Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam - Part 39

Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva.

This is in continuation of the previous offering titled 'Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam'. In the previous offering we saw how Vishnudutas arrived to take Dhundukari to Vaikuntha. When Gokarna inquired as to why others assembled there did not have the privilege to get an aerial plane and travel to Vaikuntha, the Vishnudhutas began to explain the reason for the same. The first point they mentioned was about the difference in the intensity and faith with which Dhundukari heard Srimad Bhagavatam and the way others did. Now we shall continue further.  

The Vishnudutas further explained the mood in which scriptures needs to be read and heard. Spiritual wisdom which is not firmly rooted, hearing scriptures without interest, counsel received with doubting mind and muttering of sacred text with restless mind is all fruitless. In shlokas 75-76 of the fifth chapter of Uttara khanda of Padma purana, the Vishnudutas further say,

hatam aśrotriye dānam anācāra-hataṁ kulam
viśvāso guru-vākyeṣu svasmin dīnatva-bhāvanā
mano-doṣa-jayaś caiva kathāyāṁ niścalā matiḥ
evam ādi kṛtaṁ cet syāt tadā vai śravaṇe phalam

For one who has faith in the words of spiritual master, who is thoughtful of his insignificant position, endevaours to subjugate the deviating mind and devotedly hears Srimad Bhagavatam with faith and attention, their hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam will be effective. When all of you hear Srimad Bhagavatam in this mood again, then you are sure to reach Lord's abode.

The Vishnudutas also added that Krishna will personally come to take Gokarna to Goloka for he had been instrumental in helping others to hear Srimad Bhagavatam. Saying so Vishnudutas left for Vaikuntha along with Dhundukari. When the people in the village heard this, they again gathered in the month of shravan and engaged themselves in hearing of Srimad Bhagavatam with devotion. At the end of 7th day, Lord Sri Hari came personally along with His associates and took Gokarna to Goloka along with all the living entities who had heard Bhagavatam from him. Due to the mercy of pure devotee like Gokarna, not only the pious human-beings, even shudras and dogs all were able to board the aerial car along with Gokarna and go to Goloka. Such is the power of Bhagavatam, person Bhagavata and hearing of Bhagavatam. Granthraj Srimad Bhagavatam ki Jai!

In Srimad Bhagavatam verse 1.3.44, Suta Goswami says to the sages of Naimisaranya about his own experience of how he had heard Srimad Bhagavatam. Krishna willing we shall try to meditate on this verse in the subsequent offering.

Thank you very much.
Yours in service of Srila Prabhupada and Srila Gurudeva,
Sudarshana devi dasi.