Book 1
The first book introduces the Bhāgavata, with
Saunaka gathering the sages in
Naimisha Forest to hear Sūta praise
bhakti to
Krishna and describe the ten
avatars of
Vishnu. Sūta tells the story of the life of
Parikshit, son of
Abhimanyu, beginning while still in his mother's womb, where Krishna protected him from the
Brahmastra weapon of
Ashwatthama. The conclusion of Parikshit's life introduces the main storyline of the Bhāgavata—a curse is placed on Parikshit that will cause him to die within seven days. Parikshit retires to the bank of the
Ganges to fast until his death, with several sages gathered around him, including
Śuka, son of
Vyasa. Parikshit asks Śuka what he should do to prepare for death. Śuka's response constitutes the main part of the Bhāgavata.
Book 2
Śuka tells Parikishit that when one is about to die, they should become free of the fear of death and let go of all attachments to pleasure, home, and family. They should control the breath and mind and concentrate on the sacred
Aum. The development of
yoga and bhakti, different types of
dharana, the nature of
Bhagavan, and the
liberation of a yogi upon his death are also explained by Śuka. In response to Parikshit's questions, Śuka describes creation and the avatars of Vishnu, concluding with a description of the ten characteristics of a
Purana.
Book 3
Vidura's pilgrimage to various holy places provides the backdrop for the stories and spiritual teachings in Book 3. Near the
Yamuna River Vidura meets
Uddhava, who gives him the news of the
Kurukshetra War and the death of Krishna. Next he meets the sage Maitreya, who gives instruction on the creation of the world, the divisions of time, and other subjects. The story of the birth of
Hiranyakasipu and
Hiranyaksa is told, including the latter's death at the hands of
Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu. An important story is the tale of Devahuti and her son
Kapila—Kapila's Samkhya teachings help lead her to final liberation
Book 4
The story of
Daksha and his sacrifice is told, in which he mocks
Shiva in front of
Dakshayani—his own daughter and Shiva's consort—resulting in Dakshayani's self-immolation, which later came to be known by one of her names,
Sati. The legend of
Dhruva's penance and devotion to Vishnu is also recounted, along with the related story of king
Prithu. The book ends with the recounting of the renunciation and liberation of the Pracetas brothers.
Book 5
The story of
Manu's sons and their children leads eventually to
Bharat and a description of the world, the sun and its course, the moon and the planets, the regions below the earth, and the twenty-eight hells (
naraka).
Book 6
includes the story of
Ajāmila, who reached heaven as a reward for uttering the syllables "Na-ra-ya-na" on his deathbed, even though he was only intending to call his son. The story of the son of the Praceta brothers is also recounted, along with the victory of
Indra over
Viśvarūpa. Book 6 ends with the birth of the
Maruts
Book 7
The main portion of the seventh book is dedicated to the well known story of
Hiranyakaśipu, his son
Prahlada, and the death of Hiranyakaśipu at the hands of
Narasimha, an avatar of Vishnu. This version expands on the story of Prahlada as told in the
Vishnu Purana, and is the form that is most commonly told in Hinduism. Prahlada is considered a great devotee of Vishnu, and describes the process of bhakti toward Bhagavan. Book seven also includes a discussion of the
dharma involved with the different
varnas and with the four
ashramas (stages) of life.
Book 8
The description of the six past
Manvantaras (ages or time periods of Manu) and the seven future ages of Manu includes several stories, many involving the avatars of Vishnu. Nine chapters are dedicated to the oft told story of Vishnu's
Vamana (dwarf) avatar and his defeat of
Bali. The story of the
churning of the ocean of milk is also recounted, which is done with the help of the
Kurma avatar of Vishnu.
Book 9
The current age of Manu is described at length, including the traditional history of the Solar Dynasty founded by
Ikshvaku and the Lunar Dynasty of
Pururavas. A long history of dynasties is described—
Panchala,
Magadha,
Kuru, Anu,
Druhyus, Turvasu, and others—leading up to the
Yadu dynasty and the birth of
Krishna to his parents
Vasudeva and
Devaki.
Book 10
The tenth book, dedicated to Krishna, is responsible for the widespread popularity of the Bhāgavata Purāṇa. Book Ten includes the most enduring images and stories of Krishna: the mischievous child who steals butter; the godlike child who holds the entire universe within himself; the boy who can slay demons and move an entire mountain with one finger; the cowherd who is the love of all the gopis, making them leave all their duties to follow him.
The tenth book is by far the lengthiest, taking up almost one quarter of the entire
Bhāgavata. While the
Mahabharata and the
Bhagavad Gita show Krishna in various roles as teacher and diplomat, Book Ten shows Krishna simply engaging in
lila, or divine and intimate play with his devotees. It presents this intimate relationship with God as the highest goal of human existence.
Book 11
The destruction of the Yadava dynasty, including Krishna and all his kinsmen, is caused by the curse of a brahmin—instigated by Krishna himself. The Yadavas kill each other in a drunken fight and Krishna dies as a result of the same curse, the result of a metal-tipped arrow striking his foot. The last chapter describes Krishna's ascent to
Vaikuntha. Book eleven also includes the so-called
Uddhava Gita, the last discourse of Krishna which he addresses to his dear friend
Uddhava.
[28] Canto or Book 11 section 7-9 discusses the pastimes and realizations of an
Avadhuta.
Book 12
The future rulers of
Magadha are predicted, along with the evils of
Kali Yuga and the future destruction of the world (
pralaya). The main story ends with the death of King Parikshit—cursed to die from snakebite—and the thwarted snake sacrifice of his son
Janamejaya. The text finally concludes with a second description of the ten characteristics of a
purana, the life of
Markandeya, a summary of the Bhāgavata, and the assurance that it is the greatest among puranas.
