Shloka 3
The Appearance of Śrī Nārada and Vyāsa’s Dissatisfaction
Veda-vibhāga and the Need for Bhakti
कस्मिन् युगे प्रवृत्तेयं स्थाने वा केन हेतुना । कुत: सञ्चोदित: कृष्ण: कृतवान् संहितां मुनि: ॥ ३ ॥
kasmin yuge pravṛtteyaṁ sthāne vā kena hetunā kutaḥ sañcoditaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ kṛtavān saṁhitāṁ muniḥ
ഈ ഭാഗവതീ സംഹിത ഏത് യുഗത്തിൽ, ഏത് സ്ഥലത്ത്, ഏത് കാരണത്താൽ ആരംഭിച്ചു? മഹർഷി കൃഷ്ണദ്വൈപായന വ്യാസന് ഈ ഗ്രന്ഥം സമാഹരിക്കാൻ പ്രചോദനം എവിടെ നിന്നു ലഭിച്ചു?
Because Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the special contribution of Śrīla Vyāsadeva, there are so many inquiries by the learned Śaunaka Muni. It was known to them that Śrīla Vyāsadeva had already explained the text of the Vedas in various ways up to the Mahābhārata for the understanding of less intelligent women, śūdras and fallen members of the family of twice-born men. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is transcendental to all of them because it has nothing to do with anything mundane. So the inquiries are very intelligent and relevant.
FAQs
This verse frames the sages’ inquiry into the cause and divine inspiration behind Vyāsa’s composing the Bhāgavata-saṁhitā—pointing to its purposeful revelation for guiding souls through devotion.
Because they seek an authoritative understanding of the scripture’s historical setting and spiritual purpose, so they can hear it in proper context and receive its intended benefit.
It teaches a seeker to ask foundational questions—source, purpose, and inspiration—so one approaches sacred texts with clarity, humility, and a genuine desire for transformative bhakti.