Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 5

Dhvaja-Dhāraṇa Mahātmyam: Sumati–Satyamatī, Humility, and Deliverance by Hari’s Messengers

Devanagari script

धर्मात्मा सत्यसंपन्नः शुचिवंश्योऽतिथिप्रियः । सर्वलक्षणसंपन्नः सर्वसंपद्विभूषितः ॥ ५ ॥

Transliteration

dharmātmā satyasaṃpannaḥ śucivaṃśyo'tithipriyaḥ | sarvalakṣaṇasaṃpannaḥ sarvasaṃpadvibhūṣitaḥ || 5 ||

Translation

Er war von Natur aus dharmisch, reich an Wahrhaftigkeit, aus reiner Linie geboren und liebte es, Gäste zu ehren. Mit allen glückverheißenden Merkmalen versehen, war er mit jeglichem Wohlstand geschmückt.

Word by Word

• धर्मात्मा: righteous-souled
• धर्मात्मा: विशेषण (Qualifier of subject)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: धर्म-आत्मन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st/Nominative), एकवचन; बहुव्रीहिः ‘धर्मः आत्मा यस्य’ (whose nature is dharma)

• सत्यसंपन्नः: endowed with truthfulness
• सत्यसंपन्नः: विशेषण (Qualifier of subject)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सत्य-संपन्न (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st/Nominative), एकवचन; तत्पुरुषः ‘सत्येन संपन्नः’ (endowed with truth)

• शुचिवंश्यः: of pure lineage
• शुचिवंश्यः: विशेषण (Qualifier of subject)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: शुचि-वंश्य (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st/Nominative), एकवचन; कर्मधारयः ‘शुचिः वंशः यस्य’ (of pure lineage)

• अतिथिप्रियः: hospitable; fond of guests
• अतिथिप्रियः: विशेषण (Qualifier of subject)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: अतिथि-प्रिय (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st/Nominative), एकवचन; तत्पुरुषः ‘अतिथीनां प्रियः’ (dear to guests / loving guests)

• सर्वलक्षणसंपन्नः: possessing all (good) characteristics
• सर्वलक्षणसंपन्नः: विशेषण (Qualifier of subject)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सर्व-लक्षण-संपन्न (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st/Nominative), एकवचन; तत्पुरुषः ‘सर्वैः लक्षणैः संपन्नः’ (possessing all auspicious marks)

• सर्वसंपद्विभूषितः: adorned with all riches
• सर्वसंपद्विभूषितः: विशेषण (Qualifier of subject)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सर्व-संपद्-विभूषित (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा (1st/Nominative), एकवचन; तत्पुरुषः ‘सर्वाभिः संपद्भिः विभूषितः’ (adorned with all prosperities)

Speaker

Narada

Vrata Kalpa

Vrata: none

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: vira

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in Narada Purana?

It defines inner dharma through observable virtues—truthfulness, purity, and honoring guests—showing that spiritual stature is proven by conduct, not merely by status.

How does this verse explain the path of devotion (Bhakti)?

Bhakti is reflected as lived ethics: a devotee’s reverence for the divine appears as satya (truth), śauca (purity), and atithi-sevā (service to guests), which are classic expressions of devotion in daily life.

What practical Vedic knowledge (Vedanga) is highlighted here?

The verse points to smārta-ācāra (codes of conduct) such as atithi-dharma and śauca; while not a technical Vedāṅga rule, it aligns with Dharmaśāstra-based practical discipline supporting ritual and spiritual life.