Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvitiya Skandha, Shloka 5
Daśa-lakṣaṇam: The Ten Topics, Virāṭ-Puruṣa Sense-Manifestation, and the Supreme Shelter (Āśraya)
अवतारानुचरितं हरेश्चास्यानुवर्तिनाम् । पुंसामीशकथा: प्रोक्ता नानाख्यानोपबृंहिता: ॥ ५ ॥
avatārānucaritaṁ hareś cāsyānuvartinām puṁsām īśa-kathāḥ proktā nānākhyānopabṛṁhitāḥ
ศาสตร์แห่งพระเป็นเจ้ากล่าวถึงพระอวตารของพระหริ และกิจของพระองค์ พร้อมทั้งกิจของมหาภักตะผู้ดำเนินตามพระองค์—นี่แหละเรียกว่า īśa-kathā อันรุ่งเรืองด้วยเรื่องเล่าหลากหลาย
During the course of the existence of the cosmic manifestation, the chronology of history is created, recording the activities of the living entities. People in general have a tendency to learn the history and narrations of different men and times, but due to a lack of knowledge in the science of Godhead, they are not apt to study the history of the incarnations of the Personality of Godhead. It should always be remembered that the material creation is created for the salvation of the conditioned souls. The merciful Lord, out of His causeless mercy, descends to various planets in the material world and acts for the salvation of the conditioned souls. That makes the history and narrations worth reading. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam offers such transcendental topics of the Lord in relationship with great devotees. Therefore the topics of the devotees and the Lord are to be given respectful aural reception.
FAQs
This verse states that īśa-kathā—stories of Hari’s incarnations and His devotees—are spoken for the welfare of all people and are enriched through many narratives, showing their central spiritual value.
Because the Bhagavatam’s message is ‘upabṛṁhita’—made fuller and clearer—by varied accounts that illustrate divine incarnations and the conduct of devoted followers in practical, memorable ways.
Regularly hear, read, or share Hari-kathā—especially the Lord’s avatāra pastimes and the lives of devotees—to strengthen devotion, refine values, and keep the mind anchored in spiritual purpose.