Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 15
Threefold Suffering, Twofold Knowledge, and the Definition of Bhagavān (Vāsudeva); Prelude to Keśidhvaja–Janaka Yoga
अशब्दगोचरस्यापि तस्य वै ब्रह्मणो द्विजा । पूजायां भगवच्छब्दः क्रियते ह्यौपचारिकः ॥ १५ ॥
aśabdagocarasyāpi tasya vai brahmaṇo dvijā | pūjāyāṃ bhagavacchabdaḥ kriyate hyaupacārikaḥ || 15 ||
O Zweimalgeborene, selbst für jenes Brahman, das dem Bereich der Worte entzogen ist, wird im Gottesdienst die Bezeichnung „Bhagavān“ nur in übertragener, konventioneller Weise gebraucht.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada; addressing dvijas in general instruction)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches that the Absolute (Brahman) is ultimately inexpressible, yet devotion and ritual legitimately employ sacred names like “Bhagavān” as conventional pointers that aid worship and contemplation.
Bhakti uses name and form in pūjā as skillful means: even if Brahman transcends speech, the devotee approaches through revered epithets (Bhagavān) that focus the mind and heart on the Supreme.
It reflects Vyākaraṇa/Nirukta-style awareness of primary vs. secondary meaning (aupacārika usage): ritual language can be conventional and still spiritually valid when directed toward the Supreme.