Vyāsa’s Restlessness
After compiling the Vedas, the Mahābhārata, and numerous Purāṇas, the great sage Vyāsadeva sat in his āśrama by the bank of the Sarasvatī River, still feeling dissatisfied.
Though the world praised his contributions, his heart was not at peace. He had revealed dharma, artha, kāma, and mokṣa; he had explained rituals and duties; he had compiled philosophical texts—but something vital was missing.
Nārada Muni’s Arrival
At that moment, the celestial sage Nārada Muni appeared, playing his vīṇā and glowing with divine light.
Seeing Vyāsa pensive and silent, Nārada lovingly asked:
“O son of Parāśara, why do you look so sorrowful, even after such great accomplishment?”
Vyāsa bowed and said:
“O devarṣi, I have written extensively, yet my heart remains unfulfilled. I do not know what I have left undone.”
The Cause of Vyāsa’s Disquiet
Nārada smiled and replied with gravity:
“You have written many scriptures, O sage, but you have not yet glorified the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Hari, with exclusive focus and devotion. Without directly describing the Lord’s names, forms, qualities, and pastimes, your work cannot fully satisfy the soul.”
He explained:
“Even words filled with high philosophy or ritual instruction, if they do not lead the heart to Kṛṣṇa, are ultimately dry and powerless. But even imperfect words that glorify the Lord are nectar for the soul.”
Nārada’s Own Story
To emphasize the point, Nārada narrated his own tale:
“In my previous birth, I was a simple servant boy in an āśrama. I humbly served the sages and listened to their discussion of Lord Nārāyaṇa’s glories. Simply by hearing with faith, I was purified. After death, I attained this eternal, spiritual form, and now I wander singing the Lord’s names in every world.”
He continued:
“That is the power of bhāgavata-kathā—it transforms even a child into a sage, a servant into a saint.”
Vyāsa’s Resolve to Compose the Bhāgavatam
Deeply moved, Vyāsa bowed to Nārada and said:
“You have awakened my heart, O great devotee. I shall now compose a scripture that glorifies Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme, and pure bhakti as the highest goal.”
Thus, inspired by Nārada, Vyāsa began to compose the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, focusing solely on devotion to Bhagavān, the beauty of Kṛṣṇa’s līlās, and the supreme path of loving service.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Even spiritual effort is incomplete without direct glorification of the Supreme Lord.
- The Bhāgavatam arose from the compassion of Vyāsa and the devotional instruction of Nārada.
- Pure bhakti is the essence of all Vedic knowledge.
- The listener’s faith, even more than the speaker’s eloquence, brings divine realization.
- Hearing, remembering, and speaking of Kṛṣṇa are the soul’s natural nourishment.
Origin of the Story: Harivamsa Purana 3 – Chapter 148: The Divine Dialogue of Nārada and Vyāsa on the True Purpose of Scripture
