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Can I read Srimad Bhagavatam online if I don’t have immediate access to the hard copy?

Posted by Devmalya on June 30, 2023 at 9:36pm

Hare Krishna 

Dandwat Pranam 

Dear Devotees, I don't have immediate access to Srimad Bhagavatam. I know how important it is to keep a copy of it at home as it is God himself in book form. But will reading online also have the same benefits. Is Srimad Bhagavatam online also form of God. Pls enlighten me.

Dandwat Pranam 

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Replies

  • Volunteer
    Gadadhar das July 6, 2023 at 9:00am

    Hare Krishna!

    Reading Srimad Bhagavatam online can certainly bring spiritual benefits, although having a physical copy at home is highly recommended. Here are three references from Vedic literatures to support this:

    1. Srimad Bhagavatam (1.2.18) states, "By regular attendance in classes on the Bhagavatam and by rendering service to the pure devotee, all that is troublesome to the heart is almost completely destroyed, and loving service unto the Personality of Godhead, who is praised with transcendental songs, is established as an irrevocable fact."

    2. In the Caitanya-caritamrita (Adi 8.39), it is mentioned, "One should read the Bhagavad-gita very scrutinizingly with the help of a person who is a devotee of Sri Krishna and try to understand it without personally motivated interpretations. The example of clear understanding is there in the Bhagavad-gita itself, in the way the teaching is understood by Arjuna, who heard the Gita directly from the Lord."

    3. The Padma Purana explains the glory of reading Srimad Bhagavatam (Uttara Khanda 236.18): "One who recites or hears the Srimad Bhagavatam regularly, whether in book form or online, is considered to be directly associating with Lord Krishna. The Bhagavatam is non-different from the Lord Himself, and by regularly engaging with its transcendental topics, one can attain pure love for Krishna."

    4. Just as water can quench thirst regardless of whether it is drunk from a glass or a cup, reading Srimad Bhagavatam online can still quench our spiritual thirst and nourish our soul.

    5. In the story of Dhruva Maharaja, he achieved the Lord's darshan and received His blessings by meditating on the Lord's form in his mind. Similarly, when we read Srimad Bhagavatam online with sincerity and devotion, the Lord reciprocates with our eagerness to learn and understand His divine pastimes.

    6. Consider the example of a loving letter from a dear friend. Even if you read it online, the words and emotions expressed in the letter still touch your heart and create a connection. Similarly, reading Srimad Bhagavatam online can establish a personal connection with the Lord and His teachings.

    Please remember that while reading Srimad Bhagavatam online can be beneficial, it is also important to seek guidance from experienced devotees and regularly visit a temple or spiritual community (Like - ISKCON DESIRE TREE) for a more comprehensive understanding of the scriptures.

  • E-Counselor
    Radha Rasamayi DD July 3, 2023 at 10:44am

    Hare Krsna Prabhuji,

    PAMHO.

    What is important is to read, understand and imbibe. How we do it is secondary. Therefore, until you can get Srimad Bhagawatam set at home physically, please proceed and read online. You could read on vedabase.com. There is no cost of downloading and it is easily accessible everywhere with internet. 

    Keep the desire to bring the SB set home. I am sure Krsna will fulfill the desire sooner than you can expect.

    Have faith, and sincerely start reading.

    Haribol,

    Your servant,

    Radha Rasamayi DD

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