Bhagavata Subodhini Canto 8 by Gauranga Darshan Das

‘Bhagavata Subodhini’ is a systematic study guide to Srimad Bhagavatam. Bhagavata Subodhini unveils the exciting structure and flow of the Bhagavatam cantos by giving the connections between chapters, subsections and verses in a lucid manner for easy readability and assimilation of its contents and delight in the splendor of its message.

 

‘Bhagavata Subodhini Canto 8’ is the sixth volume of the series, and gives a bird’s eye view of the expanse and the depth of the enchanting episodes in the Eighth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. The Eighth Canto of the Bhagavatam vividly presents the theme of Manvantara or the reign of the Manus. Manus are the administrators of the universe, appointed by the Supreme Lord. There are fourteen Manus who rule in one kalpa or a day of Lord Brahma that spans over 1000 catur-yugas (catur-yuga is the combination of the four yugas namely Satya, Treta, Dvapara and Kali). Thus, each Manu rules for about seventy-one catur-yugas. In every manvantara, there are six kinds of personalities who manage various functions of the universe. They are: the Manu, the sons of Manu, the demigods, Indra, the seven great sages and the Manvantara avatara of the Lord. In this canto, Sukadeva Goswami describes the six types of main persons in each of the fourteen Manvantaras (past, present and future) in the current day of Brahma, and elaborates selected pastimes of the Lord in some manvantaras. Thus, we hear the episodes of Svayambhuva Manu, Gajendra, Samudra Manthan, Mohini Murti bewildering Lord Siva, Bali Maharaja’s deliverance by Lord Vamanadeva and the pastimes of Matsya avatara. In all these episodes, the Lord’s protection aspect is vividly described.

Maintaining a similar style like that of his previous volumes of Bhagavata Subodhini, Gauranga Darshan Das presents this volume on the Eighth Canto with simplified flow charts, summary tables, diagrams, additional notes from the commentaries of acharyas, along with interesting thematic compilations and many other features.

Bhagavata Subodhini attempts to become a constant companion for all Bhagavatam lovers as acknowledged by several readers across the globe. Bhagavata Subodhini simplifies the apparent complexity in understanding the Bhagavatam, by integrating the explanations of our beloved acharyas, thus catering for the taste and needs of avid readers, scholars and newcomers.

About the Author :

Gauranga Darshan Das is the Dean of Bhaktivedanta Vidyapitha (www.vidyapitha.in) at ISKCON Govardhan Eco Village (GEV). He teaches scriptural courses at several places in India. He has written books including Gita Subodhini, Bhagavata Subodhini, Caitanya Subodhini, Disapproved but not Disowned, and compiled vital scriptural verses in the form of the Ratnamala and Tattvamala series. He runs a free monthly e-magzine called Bhagavata Pradipika and regularly writes articles on spiritual subjects.