Canto Overview

Canto 1 (Creation): Introduces key characters and philosophical concepts; the prelude (lotus feet of Krishna).
Canto 2 (Cosmic Manifestation): Covers the universal form and the process of creation (second part of the lotus feet).
Canto 3 (The Status Quo): Details the creation by Brahma and Vidura-Maitreya dialogues (thighs of Krishna).
Canto 4 (Creation of Fourth Order): Focuses on the descendants of Manu, including the stories of Dhruva and Prithu.
Canto 5 (Creative Impetus): Describes the planetary systems, geography, and the story of Rishabhadeva.
Canto 6 (Prescribed Duties): Features the stories of Ajamila and Vritrasura, focusing on protective dharma.
Canto 7 (Science of God): Contains the story of Prahlada Maharaja and the protection of devotees.
Canto 8 (Withdrawal of Creation): Details the Manvantaras (reigns of Manu) and the churning of the milk ocean.
Canto 9 (Liberation): Narrates the lineages of the sun (Surya) and moon (Chandra) dynasties.
Canto 10 (Summum Bonum): Describes the birth and divine pastimes of Lord Krishna in Vrindavana and Dvaraka.
Canto 11 (General History): Covers the destruction of the Yadu dynasty and the final instructions (Uddhava-gita).
Canto 12 (Age of Deterioration): Details the symptoms of Kali-yuga, ultimate annihilation, and the summary of the SB.

Key Themes by Canto

1-2 (Foundation) - Introduction to devotional service, inquiries by sages, and the cosmic manifestation.
3-4 (Secondary Creation) - Detailed descriptions of cosmology, the sage Kapila’s teachings, and kings like Dhruva.
5-7 (Dharma & Purity) - Stories of Vritrasura and Prahlada, emphasizing surrender to the Supreme Lord.
8-9 (Lineages & Avatars) - Stories of Gajendra Moksha, Vamanadeva, and the history of royal dynasties.
10-12 (Highest Knowledge) - Krishna’s pastimes, the Uddhava-gita, and the ultimate destruction of the material world.

Significant Content

10th Canto: Known as the "smiling face" of the Lord, it is the heart of the Bhagavatam, focusing on Krishna’s lila.
12th Canto: Describes the four types of destruction and the glory of chanting the Holy Name in Kali-yuga.
Padma Purana Analogy: The 12 cantos are interpreted as the limbs of Krishna’s transcendental body.

BhavaBhakti - BhagavanBhagavati - SrimadDeviBhagavatam