Chapter 1 Introduction

Merciful Sanatkumar recited Srimad Bhagavatam to the sage Narada

Previously the most merciful.Sanatkumara recited Srimad Bhagavatam to the sage Narada.

Where Narada meet great sage ?

Sri Saunaka asked, "Where did the learned Narada, who is free from material bondage and constantly travels all over the universe, meet great sage? How did his interest in hearing hari-Story.

Narad ji went to Badrinath. In Badrinath , Naradji met Sanatkumar.

"The Sanatkumar said, 'O brahmana, why do you appear so dejected and full of anxiety? Where have you come from, and where are you going so quickly? You appear like a person in complete anxiety owing to loss of wealth.This is not befitting a person like you, who is completely free from material attachment. Please explain the reason for this.'

( Generally a saintly person has no reason to feel either dejected or elated but when he sees the living entities suffering, he feels unhappy for them.)

Earth the best of planets has completely afflicted by Kali yuga

+"Sri Narada replied, 'I came here considering the earth to be the best of planets. Although I travelled to Puskara, Prayaga, Kasi, Godavari, Haridvara, Kuruksetra, Sriranga and Setubandha, I could not find peace in any of those holy places. At present, Kali yuga the friend of irreligion, has completely afflicted the whole earth.

Simptoms of Kali yuga

Now truthfulness, austerity, cleanliness, mercy and charity are nowhere to be seen.

The fallen living entities take pleasure in telling lies and are simply engaged in filling their bellies.

Narad Muni - " then i went to Vrindavan"

Narada in Vrindavan

"Thus witnessing the defects of Kali-yuga and wandering over the face of the earth, I reached the bank of the Yamuna where Lord Krsna had performed various pastimes.

Narada Muni meet depressed Bhakti devi

O best of sages, please hear about the wonder I saw there. A beautiful woman was sitting in a dejected mood while two old men lay unconscious in front of her breathing very quickly.

While trying to bring them to consciousness, the young women would sometimes cry.

At times she would look around as if searching for her protector, the Supersoul.

She was served by hundreds of women who were fanning and trying to console her.

I saw this whole scene from afar and out of curiosity went near them.

Upon seeing me, the young lady stood up and spoke very piteously.

Only by great fortune can one get darsana of a person like you.

She said: "O saintly person, please stay here for a moment11 and dispel my distress. Your auspicious vision destroys the sins of materialistic people. By your words I will get relief from misery and become peaceful. Only by great fortune can one get darsana of a person like you."

( 11 A saintly person does not speak with women unnecessarily. )

Narada asked who are you?

I inquired, "O virtuous lady, who are you and who are these two men lying here? Who are these ladies serving you? Please explain the cause of your distress in detail."

Bhakti devi introduce herself

The lady said, "My name is Bhakti, and these two are my sons Jnana and Vairagya.12 By the influence of time they have become old and decrepit.13 These women are the holy rivers, such as the Ganges. They have come here to serve me.14 Although I am directly being served by these ladies, still I am not peaceful.15

( 12 Jnana and Vairagya are the natural offspring of devotion to the Lord (S.B. 1.2.7.)

Bhakti devi life history

(the story is from here

http://www.bhagavatam-katha.com/narada-muni-story-narada-muni-and-bhakti-devi/)