By Ananta Gopal Das | Head Pujari (Priest) at Bhaktivedanta Manor 

There is nothing more satisfying than when, after a long day of service, I return to my room and, after a shower, sit by my desk and open Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

As I begin reading, suddenly all the problems I may have faced on that day vanish, and my mind becomes clear.

Each time I open the book, I enter a world of magic, mysticism, adventure, and fascinating stories of the saints who dedicated their lives to serve the Supreme Lord Krishna.

It doesn’t stop there! As I dive deeper into the book, the description of the Lord’s abode, his pastimes, and associates are also revealed.

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam not only provides information about the saints and the Lord but also gives clarity, provides shelter, association, and removes obstacles.

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.2.18: Here is the remedy for eliminating all inauspicious things within the heart, which are considered to be obstacles in the path of self-realisation. The remedy is the association of the Bhāgavatas. There are two types of Bhāgavatas, namely the book Bhāgavata and the devotee Bhāgavata. Both the Bhāgavatas are competent remedies, and both of them or either of them can be good enough to eliminate the obstacles.

Those who know me closely know that I don’t particularly enjoy travelling. Sitting in vehicles or planes for hours and adjusting to new environments doesn’t appeal to me. However, I must admit that I travel constantly, and for free!

When I deeply connect with the scriptures, I find myself transported to various planets, universes, and dimensions beyond my imagination.

In some universes, yogis perform austerities for thousands of years to please the Lord, whilst on some planets, exalted saints have personal interactions with the Supreme Lord.

As I travel through various universes, I associate with great sages, powerful yogis, and pure-hearted saints from multiple backgrounds.

When I immerse myself completely with attention and the right attitude, the verses in the book become alive and speak directly to me, guiding me towards my desired goal.

Doubts, confusion, and philosophical misunderstandings are all removed simply by carefully studying Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.13.54: We should discuss Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam daily as much as possible, and then everything will be clarified, for Bhāgavatam is the essence of all Vedic literature. Thus the more we read Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the more its knowledge becomes clear. Each and every verse is transcendental.

If you enjoy travelling and adventure, this book is for you!