Assignment - 4th Chapter

1) When did Srimad Bhagavatam appear?

This Bhägavata Puräëa is as brilliant as the sun, and it has arisen just after the departure of Lord Kåñëa
to His own abode.

2) What were the questions asked by Shaunaka Rshi to Suta Goswami?

1) In what period and at what place was this first begun, and why was this taken up? From where did
Vyäsa get the inspiration to compile this literature?

2) Srila Shukadeva Goswami was a great devotee, He was transcendental to mundane activities, but
being unexposed, he appeared like an ignorant person. How was he recognized by the citizens when he
entered the city of Hastinäpura appearing like a madman?

3) How did it so happen that King Parékñit met Srila Shukadeva Goswami, making it possible for this
great Bhägavatam spoken to him?
It is said that Mahäräja Parékñit is a great first-class devotee of the Lord and that his birth and activities
are all wonderful. Please tell us about him. He was a great emperor. He was so exalted that all his enemies
would come and bow down at his feet and surrender all their wealth for their own benefit. He was full
of youth and strength, and he possessed kingly opulences. Why did he want to give up everything,
including his life?

3) What are the symptoms of a sadhu?

The symptoms of a sädhu are that he is tolerant, merciful and friendly to all living entities. He has no
enemies, he is peaceful, he abides by the scriptures, and all his characteristics are sublime.

4) Why did Samika rshi pray to the lord?

Åñi Çaméka also knew that the Lord does not forgive a person who has committed an offense at the feet
of a devotee. The Lord can only give direction to take shelter of the devotee. He thought within himself
that if Mahäräja Parékñit would countercurse the boy, he might be saved. But he knew also that a pure
devotee is callous about worldly advantages or reverses. As such, the devotees are never inclined to
counteract personal defamation, curses, negligence, etc. As far as such things are concerned, in personal
affairs the devotees do not care for them. therefore Çaméka Åñi knew that the King would not take
counteraction.
Thus there was no alternative than to place an appeal to the Lord for the immature boy.

5) Why did Bharat Maharaj give up everything including his beautiful wife, children, friends etc?
Mahäräja Bharata gave up everything because he was fond of serving the Supreme Personality of
Godhead, Uttamaçloka.

6) What are the symptoms of Kali Yuga described by Shukadeva Goswami?

As the age of Kali progresses, all good qualities of men diminish and all impure qualities increase.
Atheistic systems of so-called religion become predominant. The kings become just like highway bandits.

religion, truthfulness, cleanliness, tolerance, mercy, duration of life, physical strength and memory will
all diminish day by day because of the powerful influence of the age of Kali.

In Kali-yuga, law and justice will be applied only on the basis of one's power.

Men and women will live together merely because of superficial attraction, and success in business will
depend on deceit and a man will be known as a brähmaëa just by his wearing a thread. One who is very
clever at juggling words will be considered a learned scholar. beauty will be depend on one's hairstyle.
Filling the belly will become the goal of life, and one who is audacious will be accepted as truthful. He
who can maintain a family will be regarded as an expert man,

As the earth thus becomes crowded with a corrupt population, whoever among any of the social classes
shows himself to be the strongest will gain political power.

The citizens will suffer greatly from cold, wind, heat, rain and snow. They will be further tormented by
quarrels, hunger, thirst, disease and severe anxiety.

7) Who were the renowned persons entrusted by Vysasadeva with the four Vedas and puranas?

Paila Åñi became the professor of the Åg Veda,

Vaiçampäyana became the professor of the Yajur Veda.

Jaimini the professor of the Säma Veda,

The Sumantu Muni Aìgirä was entrusted with the Atharva Veda.

Romaharñaëa, was entrusted with the Puräëas.

8) How can Lord Krishna be controlled?

Krishna said to Uddhava: My dear Uddhava, the unalloyed devotional service rendered to Me by My
devotees brings Me under their control. I cannot be thus controlled by those engaged in mystic yoga,
Säìkhya philosophy, pious work, Vedic study, austerity or renunciation.