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Srimad Bhagavatam Third Canto Part Two
this book begins with the aphorism of Vedanta philosophy janmady asya yatah to establsh the ideal of a common cause
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1973
82 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Bhaktivedanta
385 books719 followersHis Divine Grace Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (अभय चरणारविन्द भक्तिवेदान्त स्वामी प्रभुपाद)was born as Abhay Charan De on 1 September 1896 in Calcutta, India.
He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent devotional scholar and the founder of sixty-four branches of Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes), liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge in the Western world. Srila Prabhupada became his student, and eleven years later (1933) at Allahabad, he became his formally initiated disciple.
At their first meeting, in 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge through the English language. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and in 1944, without assistance, started an English fortnightly magazine.
In the last ten years of his life, in spite of his advanced age, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe twelve times on lecture tours that have took him to six continents. In spite of such a vigorous schedule, Srila Prabhupada continued to write prolifically. His writings constitute a veritable library of Vedic philosophy, religion, literature and culture.
He first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami, in Calcutta in 1922. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, a prominent devotional scholar and the founder of sixty-four branches of Gaudiya Mathas (Vedic institutes), liked this educated young man and convinced him to dedicate his life to teaching Vedic knowledge in the Western world. Srila Prabhupada became his student, and eleven years later (1933) at Allahabad, he became his formally initiated disciple.
At their first meeting, in 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura requested Srila Prabhupada to broadcast Vedic knowledge through the English language. In the years that followed, Srila Prabhupada wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad-gita and in 1944, without assistance, started an English fortnightly magazine.
In the last ten years of his life, in spite of his advanced age, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe twelve times on lecture tours that have took him to six continents. In spite of such a vigorous schedule, Srila Prabhupada continued to write prolifically. His writings constitute a veritable library of Vedic philosophy, religion, literature and culture.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 12, 2016
Life Changing
The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is an incredible book that has the potency to reform the life and consciousness of anyone who reads it. It will create a revolution to change the entire course of human history. This Third Canto specifically bears the teachings of Lord Kapiladeva, a wonderful section out of the whole work.
The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is an incredible book that has the potency to reform the life and consciousness of anyone who reads it. It will create a revolution to change the entire course of human history. This Third Canto specifically bears the teachings of Lord Kapiladeva, a wonderful section out of the whole work.
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March 29, 2021Masterpiece
It is by God's grace, I am fortunate enough to read this English commentary by his Devine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. His sweet explanation will spellbound if you reading with full devotion. Going to get started with Canto 4 now. I pray God for his mercy and blessings to continue this journey.
It is by God's grace, I am fortunate enough to read this English commentary by his Devine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. His sweet explanation will spellbound if you reading with full devotion. Going to get started with Canto 4 now. I pray God for his mercy and blessings to continue this journey.
August 6, 2023
The usual stuff in the previous Bhagavatams. Very biased towards Prabhupad's views. Interpolations. Brahminical ideology. Krishna devotion. You get the drift.
It also talks about the origin of Shiva and Brahma, Brahma's sons the Sanat-Kumara, Saraswati. That was interesting to read
It also talks about the origin of Shiva and Brahma, Brahma's sons the Sanat-Kumara, Saraswati. That was interesting to read
April 6, 2018
Very profound. Especially the conversations between Lord Kapila and Mother Devahuti!
January 30, 2026
This Canto gave me a great experience. The canto starts with Suka Muni narrating why Vidura left Hastinapura for a pilgrimage before the war began, how he learned what happened at Hastinapura while he was away, and how he met Maitreya Muni. Sage Maitreya recounts the knowledge of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as inquired of by Vidura the wise, from the creation of the material world to the doorkeepers of the Kingdom of God, Jaya and Vijaya, being cursed.
April 16, 2024
this book genuinely has some of the best insights on God
April 30, 2023
Prabhupada, as he has done in the rest of the earlier Cantos, has put in a lot of effort in writing commentaries on the verses in this canto, too. However, one who does a close study of the actual sanskrit texts in the purana, and of his commentary on them cannot ignore the obvious evidence that Prabhupada is not only bias but is also purposefully sectarian.
The above aside, his commentaries on Hindu scriptures, on the whole, cannot be relied upon for accuracy. They have unpardonable taint of sectarian overtone. The following are some examples of this charge in this canto:
1. Purposeful misinterpretations and misinformation/disinformation: pgs. 144, 406, 626, 557, 558, 562, 563, 564.
2. Interpolations: pgs. 181, 376, 559, 564.
3. Self-contradiction: pg. 626.
He has tried way too hard to make light of the verses on the importance of Astanga-Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. Evidence of this can be found on pages 555-558, 560, 561, 574-594, 625, 142, 237, 376, 515, 565.
Anyone who reads this canto should carefully study the actual verses in the text, and alongside examine Prabhupada's commentaries on them --- otherwise, one is more than likely to be seriously misguided, misinformed and led into error, away from the right path of Hinduism. And, for those who are not reading for spiritual reasons, but for reasons to acquire information on Hinduism or Hindu texts, they will be end up getting only misinformation and disinformation.
The above aside, his commentaries on Hindu scriptures, on the whole, cannot be relied upon for accuracy. They have unpardonable taint of sectarian overtone. The following are some examples of this charge in this canto:
1. Purposeful misinterpretations and misinformation/disinformation: pgs. 144, 406, 626, 557, 558, 562, 563, 564.
2. Interpolations: pgs. 181, 376, 559, 564.
3. Self-contradiction: pg. 626.
He has tried way too hard to make light of the verses on the importance of Astanga-Yoga and Kundalini Yoga. Evidence of this can be found on pages 555-558, 560, 561, 574-594, 625, 142, 237, 376, 515, 565.
Anyone who reads this canto should carefully study the actual verses in the text, and alongside examine Prabhupada's commentaries on them --- otherwise, one is more than likely to be seriously misguided, misinformed and led into error, away from the right path of Hinduism. And, for those who are not reading for spiritual reasons, but for reasons to acquire information on Hinduism or Hindu texts, they will be end up getting only misinformation and disinformation.
August 4, 2022
This volume forms part of 12 cantos (volumes). Would advise one to start at the beginning from the 1st canto part 1 for a fuller understanding. Nevertheless just like sugar cane where ever you bite it is sweet.
Appreciate the author sense of straight forwardness and not wishy washy aphorisms that you so often get. It clearly makes the point that God is a persona and has a personality. Energy comes from the energetic. Life comes from life.
Helps navigate the path in this present age of hypocrisy and quarrel for the aspirant spiritualist, helping avoid the pot-holes. Being accompanied by a guide, mentor, friend on this intrepid journey to self realisation. The point is made that is is simple but not easy because simple for simple and complicated for complicated. Teaches one how to set aside false-ego (work in practice) and therefore remain free from the illusory deluding potency known as 'maya. Graduate beyond the 3 modes of material nature namely ignorance, passion and even goodness to the transcendental non-material, eternal plane which is ever knowing, eternal, and without doubt BLISSFUL and the process is to be practised in the association of like minded people and JOYFULLY performed.
Appreciate the author sense of straight forwardness and not wishy washy aphorisms that you so often get. It clearly makes the point that God is a persona and has a personality. Energy comes from the energetic. Life comes from life.
Helps navigate the path in this present age of hypocrisy and quarrel for the aspirant spiritualist, helping avoid the pot-holes. Being accompanied by a guide, mentor, friend on this intrepid journey to self realisation. The point is made that is is simple but not easy because simple for simple and complicated for complicated. Teaches one how to set aside false-ego (work in practice) and therefore remain free from the illusory deluding potency known as 'maya. Graduate beyond the 3 modes of material nature namely ignorance, passion and even goodness to the transcendental non-material, eternal plane which is ever knowing, eternal, and without doubt BLISSFUL and the process is to be practised in the association of like minded people and JOYFULLY performed.
June 13, 2025
This volume tells in great detail Brahma’s journey as he embarks on his role as creator. His multiple attempts to create living entities with the right combination of the modes of goodness, passion and ignorance, who will carry out the work of propagating the world. We are given insight to the ‘birth’ of exalted beings such as the four Kumaras, Lord Siva and Narada Muni.
We then receive the narration of Lord Varaha’s appearance and His glories which links to the birth of twin asuras Hiranyaksa and Hiranyakasipu.
Life lessons on the do’ and don’ts for a beginner Krsna devotee/Vaishnava is peppered throughout these great tales.
My knowledge of Brahma, Narada Muni and Lord Siva was limited to popular portrayal in television shows or movies. This canto has given me a better understanding and greater respect for these devotees of Maha Visnu/Krsna.
I am moving on to read Part Three. Jai Sri Krsna!
We then receive the narration of Lord Varaha’s appearance and His glories which links to the birth of twin asuras Hiranyaksa and Hiranyakasipu.
Life lessons on the do’ and don’ts for a beginner Krsna devotee/Vaishnava is peppered throughout these great tales.
My knowledge of Brahma, Narada Muni and Lord Siva was limited to popular portrayal in television shows or movies. This canto has given me a better understanding and greater respect for these devotees of Maha Visnu/Krsna.
I am moving on to read Part Three. Jai Sri Krsna!
September 23, 2025
This volume narrates the story of Brahma Dev embarking on creating male living entities who can carry on to populate the universe. Thus the four Kumaras, Rudra, Narada Muni and Prajapatis are born.
The circumstances which lead to the four Kumaras cursing Lord Visnu’s gatekeepers, Jaya and Vijaya. How they will be born to Diti and Kasyappa as Hiranyaksa and Hiranyakasipu.
Next we read in great detail about the appearance of Lord Varaha and Lord Kapila.
Reading this volume has given me a better understanding of various species of living entities in the universe, the different universes, how humans were created and the path to liberation.
The circumstances which lead to the four Kumaras cursing Lord Visnu’s gatekeepers, Jaya and Vijaya. How they will be born to Diti and Kasyappa as Hiranyaksa and Hiranyakasipu.
Next we read in great detail about the appearance of Lord Varaha and Lord Kapila.
Reading this volume has given me a better understanding of various species of living entities in the universe, the different universes, how humans were created and the path to liberation.
August 21, 2016
Nejsem věřící, ale mám své otázky a musím říct, že kniha se do nich celkem přesně trefuje a hezky na ně odpovídá.
Čtení knihy bylo obtížné. Měl jsem co dělat, abych knihu dočetl. Některé pasáže se mi opravdu nelíbili, ale jiné byli naopak moc hezky napsané a s pěknou univerzální myšlenkou.
Jsem rád, že jsem knihu přečetl. Ukázala mi jednu z možností jak dále žít svůj život. Kdo ví, třeba se někdy v budoucnu vydám do hlubšího studování těchto svatých písem a tím i k velké životní změně.
Čtení knihy bylo obtížné. Měl jsem co dělat, abych knihu dočetl. Některé pasáže se mi opravdu nelíbili, ale jiné byli naopak moc hezky napsané a s pěknou univerzální myšlenkou.
Jsem rád, že jsem knihu přečetl. Ukázala mi jednu z možností jak dále žít svůj život. Kdo ví, třeba se někdy v budoucnu vydám do hlubšího studování těchto svatých písem a tím i k velké životní změně.
February 22, 2025
Vidura meets Maitreya Rsi and asks him about cosmic manifestation. The Rsi overjoyed to be speaking about the Lord and starts narrating the story of Brahma’s appearance and Brahma’s view of the world hd is in. Brahma realizes Lord Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and writes Sri Brahma-samhita singing His praises.
April 30, 2023
Except for Srila Prabhupada's obvious sectarian bias and some purposeful misinterpretations, the translation, in general, is fine.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews