A Blessed Offering of Srimad Bhagavatam

A Divine Day with Sri Swamiji – May 10, Sowparnika Hall, Chennai

On May 10, 2025, at Sowparnika Hall, Chennai, in the divine presence of Sri Swamiji, a sacred Srimad Bhagavatam Parayanam event was held. This gathering marked a milestone in the online learning journey of students trained under Sri Swamiji’s vision and guidance. The day included prayers, parayanam from Canto 1 to Canto 3 (Chapter 1), a profound upanyasam by Sri Swamiji, an interactive feedback session, prayers for Bharat and the distribution of prasadam.

The Greatness of Srimad Bhagavatam:
Srimad Bhagavatam reveals the path of divine love and stands as the essence of Sanatana Dharma. Its wisdom is timeless, cherished even by the Devas. Reciting it brings great merit, removes sins, and pleases Lord Krishna. Srimad Bhagavatam is known as Purana Tilakam and is Saakshaad Bhagavan- the Lord Himself.

श्रीमद्भागवताख्योऽयं प्रत्यक्षः कृष्ण एव हि ।

Even a single verse or part of a verse recited sincerely each day can lead the devotee to the highest goal- moksha.

श्लोकार्थं श्लोकपादं वा नित्यं भागवतोद्भवम् ।
पठस्व स्वमुखेनैव यदीच्छसि परां गतिम् ॥

It has been the divine vision of Sri Swamiji that Srimad Bhagavatam should reach every home and heart, with Parayanam (recitation) performed with both joy and precision. With His blessings and guidance, eight dedicated teachers- Vishnupriya ji, Janani ji, Poornima ji, Gadhadharan ji, Janardhan ji, Namdev ji, Srivaths ji, and Harini ji- have been training over 200 students in regular Zoom classes for the past two years.

These sessions, held twice a week, focused on recitation along with clarity, diction, fluency, and understanding. Frequent revisions and assessments ensured steady progress-all under Sri Swamiji’s benevolent guidance. After nearly two years of this divine journey, Sri Swamiji expressed the desire to meet the Bhagavatha Bhaktas in person, leading to this blessed gathering. The students of Vishnupriya ji and Janani ji’s batch were invited to Sowparnika Hall, Chennai, on May 10th- a day we will cherish forever.
The day began with a heartfelt prayer to Bhagavatha Bhagavan, followed by Saatvika Smaranam, and Gajendra Stuti, after which Parayanam commenced from Canto 1, Chapter 1. Students selected at random recited with deep devotion, creating an atmosphere of sacred vibrations. Sri Guruji was pleased and deeply relished the dedicated rendering and also mentioned that the rendering was flawless.

Highlights of Sri Swamiji’s Upanyasam:
After completing Canto 1, Sri Swamiji delivered a profound lecture filled with wisdom and practical insights.

Key points included:
The Sacred Power of 18: The number 18 signifies Jaya (victory) – as seen in the 18 chapters of the Bhagavad Gita, 18,000 verses of Srimad Bhagavatam and the 18 verses of Gopika Geetham. Each of these is filled with transformative power, and chanting them with devotion can bestow the vision of Lord Krishna, just as the Gopis experienced.

The Inner Journey of Vyasa: Despite composing the Brahma Sutras and the Mahabharata, Sage Vyasa found true peace only after composing Srimad Bhagavatam.

The very First Verse of Srimad Bhagavatam:
जन्माद्यस्य यतोऽन्वयादितरतश्चार्थेष्वभिज्ञः स्वराट्
तेन ब्रह्म हृदा य आदिकवये मुह्यन्ति यत्सूरयः ।
तेजोवारिमृदां यथा विनिमयो यत्र त्रिसर्गोऽमृषा
धाम्ना स्वेन सदा निरस्तकुहकं सत्यं परं धीमहि ॥

The phrase “सत्यं परं धीमहि” is a call to meditate on the eternal, supreme truth- Composed in a state of deep samadhi, this verse reminds us that true meditation means constant remembrance of the Supreme.

Parayanam resumed up to Canto 3, Chapter 1, followed by an interactive feedback session where students were asked to share their feedback and get their doubts clarified from Sri Swamiji.

Sri Swamiji then led a prayer session for the safety and victory of Bhaarath and our armed forces.
In the afternoon session, Sri Swamiji gave a summary of Canto 1 and 2:

Canto 1: In the sacred forest of Naimisharanya, where Shaunaka Rishis pose six fundamental questions to Suta Pauranika. The answers unfold through the Vyasa- Narada Samvaadam and stories involving Parikshit, Kunti, Bhishma, and the Pandavas- culminating in King Parikshit’s birth and destiny.

Canto 2: Begins with Shuka Maharishi’s powerful reminder
“जन्मलाभः परः पुंसामन्ते नारायणस्मृतिः”
The true success of life lies in remembering Narayana at the moment of death.
Sri Swamiji reminded us of the importance of repeated reading- “मुहुरहो”- and encouraged all of us to continue this divine path with sincerity and joy.

The event concluded on a blissful note with Bhagavatha Aarthi and prasadam. The collective chanting was nectar to the soul, and the divine vibrations will remain in our hearts forever. To have offered our humble Parayanam to Sri Swamiji and be in the divine presence of Sri Swamiji was truly a great blessing. With hearts full of gratitude and divine joy, devotees departed carrying the spiritual nectar of the day with them. It was a grace-filled, memorable occasion in our Bhagavatam journey.

Indeed, May 10th was a day of grace, devotion, and divine connection- a cherished milestone in our Bhagavatham journey.