Both Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and Shrimad Bhagwat are important texts of Hinduism, but there are some major differences between them. Both these texts are composed in different times, events, and poetic styles, and the purpose and message of both are also different.
Know The Difference Between Shrimad Bhagavad And Bhagavad Gita
Srimad Bhagavad Gita
It is separated into 700 sections and it goes under the Bhishma Parva of Mahabharata. Lord Shri Krishna gave this sermon to Arjuna.
In the Gita, Lord Shri Krishna preached to Arjuna about Dharma, Karma, Bhakti, Yoga, and Gyan. This dialogue took place on the battlefield of Kurukshetra when Arjuna was not mentally prepared for the war. Karmayoga, Bhaktiyoga, Gyanyoga, and Rajayoga are mainly described in the Gita.
The purpose of the Gita was to explain to Arjuna the truth, dharma, and duties of life. This text is a guide to the purpose of life, inner conflict, and self-realization.
In the Gita, Lord Krishna inspired us to perform the duties of individual and collective life.
The soul advances and attains salvation through the right observance of Dharma and Karma, devotion, and knowledge. Karma ought to be managed with next to no longing for the natural product (nishkam karma).
The Gita is written in Sanskrit in a wonderful poetic style, in which Lord Shri Krishna communicated through verses.
It is a concise text, which contains the principle of life and spiritual knowledge in 18 chapters and 700 verses.
Srimad Bhagavat
It is a detailed text, which contains 18,000 verses and is divided into 12 books (kandas). It is written by Maharishi Ved Vyas. This text is based on various stories, teachings, and the tale of various incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
This text tells in detail about the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, especially the incarnation of Shri Krishna. It includes stories of Lord Krishna’s Leela, from his birth to various aspects of his life, such as lifting the Govardhan mountain, his Leela with Radha, killing Kansa, etc. It additionally depicts the brilliant deeds of Ruler Shri Krishna and the magnificence of the commitment of his lovers.
The purpose of the Bhagavata Purana is to preach the glory of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations. It describes the Leela of the Lord, the examples of his devotees, and various aspects of devotion. Bhagavatam as a narrative shows the primacy of Bhakti Yoga and highlights the glory of worshiping God.
Life can be given the right direction by devotion, love, and loyalty to God. This text explains the importance of devotion and inspires devotees through the Leela of God. Here devotion is considered to be the best sadhana, in which love and reverence for God hold the highest place.
It is also written in Sanskrit, but apart from the poetic style, stories and dialogues have also been used extensively in it. It presents the story of Lord Krishna’s Leela and his devotees.
It is a large Purana, which presents in detail the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, his actions, and the principles of devotion through 12 books and 18,000 verses.
Conclusion
The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita mainly emphasizes the principles of Dharma, Karma, Bhakti, and Gyan, while the Srimad Bhagavat gives importance to the Leelas of Lord Vishnu and his incarnations and love and devotion towards the devotees. The Gita gives the path to understanding the purpose of life, while the Bhagavat Purana describes devotion and love for God as the best sadhana. The purpose of both these texts is to explain various aspects of life and show the path of dedication and devotion towards God.