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 touch upon all fields of human
knowledge. Originally preserved through oral tradi-
tion. 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 au-
thoritative exposition of Vedic knowledge.

After writing the Bhaégavatam, Vyasa taught it to
his son. Sukadeva Gosvami. who later spoke the
Bhagavatam to Maharaja Pariksit in an assembly of |
sages on the bank of the sacred Ganges River. Al-
though Maharaja Pariksit was a great rdjarsi (saintly
king) and the emperor of the world. when he
received notice of his death seven days in advance. he
renounced his entire kindgom and retired to the
bank of the Ganges to seek spiritual enlightenment.
The questions of King Pariksit and Sukadeva
Gosvami's illuminating answers. concerning every-
thing 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 avail-
able to the English-reading public. This work is the
product of the scholarly and devotional effort of His
Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhu-
pada. 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 mag-
nificent exposition of this important classic.

With its comprehensive system of providing the
original Sanskrit text. Roman transliteration. precise
word-for-word equivalents. a lucid English transla-
tion and a comprehensive commentary. it will appeal
to scholars. students and laymen alike. The entire
multivolume text. presented by the Bhaktivedanta
Book Trust. promises to occupy a significant place in
the intellectual. cultural and spiritual life of modern
man for a long time to come.
