Bhagwata Purana
Of the 18 Puranas, the Bhagavata Purana was also known as the Shrimad Bhagwata Maha Purana, or simply as the Bhagwata is one of the greatest scriptures in Hinduism. Originally composed in Sanskrit, it is now available in almost all languages.
Bhakti of Shri Krishna
The Shrimad Bhagwata Maha Purana promotes Bhakti to Lord Shri Krishna by integrating themes from the Advaita, i.e. monism and the philosophy of Adi Shankara.
Topics discussed
Like the other Puranas, in the Bhagwata Purana, a wide range of topics are discussed such as genealogy, mythology, geography, cosmology, dance, music, yoga and culture.
Evil wreaks havoc
Since the very beginning of time, evil forces have waged wars between Devas or deities and the asuras, the evil demons. The forces of evil rule the universe and continue to wreak havoc.
Shri Krishna restores hope and faith
Hope and truth emerge as Shri Krishna, also known as Hari and Vasudeva, makes peace with the demons, understands their stance and then defeats them creatively. Through this he restored hope, faith, the good and freedom. These themes are recurrent through many legends and folklores.
Followers of Vaishnavism
In Vaishnavism, the Shrimad Bhagwata Purana is a revered sacred text. They follow Hinduism and worship Lord Vishnu. The text of this Purana forms their religion, i.e. dharma with that of the Vedas, wherein bhakti ultimately leads to self-knowledge, liberation (moksha) and bliss.
Nature of Shri Krishna
The Bhagwata Purana asserts the inner nature and outer form of Krishna are identical to the Vedas and that this is what rescues the world from the forces of evil.
Important scripture in Hinduism
As the source of knowledge and dharma, the Shrimad Bhagwata Maha Purana is one of the most important scriptures in Hinduism.
Important people in life
It is in this Purana that Lord Krishna shares some of the most important lessons and learning of life. Through the teaching of Lord Krishna, the stories and legends give moral lessons that are relevant even today.
Avoid downfall
If one hurts any one of these important people in their life, it will only lead their downfall. If these 5 people are insulted or hurt, the person who causes them hurt will have to bear the brunt of negativity.
1 Cow
The cow is revered as a mother in Hinduism. She is the giver of milk, food and considered an auspicious animal. In the Bhagwata Purana when Balasur insulted a cow, it led to his death. As per legends, Balasur was an Asur. Once he abducted all the cows belonging to the Devtas and tortured them. When Lord Indra was informed of this incident, he killed Balasur and freed the cows from his captivity.
2 Gods and Goddesses
Being a non-believer is no crime but insulting someone’s faith doesn’t prove anything. It only ends up hurting people’s sentiments. Remember, when Ravan, the king of Lanka, overcome by arrogance and ego, insulted and threatened Lord Ram, it led to his defeat and death. Ravan, drunk on power and intelligence, thought of all Gods and goddesses as his enemy. He started to cause trouble and torture all these Gods. It was his arrogance and ego that led to his downfall. Due to his atrocities, all the Gods in heaven worshiped and pleaded with Lord Vishnu to be born as Lord Ram. Lord Ram defeated and killed Ravan.
Hold onto faith
Therefore, it is said that one should never disturb someone’s prayers or have any negative thoughts about God. Whatever may be the situation, one should hold onto their faith and beliefs.
3 Vedas
The Vedas are the source of knowledge and through these scriptures; the path to Karma was formed. Insulting and berating the Vedas will only cause trouble to the one doing so. Remember, because the Asuras insulted the Vedas, it caused their untimely deaths. Asuras always thought of the Gods as their enemies. Troubling and causing problems for the Gods was the only occupation and pastime for the Asuras. Some Asuras had tried to rob Lord Brahma of the Vedas and planned to destroy them. Due to this behavior, Lord Brahma cursed and punished them.
Reading Vedas for success
It is important for every human being to respect the ancient religious scriptures. One should start their day by reading verses from the Holy books. Such a habit will lead to successful and happy life.
4 Dharma and Karma
It was Ashwathama’s Karma and his inability to follow his Dharma as a Brahmin that led to his defeat in the Mahabharata. Being the son of Dronacharya, he was always interested in activities that were flawed and labeled as Adharma.
Krishna’s curse to Ashwathama
Ashwathama considered Duryodhana and the Kauravas his friends and the Pandavas, his enemies. Therefore, along with Duryodhana, he continued to follow Adharma all his life. Due to his atrocities and Karma, he was cursed by Lord Krishna that he would roam the streets like a homeless man and never seek salvation.
5 Sages, scholars and priests
Duryodhana was filled with greed and arrogance. He never paid heed to the teachings of his Gurus. He was driven by his need for victory and destruction. He had insulted important sages of his time and therefore, he was cursed.
Curse of death for Duryodhana
Once a sage came to meet King Dritharashtra in his palace. He was welcomed by the king and his many sons. The sage advised Duryodhana to give up the path of Adharma and jealousy and follow the path of Dharma. The sage asked him to consider peace and friendship with the Pandavas. However, Duryodhana laughed at the sage and insulted him. Enraged by this behavior, the sage cursed Duryodhana that he would be killed in the battle at the hands of the Pandavas.
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