Chapter 1 Introduction

Sri Saunaka said, "O Suta Gosvami, your knowledge dispels the darkness of ignorance like millions of suns. Please recite the nectarean pastimes of Lord Krsna, which are like tonic for the ears. How can one increase the discrimination that results from knowledge of devotion and renunciation of the material world?

How do People get relief from the illusion created by Maya?

In Kali-yuga the general populace is demonic, please explain, therefore, the best means to purify those who are troubled by various types of tribulations.

O Suta Gosvami, please describe that sadhana, or most auspicious purifying process that will take one to Krsna.

A touch-stone can give only material happiness and the kalpa-vrksa tree can at most grant heavenly opulence, however, when the spiritual master is pleased he can give the eternal abode of the Lord – the Vaikuntha planet — which is not achieved even by the yogis."

I will give you the essence of all conclusions

Sri Suta Gosvami said, "O Saunaka, your heart is full of love for the Personality of Godhead. After proper deliberation, therefore I will give you the essence of all conclusions, which will destroy the fear of birth and death and increase the flow of devotion which is the chief cause of Lord Sri Krsna's happiness. Please hear it attentively.

separete essence )

destroy fear of the snake of death

Sri Sukadeva Gosvami recited Srimad Bhagavatam in Kali yuga to absolutely destroy fear of the snake of death. There is no superior means than this for the purification of the mind. One attains the Srimad Bhagavatam, however, only after accumulating pious activities for many life times.

the demigods approached him with a pot of nectar

"When Sukadeva Gosvami sat among the sages and prepared to recite Srimad Bhagavatam to Pariksita Maharaja,2 the demigods, who are expert in accomplishing their work, approached him with a pot of nectar. They offered humble obeisances and said, 'Please accept this pot of nectar and in exchange give us the nectar of hari-katha. Let King Pariksita drink this, and let us drink the nectar of Srimad Bhagavatam.'

( Pariksita Maharaja was cursed by the son of Samika Rsi to be bitten by a snake called Taksaka and die after seven days. When the king heard this, he renounced his kingdom and sat on the bank of Ganges intending to fast until death. Upon Sukadeva Gosvami's arrival, Pariksita Maharaja asked him to recite Srimad Bhagavatam. Actually every living entity is cursed to die within seven days (from Sunday to Saturday). Death is compared to a snake that will pay everyone a visit. While everyone fears death, they do not use this fear to cultivate detachment. Rather, owing to ignorance, they become more attached. This is the difference between Pariksita Maharaja and the common man. Hearing Srimad Bhagavatam makes a person free from the fear of death. That Pariksita Maharaja heard Srimad Bhagavatam for seven days signifies that we should hear it everyday until our death. )

(the story is from here http://www.bhagavatam-katha.com/narada-muni-story-narada-muni-and-bhakti-devi/)