Tradition of Commentaries on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam

The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the ripened fruit of all Vedic literature, but its sweet taste is best relished through the authorized commentaries of the Vaiṣṇava ācāryas. This scholarly tradition is anchored in the supreme authority of Śrīdhara Svāmī, whose original commentary set the standard for subsequent commentators. Building upon his foundation, the realized souls of the last five hundred years have composed elaborate explanations to elucidate the text's confidential meanings further. This article examines the vital role of these commentaries and how this unbroken chain of scholarship stands as evidence for the reality of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

Standard of Śrīdhara Svāmī

In the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition, the commentary of Śrīdhara Svāmī, known as Bhāvārtha-dīpikā, is considered the original and primary authority. Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu strictly adhered to Śrīdhara Svāmī's explanations. When Vallabha Bhaṭṭa attempted to present a commentary that criticized Śrīdhara Svāmī, Lord Caitanya rejected it as a display of false pride, establishing the rule that one must follow Śrīdhara Svāmī to be honored.

• Srimad-Bhagavatam has many tikas, or commentaries, following the parampara system, but Sridhara Svamis is first. The commentaries of all the other acaryas follow his.
• One who comments on Srimad-Bhagavatam following in the footsteps of Sridhara Svami will be honored and accepted by everyone.
• You have dared criticize Sridhara Svami, and you have begun your own commentary on Srimad-Bhagavatam, not accepting his authority. That is your false pride.

Contributions of the Ācāryas

Serious students of the Bhāgavatam are advised to consult the commentaries of the great ācāryas in the disciplic succession. Sanātana Gosvāmī wrote the Vaiṣṇava-toṣaṇī and the Daśama-ṭippanī to illuminate the Tenth Canto. Jīva Gosvāmī provided the Krama-sandarbha, and Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura offered his deep realizations in the Sārārtha-darśinī. These works are essential for understanding the intricate philosophy and rasa of the text.

• It is necessary for the serious students of Srimad-Bhagavatam to follow the notes and comments of the great acaryas like Jiva Gosvami and Visvanatha Cakravarti.
• Sanatana Gosvami also wrote a special commentary on the Tenth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam known as the Dasama-tippani, which is so excellent that by reading it one can understand very deeply the pastimes of Krsna in His exchanges of loving activities.
• Besides Srimad-Bhagavatam, there are commentaries on the Vedanta-sutra composed by all the major Vaisnava acaryas, and in each of them devotional service to the Lord is described very explicitly.

Proof of Historical Reality

Skeptics often dismiss Kṛṣṇa and Rāma as mythological figures. However, Śrīla Prabhupāda argues that the existence of such profound scholarship serves as proof of their reality. It defies common sense to suggest that stalwart scholars like Śrīdhara Svāmī, Rūpa Gosvāmī, and Sanātana Gosvāmī would waste their valuable time writing elaborate commentaries on fictitious characters.

• One should have the common sense to ask why, if Krsna or Rama were fictitious, stalwart scholars like Sanatana Gosvami, Viraraghava and many other recognized acaryas would have spent so much time to write about Krsna in notes and commentaries on SB.
• One should have the common sense to ask why, if Krsna or Rama were fictitious, stalwart scholars like Sridhara Svami, Rupa Gosvami and many other recognized acaryas would have spent so much time to write about Krsna in notes and commentaries on SB.

Devotional Service vs. Speculation

The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the "spotless Purāṇa," meant for those situated in the mode of pure goodness. Consequently, unauthorized commentaries written by speculators or those lacking in devotion are deemed useless. The text reveals itself only to one who has taken to the path of devotional service.

• Only one who has taken to devotional service can understand Srimad-Bhagavatam, which is the spotless Purana for a transcendentalist (paramahamsa). So-called commentaries are useless for this purpose.
• On the whole, Srimad-Bhagavatam, the spotless Purana, can be learned only through devotional service, not by material intelligence, speculative methods or imaginary commentaries.
• As far as Bhagavatam is concerned, I may know it, or Śukadeva or Vyasadeva may know it, or we may not know it—but actually Bhagavatam is to be understood by devotional service, and not by academic commentaries.

Conclusion

The tradition of commenting on the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is a devotional service, not an academic exercise. These commentaries serve as the transparent medium through which the current generation can access the timeless wisdom of the paramparā. By taking shelter of these authorized explanations, one is protected from speculation and guided safely to the lotus feet of Lord Kṛṣṇa.

Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani

• Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: Commentaries on the Srimad-Bhagavatam.