Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 6
Nārada’s Past Life, the Lord’s Brief Vision, and the Power of Kīrtana
एकात्मजा मे जननी योषिन्मूढा च किङ्करी । मय्यात्मजेऽनन्यगतौ चक्रे स्नेहानुबन्धनम् ॥ ६ ॥
ekātmajā me jananī yoṣin mūḍhā ca kiṅkarī mayy ātmaje ’nanya-gatau cakre snehānubandhanam
I was the only son of my mother, who was not only a simple woman but a maidservant as well. Since I was her only offspring, she had no other alternative for protection: she bound me with the tie of affection.
FAQs
It explains that Nārada’s mother, having no other support, fixed all her affectionate attachment on her only son, showing how dependence can intensify worldly bonds.
Nārada presents his humble social background and his mother’s limited worldly security to highlight how devotion can arise even from the simplest circumstances.
The verse shows how we naturally cling to what seems like our only support; spiritually, it encourages redirecting that “only shelter” mood toward the Lord rather than temporary relationships.