Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 38
Sṛṣṭi-pralaya-kathana: Mahābhūta-guṇāḥ, Vṛkṣa-indriya-vādaḥ, Prāṇa-vāyu-vyavasthā
भरद्वाज उवाच । पुष्करो यदि संभूतो ज्येष्ठं भवति पुष्करम् । ब्रह्माणं पूर्वजं चाह भवान्संदेह एव मे ॥ ३८ ॥
bharadvāja uvāca | puṣkaro yadi saṃbhūto jyeṣṭhaṃ bhavati puṣkaram | brahmāṇaṃ pūrvajaṃ cāha bhavānsaṃdeha eva me || 38 ||
ভৰদ্বাজে ক’লে—যদি পুষ্কৰ উৎপন্ন হৈছে, তেন্তে সেই পুষ্কৰেই জ্যেষ্ঠ পুষ্কৰ কেনেকৈ কোৱা হয়? আৰু আপুনি ব্ৰহ্মাকো পূৰ্বজ বুলিছে; এইয়েই মোৰ সংশয়।
Bharadvaja
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It models the dharmic method of inquiry: a seeker openly states a logical doubt about creation-order and asks for clarification, preparing the ground for right understanding (jñāna) that supports mokṣa.
Indirectly: sincere bhakti is strengthened by removing confusion. By respectfully questioning apparent contradictions, the listener becomes fit to receive a clearer teaching that can later be anchored in devotion to the Supreme.
The verse highlights the discipline of precise meaning and logical consistency (aligned with Vyākaraṇa/Nirukta-style clarity): terms like 'jyeṣṭha' (eldest) and 'pūrvaja' (earlier-born) must be reconciled in context.