Book of devotion
SRIMAD BHAGAVATHAM — A Compendium: Compiled by A. R. Panduranga Rao; pub. by Sri Purnaprajna Samsodhana Samstha, Chennai-600005.
Rs. 200.
C. L. Ramakrishnan
This book is a compendium of extracts from the Bhagavata Purana dealing with the 22 incarnations of Lord Narayana and the episodes of Dhruva, Jadabharata, Ajamila, Gajendra, Ambarisha, Rantideva and others. References also appear about the women characters in the Puranas.
Quotations abound about Vyasa, the Mahabharata and the Bhagavata in the introductory chapters, which throw a lot of light on the author of the Purana, his wide intellect and his other works. The write-up on the greatness of the Bhagavata is interesting and highly informative.
English rendering
This English rendering will enable not only traditional students but also those who in this modern day conversant in English to understand the principal concepts in the Puranas.
It is said that by meditating on the 10th Skanda of the Bhagavata alone, a devotee can attain liberation. This is because it is considered to be the nerve-centre of the whole text as it relates the sports (lila) of the Lord.
But a reader of this publication expecting an extensive treatment of this Skanda and also of the 11th, which is no less important, would find them missing. With his scholarship and application, the translator may consider dealing with these two skandas in an appropriate manner in the next edition. The appendix comprises excellent material, under the following headings: know thy God, Pranava, significance of Vasudeva Mantra, Purusha, Bhakti, Samyama, Jivatma, Linga sarira, and rebirth.
The Mantra “Om”, consisting of the three syllables “a”, “u” and “m” and what they represent individually and collectively, has been explained in detail with cross references from the Katha, Mundaka, and the Chandogya Upanishads.
Quotations
Quotations from the Bhagavata revealing and expounding the content and intent of these Upanishad quotations also have been furnished. As is well-known in respect of the Valmiki Ramayana, there appears a note on the genesis of the Bhagavata Purana also, and the title is explained as meaning “the episodes relating to devotees”.
Thus this work is considered to be a book of devotion and renunciation. A lot of research has gone into this production, as may be seen, for instance, from the description of the 14 Manvantaras, which have been listed with the attendant details. This type of information would be welcome to scholars in this area.
As the name itself suggests, the publication consists of selected portions which are no doubt useful, but if it also includes a few other equally important sections of the text, it would embellish the work much more.
The book has a very handsome and imaginative get-up, and is highly readable, both in form and content.
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