Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 16
Nārada’s Protection of Kayādhu and Prahlāda’s Womb-Instructions: Ātma-tattva and the Path of Bhakti
तत्तु कालस्य दीर्घत्वात् स्त्रीत्वान्मातुस्तिरोदधे । ऋषिणानुगृहीतं मां नाधुनाप्यजहात्स्मृति: ॥ १६ ॥
tat tu kālasya dīrghatvāt strītvān mātus tirodadhe ṛṣiṇānugṛhītaṁ māṁ nādhunāpy ajahāt smṛtiḥ
Because of the long duration of time that has passed and because of her being a woman and therefore less intelligent, my mother has forgotten all those instructions; but the great sage Nārada blessed me, and therefore I could not forget them.
In Bhagavad-gītā (9.32) the Lord says:
FAQs
It explains that spiritual instruction may fade with time, but when one receives a sage’s mercy (guru-kripa), the remembrance of bhakti can remain firm even after many years.
Prahlada contrasts his mother’s inability to retain Narada’s instruction over a long time with his own lasting remembrance, emphasizing the special empowerment he received by the sage’s grace.
Seek saintly association, hear regularly, and serve the guru and devotees—because consistent hearing plus genuine spiritual guidance helps remembrance stay steady despite time and distractions.