Srimad Bhagawatha Mahatmyam - Part 1

Introduction to Srimad Bhagawatham:

Srimad Bhagawatham is 18,000 slokas long purana which is the essence of all shastras. The primary authority scripture of our Sanatana dharma is the 'Vedas' (shruti). Vedas are revealed by Bhagawan Himself. Then we have 'Smrithis' that were recollected and spoken by the Rishis. The third tier of authority are the various sutras like 'Ashvalayana Sutras', 'Aspasthamba Sutras' etc. 

Then we have the 'Itihasas' (Sri Ramayana and Sri Mahabharatha). In Mahabharatha, Veda Vyasa Maharishi has explained various dharmas. Also, there are five precious gems (Pancha ratnas) in Mahabharatha : 

• Sri Vishnu Sahasranama
• Srimad Bhagawad Gita
• Sanat Sujathiyam
• Vidura Neethi
• Yaksha Prashna

As the last tier of authentic scriptures, we have the 18 Puranas and Srimad Bhagawatham is the last Purana revealed by Veda Vyasa Maharishi.

Vedantha means 3 things:

• Upanishads (Shruti pramana)
• Bhagawad Gita (Itihasa pramana)
• Brahma Sutram (aphorisms that condense Maha vakhyams from Upanishads and Bhagawad Gita)

These three are called 'Prasthana thrayam' (Upanishads, Bhagawad Gita and Brahma Sutram). If we want to travel the spiritual path, we need these three baggage (prasthanam).

Now, where does Srimad Bhagawatham fit in?

Srimad Bhagawatham is called ‘Prasthana chathushtayam’. ‘artOyam brahma sUtrAnAm” says Garuda Puranam - Veda Vyasa Maharishi, himself says in other purana called “Garuda Puranam”, that Srimad Bhagawatham is his own commentary for 'Brahma Sutram'. This is the greatness of Srimad Bhagawatham. It is the essence of Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and Brahma sutras.