Srimad Bhagavata (An Introduction)

Srimad Bhagavata occupies a central place for all followers of bhakti (devotion). It deals with the various aspects of bhakti in details and illustrates the ideal and the way to supreme bhakti through the life and teaching of Sri Krishna the Godhead personified. Its sublime spiritual beauty, graceful literary style and poetic appeal have no parallels in the Puranic literature. No wonder, it is highly revered and widely read by all those who seek God through the path of love and devotion.

We published a verse-by-verse English translation of Srimad Bhagavata by Swami Tapasyanadaji in 1980. This highly readable and lucid translation in four volumes was much acclaimed by scholars and commoners alike. Since then, it has undergone several reprints. The learned translator, Vice-President of the Ramakrishna Order (1985-1991) and an erudite scholar had written a comprehensive but concise introduction to the translation which is in itself a masterpiece in scholarship and spiritual insight.

For a long time a need was left to reach this introduction to a wider readership. Besides giving all relevant details about the historically and origin of Srimad Bhagavata and its Philosophy, it serves as a good appetizer for undertaking a complete study of this scripture.

We are glad to place this writing in the present form with the fervent hope that it will receive the attention it deserves.