Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 12
Dharmānukathana
Narration of Dharma
कुर्याद्यत्सततं भक्त्या तस्य पुण्यमनन्तकम् । वेतनाद्विष्टितो वापि पुण्यकर्मप्रवर्त्तिताः ॥ १२ ॥
kuryādyatsatataṃ bhaktyā tasya puṇyamanantakam | vetanādviṣṭito vāpi puṇyakarmapravarttitāḥ || 12 ||
Was immer ein Mensch beständig in Bhakti tut—dessen geistlicher Verdienst wird grenzenlos. Selbst wer aus Lohn gedrängt oder zum Dienst gezwungen wird, wird dadurch zum Vollzug verdienstvoller Taten angeregt.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in the dialogue framework of Book 1.1)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It teaches that devotion (bhakti) multiplies the fruit of action: when deeds are done steadily with devotion, the resulting puṇya is described as limitless, elevating ordinary work into spiritual merit.
Bhakti is shown as the inner force that sanctifies action; the verse emphasizes continuity (satataṃ) and heartfelt devotion (bhaktyā) as the key that turns any consistent activity into an inexhaustible source of merit.
No specific Vedanga (e.g., Śikṣā, Vyākaraṇa, Jyotiṣa) is taught in this verse; the practical takeaway is ethical: intention and devotional orientation can convert even obligatory or paid service into puṇya-karma.