Cantos & Stories

1. 1

   Canto 1 · 19 chapters · 808 verses · 13 stories

   Creation

   Canto 1 introduces the sages’ questions, Sūta Gosvāmī’s teachings on devotional service, and the background of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. It recounts Kṛṣṇa’s care for the Pāṇḍavas, their eventual retirement, and Parīkṣit’s life until his meeting with Śukadeva Gosvāmī. Throughout, Kṛṣṇa is revealed as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose lotus feet are the supreme goal.

   Canto 1 on Vedabase ›
   Open Canto 1
2. 2

   Canto 2 · 10 chapters · 394 verses · 11 stories

   The Cosmic Manifestation

   Canto 2 presents Śukadeva Gosvāmī’s instructions on meditation, devotional service, and the creation of the universe as Mahārāja Parīkṣit prepares for death. Through Brahmā’s explanations, the Lord’s incarnations, and the Lord’s own instructions, it identifies Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead and establishes attraction for Him and devotional service as life’s perfection.

   Canto 2 on Vedabase ›
   Open Canto 2
3. 3

   Canto 3 · 33 chapters · 1416 verses · 14 stories

   The Status Quo

   Canto 3 follows Vidura as he hears Uddhava’s memories of Kṛṣṇa and receives Maitreya’s teachings about creation, time, and the Lord’s activities. It tells of Lord Varāha, the fall of Vaikuṇṭha’s doorkeepers, and the family of Kardama Muni and Devahūti. The canto concludes with Lord Kapila’s instructions and Devahūti’s liberation, showing that devotional service to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is the goal.

   Canto 3 on Vedabase ›
   Open Canto 3
4. 4

   Canto 4 · 31 chapters · 1448 verses · 14 stories

   The Creation of the Fourth Order

   Canto Four follows the descendants of Svāyambhuva Manu and recounts the histories of Dakṣa and Satī, Dhruva Mahārāja, King Pṛthu, and the Pracetās. Through these histories and Nārada’s allegory of King Purañjana, it teaches the dangers of envy, anger, and material attachment. Its conclusion is that devotional service to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is life’s goal.

   Canto 4 on Vedabase ›
   Open Canto 4
5. 5

   Canto 5 · 26 chapters · 668 verses · 10 stories

   The Creative Impetus

   Canto Five follows Priyavrata and his descendants, especially Lord Ṛṣabhadeva and Bharata Mahārāja, showing the dangers of material attachment and the goal of devotional service to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Śukadeva Gosvāmī also describes the universe, the worship of the Lord in its different regions, and the consequences of sinful activities.

   Canto 5 on Vedabase ›
   Open Canto 5
6. 6

   Canto 6 · 19 chapters · 851 verses · 14 stories

   Prescribed Duties for Mankind

   The Sixth Canto describes protection by the Lord through Ajāmila’s deliverance, the histories of Dakṣa and his descendants, and the lives of Indra, Vṛtrāsura and Citraketu. These accounts show the power of the holy name and the Lord’s mercy, directing us toward devotional service to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

   Canto 6 on Vedabase ›
   Open Canto 6
7. 7

   Canto 7 · 15 chapters · 750 verses · 12 stories

   The Science of God

   This canto explains the Supreme Lord’s equal regard for everyone and tells how He protected Prahlāda Mahārāja and killed Hiraṇyakaśipu. Prahlāda’s life and prayers show that pure devotional service seeks no material reward. Nārada Muni also explains how the social and spiritual orders can guide human life toward service to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

   Canto 7 on Vedabase ›
   Open Canto 7
8. 8

   Canto 8 · 24 chapters · 931 verses · 12 stories

   Withdrawal of the Cosmic Creations

   Śukadeva Gosvāmī teaches Parīkṣit about the Manus and how the universe is governed under the Supreme Lord’s direction. This canto describes Gajendra’s deliverance, the churning of the Ocean of Milk, the Lord’s dealings with Bali Mahārāja, and His fish incarnation’s protection of Satyavrata. These accounts reveal the power and mercy of Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and show that full surrender in devotional service is life’s highest gain.

   Canto 8 on Vedabase ›
   Open Canto 8
9. 9

   Canto 9 · 24 chapters · 960 verses · 14 stories

   Liberation

   Śukadeva Gosvāmī tells Parīkṣit about the dynasties of the sun and moon, recounting the lives of kings, sages and devotees, and the activities of Lord Rāmacandra and Lord Paraśurāma. These histories show the limits of material enjoyment and the greatness of devotional service. The canto concludes with Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whose compassionate activities deliver living beings from material life.

   Canto 9 on Vedabase ›
   Open Canto 9
10. 10

    Canto 10 · 90 chapters · 3936 verses · 35 stories

    The Summum Bonum

    Canto Ten describes the appearance and pastimes of Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, from His childhood in Vraja to His life in Mathurā and Dvārakā. It celebrates His loving exchanges with His devotees, His protection of the surrendered, and His defeat of demoniac rulers. Through these pastimes and prayers, the canto presents loving devotional service to Kṛṣṇa as the goal of life.

    Canto 10 on Vedabase ›
    Open Canto 10
11. 11

    Canto 11 · 31 chapters · 1367 verses · 14 stories

    General History

    Canto 11 describes the withdrawal of the Yadu dynasty and Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s return to His own abode. Through the nine Yogendras’ teachings, instructive stories, and Kṛṣṇa’s extensive instructions to Uddhava, it explains detachment, spiritual knowledge, and devotional service. Its conclusion is to take shelter of Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and engage in His loving service.

    Canto 11 on Vedabase ›
    Open Canto 11
12. 12

    Canto 12 · 13 chapters · 565 verses · 9 stories

    The Age of Deterioration

    The Twelfth Canto describes the degraded rulers and faults of Kali-yuga, the coming of Lord Kalki, and the four kinds of annihilation. It tells how Parīkṣit becomes fearless before death, how the Vedic teachings are passed down, and how Mārkaṇḍeya experiences the Lord’s illusory potency. It concludes by glorifying Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and pure devotional service to Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

    Canto 12 on Vedabase ›
    Open Canto 12

From Canto 10, chapter 14 onward, the translation and purports were completed by Śrīla Prabhupāda's disciples after his departure, and published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust.