Konkani Talk Radio- Essence of Sacred TextsOnce sage Narada found Bhakti crying beside her sons jnana and vairagya. On seeing him, Bhakti pleaded with him to revive her sons. But no matter what Narada recited, the sons remained in the same pathetic condition. Then a voice was heard, advising him that he only had to do one thing and that would revive them. Brahma’s sons later clarified to Narada that he had to recite the Bhagavata Purana.

Narada had already recited the Vedas and all other sacred texts. So he wondered what was so special about the Bhagavata Purana. Brahma’s sons replied that while the sacred texts showed us many paths to liberation, they were all difficult to follow. But the Bhagavata Purana was an easy means to reach the feet of the Lord. Sugarcane is sweet, but jaggery extracted from it is more delectable. Likewise, while Vedas and other sacred works are invaluable, it is the Bhagavata Purana which is the essence of all the sacred texts. So Braham’s sons advised Narada to recite the Srimad Bhagavatam to Bhakti’s sons, elaborated P.T. Seshadri in a discourse. Recitation of the Bhagavata Purana would drive away all the evil of Kali Yuga and Bhakti’s sons would be energised once again.

Narada decided to recite Srimad Bhagavatam on the banks of the Ganges, near the sacred place — Haridwar. Great sages like Bhrgu, Vasistha, Gautama, Medhatithi, Markandeya, Dattatreya and Pippalada came to Haridwar to listen to the Srimad Bhagavatam being recited. Sacred rivers were present too, as were mountains like the Himalayas. Bhakti and her sons attended Narada’s recitation and jnana and vairagya were restored to good health. They were advised to go and reside wherever the Bhagavata Purana was recited. The Srimad Bhagavatam strengthens our bhakti, jnana and vairagya.