Shrimad Bhagwat (Bhagwat Purana), is one of Hinduism’s eighteen great Puranas. It is the most sacred book of Hindus. It is a book about Lord Vishnu and his avatars and a detailed account of Lord Krishna (one of his avatars). It is written in Sanskrit by Saint Vyasadeva and it promotes love and devotion to Lord Krishna and all fellow beings.
This book consists of eighteen thousand verses, which are presented in twelve sections. It is believed that Saint Shukha Mahamuni (Son of Ved Vyas) narrated Bhagwat Purana during a ceremony (Sarp-Yagna) performed by King Parikshit (grandson of Arjuna).
The Bhagavata Purana discusses a wide range of topics including cosmology, astronomy, genealogy, geography, legend, music, dance, yoga, and culture.
The 18,000 verses of the Srimad Bhagavat consist of several interconnected, interwoven, and non-linear dialogues, teachings, and explanations emphasizing Bhakti Yoga that go back and forth in time and across its twelve sections.
What are the overall benefits of being a part of Bhagwat Katha?
The following main events from the Shrimad Bhagwat are covered during the seven-day Katha event so that people get to understand what this Purana is about.
Bhishma Stuti
This part focuses on an incident described, in which Bhishma Pitamaha was lying on the bed of arrows on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. According to the legends, Shri Bhishma knew his time of death. When the time of his death came, he devotedly performed a divine Stuti dedicated to Lord Krishna, who was standing in front of him. He wanted Lord Krishna to bless him with his grace.
Shri Narasimha Janam Utsav
In Bhagwat Purana, the main portion of the seventh book is dedicated to the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu – Narasimha. This version expands on the story of Prahlada and his father Hiranyakashipu. According to the legends, Prahlada, son of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, was the biggest devotee of Lord Vishnu. His father didn’t approve of it and tried to kill Prahlada. In the end, Lord Vishnu incarnated in the form of Narasimha – half human & half-lion, and killed Hiranyakaspu.
Shree Ram Janma Utsav:
During the recitation of Bhagwat Katha, the story of Shree Ram Janma is also narrated. As soon as the news of the newborn to King Dashratha spread in Ayodhya, the city started celebrating. Legends say that Lord Rama, like any other normal person, was tied to rituals. He never got distracted from worldly affairs and walked on the path of virtue & justice. He is known as Maryada Purushottam Ram.
Shree Krishna Janma Utsav (Nand Mahotsav)
The tenth book of Bhagwat Purana is dedicated to Lord Krishna, which highlights not only his birth but also his childhood stories, his mischievous acts, his being a teacher to Arjuna, and more. This part of Bhagwat Purana is responsible for its widespread prosperity. Lord Krishna was born to Devaki & Vasudeva; however, because of the fear of demon king Kansa, his foster parents Yashoda & Nand raised him. It presents this intimate relationship with God as the highest goal of human existence.
Shree Krishna Bal Leela
It includes the childhood stories of Lord Krishna. The mischievous child who steals butter; the God as a child who holds the entire universe within himself; the cowherd who is the love of all the gopis, making them leave all their duties to follow him, and much more.
Goverdhan Utsav
One of the most significant stories narrated in Bhagwat Purana is that of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Mountain to safeguard the villagers of Braj from the wrath of Lord Indra. According to the legends, on the advice of Lord Krishna, villagers stopped worshipping Lord Indra, which angered him. He decided to teach villagers a lesson and initiated thunderstorms and heavy rains. To protect the people from the storms, Shri Krishna lifted the Govardhan mount on his little finger and provided shelter to all the people and cattle of the city. After 7–8 days of continuous storms, seeing the people of Gokul being unaffected, Indra accepted defeat and stopped the storms. To mark this event, Govardhan Utsav is celebrated.
Raas Leela
Rasa Leela is a part of the traditional story of Lord Krishna described in the Hindu text Bhagwat Purana. It is believed that during Ras Leela, Lord Krishna or Govinda dances with Radha, his love, and her friends – Gopis. Upon hearing the sound of the flute of Krishna, Gopis would sneak away from their home to the forest to dance with Krishna.
Shree Krishna-Rukmini Vivah
Rukmini is the wife and queen of Lord Krishna. According to the Bhagwat Purana, Lord Krishna kidnapped her, eloped with her at her request, to prevent an unwanted marriage, and saved her from getting married to evil Shishupal.
Tulsi Shaligram Vivah
Another chapter in Bhagwat Katha demonstrates Tulsi Shailgram Vivah. This is a ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi (holy basil) plant to the Hindu God Shaligram or Lord Vishnu. The marriage of Tulsi with Vishnu resembles the traditional Hindu wedding. The bride Tulsi is dressed in a Sari & ornaments. The groom, more frequently a Shaligram stone, is clothed in a dhoti. The couple is linked with a cotton thread in the ceremony.
Sudama Prasang
According to Bhagwat Katha, Lord Krishna and Sudama were childhood friends. Despite the difference in their financial and social status, they were best friends. After so many years, when Sudama thought of asking help from his friend, Lord Krishna removed his poverty, even without him asking. This story highlights how the lord can remove all your financial troubles and ensure success and growth in your life if you truly surrender to him.
Liberation of King Parikshit
According to the stories in Bhagwat Purana, King Parikshit, grandson of Arjuna, was cursed to die within the seven days when he insulted an innocent Saint by placing a dead snake on his shoulder. Knowing his fate, Parikshit goes to the banks of the Ganga, where he meets several rishis, led by Shikadeva Gosvami, who discoursed Shrimad Bhagwat Puran to him within seven days. On listening to it, the king was free from all the desires and happily accepted death.
Primarily this 7-day event consists of
