Bhaktivedanta Swami began to translate the Srimad Bhagavatam on the advice of his friend. Since he had left home, Srila Prabhupada had no income and was maintaining himself by selling Back to Godhead. He approached Hitsaram Sharma in 1962 and requested him to publish the book. With his help, the first volume was published, followed by the second part. Sales from the first volume financed the printing and publication of the second. People were appreciative of the book and even the American Embassy purchased eighteen copies.
Reference: Illustration by Bhaktisiddhanta Dasa
