Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 153
Vāmana’s Advent, Aditi’s Hymn, Bali’s Gift, and the Mahatmya of Bhū-dāna
सर्वशास्त्रार्थवेत्तापि दरिद्रो भाति मूर्खवत् । नैष्किञ्चन्यमहाग्राहग्रस्तानां को विमोचकः ॥ ५३ ॥
sarvaśāstrārthavettāpi daridro bhāti mūrkhavat | naiṣkiñcanyamahāgrāhagrastānāṃ ko vimocakaḥ || 53 ||
Selbst wer den Sinn aller Śāstras kennt, erscheint wie ein Tor, wenn er arm ist. Wer kann jene befreien, die vom großen Krokodil namens „völlige Besitzlosigkeit“ (naiṣkiñcanya) gepackt sind?
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It highlights how severe poverty can eclipse even scriptural learning in society and can become a powerful bondage; it implicitly points to seeking a higher refuge and inner freedom beyond external conditions.
By portraying destitution as a ‘great crocodile’ that grips the mind and life, the verse suggests the need for a liberating power greater than worldly supports—classically fulfilled through surrender and steady devotion to the Lord as the ultimate protector.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyakarana, Jyotisha, or Kalpa) is taught directly; the practical takeaway is ethical realism—scriptural knowledge must be supported by right livelihood, dana (charity), and disciplined living to prevent worldly distress from overwhelming dharma.