historical events that have been compiled and summarized in the Srimad Bhagavatam.
Srila Prabhupada has provided clear and enlightening commentaries on the verses.

Definitely a five star for me and I will be continuing reading the subsequent books in the series.

[Rajesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Book Ever

[Rohinisuta Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read

[Viktorija · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this Bhagavatam book, you will find stories about Daksa - father of Siva's wife Sati,Dhruva maharaja, King Vena, King Prthu.

[Viktorija · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing vedic wisdom. You will read about King Puranjana - alegoric story about human life and after life.