SMB 12 CANTOS

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Here’s a concise summary of the 12 Cantos of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam (Bhāgavata Purāṇa):

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Canto 1: Creation and Cosmic Order

Describes the creation of the universe, the genealogy of gods and sages, and introduces the story of King Parīkṣit and his curse, setting the stage for the entire Bhāgavatam.

Canto 2: The Cosmic Manifestation

Details the creation of the living entities, the material world, and the various planetary systems. Also explains the nature of the Supreme Personality, Lord Viṣṇu.

Canto 3: The Status Quo

Focuses on the activities of Lord Brahmā, the process of creation, and introduces the stories of various demigods and sages.

Canto 4: The Creation of the Fourth Order of Beings

Explains the birth of various demigods, the material manifestation, and the duties of different social orders (varṇāśrama).

Canto 5: The Cosmic Dissolution and the Flood

Narrates the story of King Hiraṇyakaśipu, Prahlāda’s devotion, and the cosmic dissolution (pralaya), including the appearance of Lord Nṛsiṁha.

Canto 6: The Description of the Manus and the Dynasties

Covers genealogies of royal families and the duties of kings, the story of Dhruva Maharāja, and the cosmic time cycles.

Canto 7: The Science of God

Centers on Prahlāda Maharāja’s teachings about devotion (bhakti) and the transcendental nature of the Supreme Lord.

Canto 8: The Journey of the Soul

Tells stories of sages, the effects of karma, and the results of pious and sinful actions, including the story of Ajamila.

Canto 9: The History of the Dynasties

Details the genealogies of kings and the history of the Solar and Lunar dynasties.

Canto 10: The Summum Bonum

The longest canto, describing the pastimes (līlā) of Lord Kṛṣṇa, including His childhood and youth, His miracles, and His teachings.

Canto 11: The Scientific Summary

Philosophical discussions about the Supreme, the process of creation, and the nature of reality.

Canto 12: The Age of Decline

Describes the symptoms of the Kali Yuga (the age of quarrel and hypocrisy), and the ways to protect oneself through devotion, culminating in the story of King Parīkṣit hearing the Bhāgavatam.

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If you want, I can provide a more detailed summary for any specific Canto!