Srimad Bhagavatam, Mahatmyam, Chapter One Sloka 13: Shukam natuvam.
Translation: The Devas, who are known to do things that please themselves, offered Amruth from the kalasha (pot) to Sri Sukha and in return wanted the Amruth called Srimad Bhagavatam
Interpretation: It is implied in Suthan’s narration that the essence of Srimad Bhagavatam is much greater than Amruth which can make one immortal. More of it in next sloka.
Srimad Bhagavatam, Mahatmyam, Chapter One Sloka 14: Evamvinimaye.
Translation: The Devas tell Sri Sukha, once we exchange the kalashas (pot of immortality of the Devas and the pot of Bhakthi of Sri Sukha), let King Parikshit take the Amruth so that he becomes immortal and will not be affected by death from a serpent bite. In return, we will get the Amruth called Srimad Bhagavatham.
Interpretation: Sutan makes it clear that Srimad Bhagavatam is for devotees and believers who have bhakti and not for ‘traders’ like Devas. Moreover, Srimad Bhagawatham is supreme, much above Amruth. This is elaborated in the next sloka. But one point: One should read Srimad Bhagawatham not expecting any returns. One need not even pray for Bhakti because the Supreme Text by itself is meant to generate Bhakti. You do not ask the fire to give heat; it is inherent in the fire; so is Bhakti in Srimad Bhagavatam.
srimad bhagavatam, Mahatmyam, Chapter One Sloka 15: Kvasudha, kvakatha.
Translation: Where is Amruth of the Devas and the Amruth called Srimad Bhagavatam, where is an ordinary stone and a diamond? There is an ocean of difference between the two Amruths.
Interpretation: When Amruth gets over, the Devas have to be reborn, but there is no rebirth after one gets the essence of Srimad Bhagavatam as one attains moksha. This implies that Srimad Bhagawatham cannot be compared to Amruth. Sri Sukha showed how the Amruth of the Devas was far inferior and implies that there could be no barter agreement with Srimad Bhagavatam which is unique in Bhakti. Srimad Bhagavatam is a diamond while Amruth is as worthless as an ordinary stone.
Srimad Bhagavatam, Mahatmyam, Chapter One Sloka 16: Abhaktam..
Translation: Knowing that the Devas are after materialistic wealth and happiness, Sri Sukha refused to partake Srimad Bhagavatam to them.
Interpretation: This shows that Srimad Bhagavatam, which is refused to the Devas, is sacred. If the knowledge was denied to the Devas, what about humankind who see Bhagawatham as a means to attain materialistic gains?
