Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 38
The Origin of the Gaṅgā and the Gods’ Defeat Caused by Bali
दिव्याब्दानां सहस्त्रं सा तपोऽतप्यत नारद । दुरन्तं तत्तपः श्रुत्वा दैतेया मायिनोऽदितिम् ॥ ३८ ॥
divyābdānāṃ sahastraṃ sā tapo'tapyata nārada | durantaṃ tattapaḥ śrutvā daiteyā māyino'ditim || 38 ||
O Nārada, tausend göttliche Jahre lang übte sie Askese. Als die Daityas, kundig in māyā, von dieser furchtbaren Tapas hörten, machten sie sich daran, sich Aditi zu nähern und sie ins Visier zu nehmen.
Sanatkumara (narrating to Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It highlights the Purāṇic principle that sustained tapas (austerity) generates immense spiritual potency, so much so that opposing forces become alarmed and attempt to obstruct the practitioner.
Though the verse focuses on tapas, it supports the broader Bhakti-Dharma theme: sincere, long-term spiritual discipline undertaken for divine purpose attracts both tests and opposition, requiring steadiness and purity of intent.
Indirectly, it reflects the Vedic discipline of tapas as a regulated practice (linked with kalpa/ritual order and dharma), emphasizing duration, restraint, and the understanding that spiritual practices can invite obstacles that must be met with vigilance.