In this second canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, we hear the great sage Shukadeva Goswami answering the questions of King Parikit, who has been cursed to die in seven days. After briefly delineating man’s highest duty and the best way to conquer suffering and death, Shukadeva explains the path of mystic yoga and meditation.

Srimad Bhagavatam is the most prominent of the Puranas, or histories of the Ancient World. The original Sanskrit text of the work, penned by the great sage Vyasadeva, says it is "as brilliant as the sun", because its teachings can illuminate our consciousness even in the darkest times. Much like the Arabian Nights, it has an intricate structure of stories within stories; epic tales of divine incarnations, saints, sages, gods and earthly kings that span vast periods of time.

The series Brilliant as the Sun aims to make this sublime work accessible to any listener by presenting it in the style of a modern novel. Adhering closely to the original text, it brings out the deep meaning of Srimad Bhagavatam and helps the listener easily follow its flow. In this fourth volume, we hear about the appearance of Vishnu’s stupendous boar incarnation, Lord Varaha, who rescues the earth from the demon Hiranyaksha. We also meet the great sage Kardama, who marries Devahuti, daughter of the earth’s emperor Manu.

In the four enthralling histories in this volume of Srimad Bhagavatam, we find out how Krishna reciprocates to whatever desire we have. Through the examples of great kings, gods, and celestials, we learn how to approach Krishna to attain all of life’s important goals. We hear the teachings of great sages, divine incarnations, and the Lord himself, which enable us to ultimately achieve the highest perfection: eternal life in the spiritual atmosphere.

Srimad Bhagavatam, "The Beautiful Science of God", is a systematic revelation of the Supreme. In this fifth canto we learn of God’s greatness, how his supreme will keeps everything in perfect order. We first meet the powerful King Priyavrata, who rose to the heavens like a second sun to dissipate the darkness of night and create the divisions of Bhumandala. Then comes his son Agnidhra, who weds the celestial beauty Purvachitti and begets on her nine sons, who each become a lord of one of the provinces of Jambudvipa, the great earthly island on which we reside.