Shloka 23
Nārada Instructs the Pracetās: Bhakti as the Goal of All Paths
मैत्रेय उवाच इति प्रचेतसो राजन्नन्याश्च भगवत्कथा: । श्रावयित्वा ब्रह्मलोकं ययौ स्वायम्भुवो मुनि: ॥ २३ ॥
maitreya uvāca iti pracetaso rājann anyāś ca bhagavat-kathāḥ śrāvayitvā brahma-lokaṁ yayau svāyambhuvo muniḥ
The great sage Maitreya continued: My dear King Vidura, Śrī Nārada Muni, the son of Lord Brahmā, thus recounted to the Pracetās these and other narrations concerning their relationship with the Supreme Lord. Thereafter he returned to Brahmaloka.
One has to hear about the Supreme Personality of Godhead from a pure devotee. The Pracetās got this opportunity from the great sage Nārada, who told them of the activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His devotees.
FAQs
This verse highlights that the Pracetās were instructed through bhagavat-kathā—narrations of the Lord—showing hearing sacred accounts as a central method of receiving spiritual guidance and awakening devotion.
After completing his instruction—ensuring the Pracetās heard the Lord’s narrations—Svāyambhuva Manu departed to Brahmaloka, indicating the conclusion of his role in this episode and his movement to a higher divine realm.
Regularly hearing or reading Srimad Bhagavatam with attention—treating it as guidance, not entertainment—helps shape values, strengthen bhakti, and keep one’s life centered on the Divine.