Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 42
The Origin of the Gaṅgā and the Gods’ Defeat Caused by Bali
ये शरीरमुपेक्षन्ते ते स्युरात्मविघातिनः । सुखं त्वं तिष्ट सुभगे पुत्रानस्मान्न खेदय ॥ ४२ ॥
ye śarīramupekṣante te syurātmavighātinaḥ | sukhaṃ tvaṃ tiṣṭa subhage putrānasmānna khedaya || 42 ||
من يُهمِل الجسد يصير مُهلكًا لنفسه. فإذًا، يا ذات الحظّ السعيد، اثبتي في السكينة والراحة، ولا تُحزني نحن أبناءك.
Unspecified (a son addressing his mother, within the narrative frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna (compassion)
Secondary Rasa: shanta (peace)
FAQs
It teaches that neglecting the body is a form of self-injury, because the body is the instrument for dharma, japa, vrata, and bhakti; steadiness and self-care support spiritual progress.
Bhakti requires a stable body and mind for hearing, chanting, worship, and vows; the verse implies that excessive despair or bodily neglect undermines sustained devotion and service.
A practical takeaway aligns with Kalpa (right conduct/discipline): maintaining bodily wellbeing and composure as part of proper daily observance, enabling regular ritual and devotional duties.