The Veil Begins To Part: A Detailed Overview of Srimad Bhagavatam Cantos Five and Six

The study of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is always glorious, and one who has experienced pleasure from hearing, chanting, and reading this transcendental literature will never be attracted by any mundane book.” (Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 12.13.15) The Veil Begins to Part continues the reader’s journey through this great work with a study of the Fifth and Sixth cantos. By joining the translations and purports of Śrīla Prabhupāda with the commentaries of other ācāryas, this detailed overview becomes a complement to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s presentation and a seamless narrative that will assist the reader in grasping the message of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam as it was originally delivered by Śukadeva Goswāmī.

Canto Five begins by capturing the essence of the extraordinary deeds and teachings of saintly kings like Priyavrata, Ṛṣabhadeva, and, over three lifetimes, of His son Bharata. It then shifts to explain the structure of this world, including descriptions of the residents of Jambūdvīpa and their prayers to their respective iṣṭa-devas, then the structure of the universe, and the inconceivable potencies of the Supreme Lord. Canto Six presents the Lord’s affection for His devotees and in particular, the power of serving Him, in the histories of Ajāmila, Dakṣa, Citraketu, Indra, Vṛtrāsura, and Diti.