Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 47
The Origin of the Gaṅgā and the Gods’ Defeat Caused by Bali
धर्मश्च नारायणभक्तिहीनां धनं च सद्भोगविवर्जितं हि । गृहं च मार्यातनयेर्विहीनं यथा तथा मातृविहीनमर्त्यः ॥ ४७ ॥
dharmaśca nārāyaṇabhaktihīnāṃ dhanaṃ ca sadbhogavivarjitaṃ hi | gṛhaṃ ca māryātanayervihīnaṃ yathā tathā mātṛvihīnamartyaḥ || 47 ||
Für jene, denen die Bhakti zu Nārāyaṇa fehlt, ist selbst „Dharma“ hohl; und auch Reichtum ist wahrlich ohne edlen Genuss. Ein Haus ohne Gattin und Kinder ist ebenso öde—wie ein Sterblicher ohne Mutter.
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada, within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue framework)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It teaches that Dharma, wealth, and even household stability become spiritually barren if they are not anchored in Nārāyaṇa-bhakti; devotion is presented as the life-force that gives value and auspiciousness to all pursuits.
Bhakti is shown as the criterion that transforms externals—duty, prosperity, and social life—into meaningful, “noble” (sat) living; without devotion, these same achievements are compared to painful absence (like being motherless).
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa, Jyotiṣa, or Kalpa) is taught in this verse; the practical takeaway is ethical: align dharma and artha with devotion so that enjoyment becomes “sad-bhoga” (wholesome, dharmic use of wealth).