About the Book
BHAGAVATA SUBODHINI by Gauranga Darshan Das attempts to unveil the intricate structure and flow of Srimad Bhagavatam, by presenting the connections between the chapters, sections, subsections and verses in a concise and visually engaging way. This multivolume series integrates the explanations of Srila Prabhupāda and other Vaişnava ācāryas, and thus caters to the taste and need of avid readers, scholars, and newcomers alike.
The TENTH CANTO of the Srimad Bhagavatam represents the lotus face of Lord Krşņa and centers on the theme of āśraya-supreme shelter in Him. Sukadeva Gosvāmī vividly narrates Krsna's pastimes in Vrndāvana, Mathura, Dväraka, Hastinapura and beyond, highlighting His divine qualities, loving reciprocation with devotees, and compassionate deliverance of even His demons. This canto is a precious gift for devotees to absorb in Kışņa's glories.
"This publication is a precious jewel, both adding to the unlimited radiance of Krishna's presence as Srimad-Bhagavatam and reflecting that splendour."
- His Holiness DEVAMRITA SWAMI
"Study guides such as the present publication are to be enthusiastically welcomed by students." - Prof. PAUL SHERBOW, Rutgers University
"I pray that each reader may enter deeper into the essence of all Vedas Bhagavatam." - His Holiness RADHANATH SWAMI
About the Author
Gauranga Darshan Das, a disciple of His Holiness Radhanath Swami, is a distinguished educator, and spiritual author of over 38 books. He holds a Master's degree in Systems Science and Automation from the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. During his brief corporate career, he conducted research at esteemed organizations such as TCS Innovation Labs, and published over 10 technical papers and the filed of a provisional patent for his research. His unique journey also led him to embrace the path of Monkhood in 2009.
As the Dean of Bhaktivedanta Vidyapitha at ISKCON Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV), Gauranga Darshan Das conducts spiritual education programs online and on site. He is a prolific speaker and teacher, renowned for presenting timeless wisdom in a lucid and contemporary form to various audiences, including children, teens, and professionals. He travels to various places in India, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Singapore etc., to share wisdom in various forums including temples, ashrams, schools, colleges, and corporate sector. He has lectured over 8000 hours and conducted over 50 online courses (www.vidyapitha.in).
As an accomplished author, he has penned over 38 books, including study guides, storybooks, self-enrichment works, and children's literature. He runs a monthly ezine called Bhagavata Pradipika whilst penning thought-inspiring articles for international and Indian Back to Godhead magazines. His dedication to the dissemination of spiritual wisdom has made him a respected figure in spiritual, educational, and corporate circles.
Acknowledgement
Words fall short in expressing my gratitude to Srila Prabhupada who presented the Srimad Bhagavatam with his lucid explanations in a language understood by the modern world. I am indebted to Srila Viśvanatha Cakravarti Thakura for his Särärtha-darsini commentary that further helped me understand the contents and flow of the Bhagavatam. My sincere thanks to His Holiness Bhanu Swami Maharaja fot presenting is nothing but a representation of the Bhagavatam based on the explanations of these great acāryas.
I express my earnest gratitude to my beloved guru His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaja for enlightening me on the ideal mood of scriptural study and encouraging me with his kind blessings. I also thank him for envisioning the Govardhan Ecovillage that offers a perfect ambience and facility for šästric study. I am indebted to Gauranga Prabhu, my guide and source of inspiration in my humble endeavours.
My heartfelt gratitude to Sakha Gadadhar Prabhu for drawing all the illustrations in this book. My sincere thanks to Saccidananda Prabhu for providing the cover page painting Krsna's Govardhana lilă. I thank Sri Gaura Kirtana Prabhu and Govardhan Giriraj Prabhu for their assistance in compiling some appendix items. I am grateful to the Tulsi books team for publishing the book.
Introduction
In the rainy season, muddy village paths are often not used, and thus they get covered with grass. Similarly, when authentic scriptures are not studied and followed for long, the pure knowledge that they contain gets covered by speculative and unwanted theories that misdirect human society.
Vedic scriptures present pristine wisdom descending directly from the Supreme Lord.
They show us the path of transcending miseries and going back to Godhead. When thick grass covers a pathway, it becomes difficult to traverse or sometimes the path is not even recognized. Similarly, if one generation chooses not to study, apply and spread the knowledge of these scriptures, then later generations will also lose interest in them.
Therefore, sincere spiritual seekers must endeavour to read and assimilate scriptural principles, to guide the future generations. This Bhagavata Subodhini is a humble attempt to facilitate and simplify the study of the most vital scripture, Śrimad-Bhagavatam, by giving its structure and flow in a concise form.
The Srimad Bhagavatam is the ripened fruit of the desire tree of the Vedic scriptures. This transcendental literature is nondifferent from Lord Krsna, who has returned in the form of this book (śrī-kışņa parivartită) to shed light on the misdirected civilization of Kali-yuga. It was compiled by the literary incarnation of Godhead, Śrila Vyasadeva in the maturity of his knowledge. The study of Bhagavatam, done in line with the explanations of bona fide ācāryas in the Vaisnava parampard, gives the sincere reader an unparalleled understanding of the Absolute Truth, which is not possible by one's own speculative efforts. In fact, it is Lord Krsna Himself who speaks through the disciplic succession to enlighten the serious students of the Bhagavatam.
The Srimad-Bhagavatam is a most extraordinary scripture. It presents very rare and confidential insights about the identity, nature and character of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna, along with His incarnations and wonderful devotees.
