Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 94
The Greatness of the Gaṅgā (Gaṅgā-māhātmya): Saudāsa/Kalmāṣapāda’s Curse and Release
पिता च धर्मवक्ता च विशेषगुरवः स्मृताः । एतेषामपि भूपाल श्रृणुष्व प्रवरं गुरुम् ॥ ९४ ॥
pitā ca dharmavaktā ca viśeṣaguravaḥ smṛtāḥ | eteṣāmapi bhūpāla śrṛṇuṣva pravaraṃ gurum || 94 ||
পিতা এবং ধর্মের বক্তা—এরা বিশেষ গুরু বলে স্মৃত। হে ভূপাল, এদের মধ্যেও যে সর্বশ্রেষ্ঠ গুরু, তা শোনো।
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada, addressed as a kingly/protective epithet 'bhūpāla')
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It distinguishes respected worldly instructors (father and dharma-teacher) from the “most excellent” guru—implying a highest spiritual guide who leads one beyond duty into liberating realization.
By pointing to a “supreme” guru beyond ordinary authorities, the verse supports the bhakti principle that one needs a realized preceptor who can direct devotion toward the Highest (ultimately Vishnu) rather than merely teach social or ritual duty.
The verse emphasizes dharma-vākya (authoritative instruction in dharma) rather than a specific Vedanga; practically, it underscores the role of śāstric teaching and disciplined listening (śravaṇa) as the method for receiving valid guidance.