Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 28
The Appearance of Śrī Nārada and Vyāsa’s Dissatisfaction
Veda-vibhāga and the Need for Bhakti
धृतव्रतेन हि मया छन्दांसि गुरवोऽग्नय: । मानिता निर्व्यलीकेन गृहीतं चानुशासनम् ॥ २८ ॥ भारतव्यपदेशेन ह्याम्नायार्थश्च प्रदर्शित: । दृश्यते यत्र धर्मादि स्त्रीशूद्रादिभिरप्युत ॥ २९ ॥
dhṛta-vratena hi mayā chandāṁsi guravo ’gnayaḥ mānitā nirvyalīkena gṛhītaṁ cānuśāsanam
I have, under strict disciplinary vows, unpretentiously worshiped the Vedas, the spiritual masters and the altar of sacrifice. I have also abided by the rulings and have shown the import of disciplic succession through the explanation of the Mahābhārata, by which even women, śūdras and others [friends of the twice-born] can see the path of religion.
No one can understand the import of the Vedas without having undergone a strict disciplinary vow and disciplic succession. The Vedas, spiritual masters and sacrificial fire must be worshiped by the desiring candidate. All these intricacies of Vedic knowledge are systematically presented in the Mahābhārata for the understanding of the woman class, the laborer class and the unqualified members of brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya or vaiśya families. In this age, the Mahābhārata is more essential than the original Vedas.
FAQs
This verse highlights sincere respect for teachers, Vedic learning, and sacred fire rituals as part of disciplined spiritual training.
He establishes his sincerity and qualification as a faithful transmitter of the Bhāgavatam tradition received through proper instruction.
Practice spiritual study and service without show or hypocrisy—be consistent in commitments, truthful in conduct, and respectful to mentors.