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These Srimad Bhagwatams are among the most valuable memorabilia one can have of Srila Prabhupada. The timing of their publication coincides directly with Srila Prabhupada's departure for the Western world. He left India a very short time after the last volume was printed, and it seems obvious that the completion of this task signaled the time for his departure.
When one reads these original Bhagwatams, perhaps more than any of Srila Prabhupada's other writings, you can feel the Vrindaban mood. Srila Prabhupada was there alone writing his purports, whereas the other Bhagavatams were translated and written while he was surrounded by many followers and his ISKCON movement was rapidly growing. This was quite a contrast to the circumstances surrounding his first books. Although these books were not edited as the later ones were, and thus contain some typos and English imperfections, there is absolutely no less spiritual potency. In fact, whether its sentiment or realization, to my mind these early editions are preferable, and represent one of the strongest arguments for not making any changes or 'improvements' to the Sampradaya Acarya's books after his departure.
I feel that every newcomer to Krsna Consciousness should have the opportunity to read these original Bhagwatams so they can get to know Srila Prabhupada in a more intimate way.
This image shows Srila Prabhupada in Delhi with his Bhagavatams before departing for the US. After obtaining his passport and visa, Srila Prabhupada boarded the Jaladuta steamship in Calcutta, on August 13th, 1965. Several trunks containing 200 sets of his 3-volume Srimad-Bhagwatams were loaded aboard en route.
In this entry from Srila Prabhupada's Jaladuta Dairy, August 22, 1965, he wrote:
"At about 10 a.m. we are now in the dockyard of Cochin. The dock is peculiar because it is by nature full of small islands. Some of the islands are full with nice hutments formerly known as British Island. I saw my books from Bombay arrived in five cases and the agents loaded them on the ship at 4 p.m. on 22/8/65."
In his letter to Hanuman Prasad Poddar, written 2-05-70 in Los Angeles, Srila Prabhupada tells some of the history of his Srimad Bhagwatams:
".... In 1936, my Spiritual Master left this world leaving a message for me that it would be better for me to preach in English language. So I was thinking very seriously, and then, as late as 1944 I started my paper, "Back to Godhead." Gradually, in 1954, I retired from my family life and began to live alone in Mathura Vrindaban. In 1959, I was awarded Sannyas by one of my Godbrothers, His Holiness B.P. Kesava Maharaja.
Then I began translating Srimad-Bhagavatam in 1960; and, perhaps in 1961, I was your guest in the Gita Bagicha. You were very kind to help me partially for publishing my first volume of Srimad-Bhagavatam through the Dalmia Charitable Trust. With great difficulty, I then published the second and third volumes of Srimad-Bhagavatam until 1965, when I prepared myself to come to this country with some books.
With great difficulty, I was able to get the "P" Form passed by the Controller of Foreign Exchange, and, someway or other, I reached Boston on 17th September, 1965. I was thinking, while on board the ship "Jaladuta," why Krishna had brought me to this country. I knew that Western people are too much addicted to so many forbidden things according to our Vedic conception of life. So out of sentiment I wrote a long poetry addressing Lord Krishna as to what was His purpose in bringing me to this country.
At that time, I was sponsored by a friend's son, Gopala Agarwal, who is settled up in this country by marrying an American girl, Sally. I was their guest, and I feel very much obliged to Gopala and his wife Sally for their nice treatment and reception. I was with them for three weeks in Butler, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and then I came to New York. I was getting some money by selling my Srimad-Bhagavatam, thus I was maintaining myself in New York. After some time, I rented one apartment at number 100 71st Street West, but after a few months, all my things--typewriter, tape recorder, books--were stolen. Then for some time one of my students gave me shelter at Bowery Street.
I then rented one store-front and an apartment at 26 Second Avenue for $200 per month, but without any source of income. I started my classes and sometimes, on Sundays, I used to chant Hare Krishna Mantra in Tomkins Square Park from three to 5 P.M. During this time, all the young boys and girls used to gather around me, sometimes poet Ginsberg would come to see me, and sometimes a reporter from the New York Times came to see me. In this way, the Hare Krishna Mantra chanting became very popular on the Lower East Side."
(Rocana dasa)
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Customer Reviews
Hare Krishna, Great to know that the Original Bhagavatam Set which Prabhupada personally published are now available. I always wanted to atleast have a look at those. Its great to know that now I can ... Read more Hare Krishna, Great to know that the Original Bhagavatam Set which Prabhupada personally published are now available. I always wanted to atleast have a look at those. Its great to know that now I can own a copy. Thank you Very Very much, Your Servant, SudhirRead less
It's great to have something original and pure. Although it's harder to read, somehow the nectar flows more easily from its pages.It's great to have something original and pure. Although it's harder to read, somehow the nectar flows more easily from its pages.Read less
I have the Srimad Bhagavatam but this edition seems more home spun and intimate. I'm really enjoying reading it.I have the Srimad Bhagavatam but this edition seems more home spun and intimate. I'm really enjoying reading it.Read less
This three volume first canto Bhagavatam set is indeed the original set of books written by Srila Prapupada before he left Vrndavan for North America. While reading the first volume of this canto my e... Read more This three volume first canto Bhagavatam set is indeed the original set of books written by Srila Prapupada before he left Vrndavan for North America. While reading the first volume of this canto my experience was one of hearing the actual voice of Srila Prapupada. Perhaps because of the phonetic spelling that he sometimes employs in these translations, the very mood of what he is describing becomes most evident to the reader. Jai Srila Prabupada!Read less
Hari KRSNA! I recently received my copies of this most transcendental subject matter. I am full of gratitude and in complete awe of the determination and pure devotion of our most beloved friend and S... Read more Hari KRSNA! I recently received my copies of this most transcendental subject matter. I am full of gratitude and in complete awe of the determination and pure devotion of our most beloved friend and Spiritual Master Srila Prabhupada! Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!! The books arrived safely packed, and very timely. Thank you all for your hard work in continuing Srila Prabhupada's mission, and helping such a lowly fallen soul such as myself.Read less