Spiritual Journey through Mahatmyam(“Glory of the Goddess”)

We start our spiritual journey through the Mahatmyam which describes the importance of Srimad Bhagavatam.     

Sloka 1 of Mahatmyam: Yam pravrajante….

In the Padmapurana, six chapters are dedicated to describe the spiritual importance of Srimad Bhagavatam. The Mahatmyam or importance, or significance of Srimad Bhagavatam,  starts with the description of Sri Sukha Maharshi. A tyagi or one who has snapped all ties with the world because he know that there is nothing permanent on earth, Sri Sukha is on a journey when his father, Vyasa Muni, calls him as ‘My Son’ with affection. At that moment, all the earth, trees, the atmosphere, stones, water and all that one sees,   echo Vyasa’s words, indicating that Sri Sukha is the son of all elements seen and unseen because he has attained spiritual supremacy (Brahma Sakhsatkaram).

When one attains spiritual pinnacle, one sees the world within oneself and the world sees everything in the person. This is the ultimate in spiritual journey and one step short of Moksh, or total liberation. How many of us are able to see God in everything around us or the whole universe within oneself? When that happens, you will realise that you have reached your spiritual destination. Sri Sukha was one such spiritual soul.

In modern times, this may be difficult. But what is important is the journey, not the destination. Try to see goodness in everything and everyone. That is the starting point.    

Such an attained soul is not bound by any rituals or rules and is a master unto himself.  Hence one has to pay respects to Sri Sukha before reading Srimad Bhagavatam.

Next: Did Sri Krishna come from an alien civilisation?