Shloka 14
Nārada’s Arrival, the Nine Yogendras, and the Foundations of Bhāgavata-dharma
अत्राप्युदाहरन्तीममितिहासं पुरातनम् । आर्षभाणां च संवादं विदेहस्य महात्मन: ॥ १४ ॥
atrāpy udāharantīmam itihāsaṁ purātanam ārṣabhāṇāṁ ca saṁvādaṁ videhasya mahātmanaḥ
ഇവിടെയും ഭഗവാന്റെ ഭക്തിസേവയെ വിശദീകരിക്കാൻ ഋഷിമാർ ഒരു പുരാതന ചരിത്രം ഉദാഹരിക്കുന്നു—മഹാത്മാവായ വിദേഹരാജാവിനും ഋഷഭപുത്രന്മാർക്കും ഇടയിലെ സംവാദം.
The words itihāsaṁ purātanam, meaning “ancient historical account,” are significant here. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is nigama-kalpa-taror galitaṁ phalam, the ripe fruit of the desire tree of Vedic knowledge. In the pages of the Bhāgavatam we find true historical narrations relating to the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the liberation of the conditioned souls. These historical accounts are not fiction or mythology, but describe the wonderful activities of the Lord and His devotees that took place in yugas previous to the advent of this puny age. Although mundane scholars have foolishly tried to depict the Bhāgavatam as a mythological work or a recent creation, the actual fact is that Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is a perfect transcendental literature describing not only the entire situation of this universe but also that which lies far beyond this universe, in both the material and spiritual skies. If one seriously studies the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam he becomes the most learned intellectual man. Caitanya Mahāprabhu desires that all pious persons become highly learned by hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and then preach the glories of the Lord in a scientific way all over the world. It is essential that we hear these historical narrations, such as the conversation between the nava-yogendras and King Videha, with complete faith and submission. Then, as stated in verse 12 of this chapter, even if our former life is filled with abominable activities, simply by hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam we shall be promoted to the same transcendental status as the Lord and His pure devotees. This is the extraordinary power of bhāgavata history, as contrasted with useless, mundane historical accounts, which ultimately serve no purpose. Although mundane historians justify their work on the plea that we have to learn from history, we can practically see that the world situation is now rapidly deteriorating into unbearable conflict and chaos while so-called historians stand helplessly by. But the bhāgavata historians who have faithfully heard Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam can give perfect and potent instructions for the restoration of a peaceful and blissful world. Therefore those who are inclined to enrich their intellectual life through the study of history should educate themselves in the historical narrations of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. This will bring them the perfection of intellectual and spiritual life.
FAQs
It introduces an ancient itihāsa (historical narration), specifically a dialogue involving the descendants of Ṛṣabha and King Janaka of Videha, to illustrate the teaching being discussed.
Janaka is presented as a mahātmā—an ideal ruler and realized soul—so his conversations are cited as authoritative examples for spiritual understanding and righteous living.
It encourages learning through time-tested sacred narratives and seeking guidance from realized exemplars, using scripture-based dialogues to clarify one’s practice of dharma, jñāna, and bhakti.