History of Bhagavatam (Four Questions)

Chapter 3, 4

Suta Goswami went on to describe how he received the teachings of Srimad- Bhagavatam. Srila Vyasadeva had previously instructed Sukadeva Goswami, his son, in this spiritual science. Then, in a historic conversation, Sukadeva Goswami spoke it to Maharaja Pariksit, the saintly king who was cursed to die in seven days. Suta Goswami heard that recital and was now imparting the very same knowledge to the sages of Naimisaranya.

Having received enlightening answers to their first six questions, the sages posed a further four questions surrounding the history of Srimad-Bhagavatam. The answers to those four questions extend to the end of Canto One :

1. Why, when and where was Srimad-Bhagavatam compiled?

2. How was Sukadeva Goswami viewed by others and how did his meeting with Maharaja Pariksit transpire?

3. How was Maharaja Pariksit born and what were his activities?

4. Why did Maharaja Pariksit renounce everything and travel to the bank of the Ganges?