Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 23
Maṅgalācaraṇa, Naimiṣāraṇya-Sabhā, Sūta-Āhvāna, and Narada Purāṇa-Māhātmya
ज्ञानार्णवो वै सूतस्तत्सर्वतत्त्वार्थकोविदः । तस्मात्तमेव पृच्छाम इत्यूचे शौनको मुनीन् ॥ २२ ॥
jñānārṇavo vai sūtastatsarvatattvārthakovidaḥ | tasmāttameva pṛcchāma ityūce śaunako munīn || 22 ||
সূত সত্যই জ্ঞানের সমুদ্র, সকল তত্ত্বের অর্থ ও তাত্পর্যে পারদর্শী; অতএব আমরা কেবল তাকেই প্রশ্ন করি—এই বলে শৌনক মুনিদের বললেন।
Shaunaka
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It establishes the principle of approaching a qualified teacher: the sages choose Sūta because he is described as a “jñānārṇava,” capable of conveying tattva (true principles) with correct meaning and intent.
Bhakti is traditionally received through hearing (śravaṇa) from an authoritative speaker; this verse sets the narrative foundation for that process by selecting Sūta as the reliable source for sacred instruction.
The verse emphasizes interpretive competence—knowing ‘tattva’ and ‘artha’—which aligns with Vedāṅga concerns like Vyākaraṇa (clarity of language) and Nirukta (meaning), ensuring scripture is understood correctly.