Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 38
Ekādaśī Vrata-Vidhi and the Galava–Bhadrashīla Itihāsa
Dharmakīrti before Yama
मृदा च विष्णोः प्रतिमां कृत्वा पूजयते क्षणम् । वयस्यान्बोधयेच्चापि विष्णुः पूज्यो नरैः सदा ॥ ३८ ॥
mṛdā ca viṣṇoḥ pratimāṃ kṛtvā pūjayate kṣaṇam | vayasyānbodhayeccāpi viṣṇuḥ pūjyo naraiḥ sadā || 38 ||
Selbst wenn jemand aus Ton ein Bildnis Viṣṇus formt und es nur einen Augenblick verehrt—und zudem seine Gefährten unterweist—(lehrt dies), dass Viṣṇu von den Menschen stets zu verehren ist.
Narada (teaching in the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It emphasizes that sincere devotion is not limited by resources: even a simple clay image worshiped briefly becomes meaningful, and the higher principle is that Viṣṇu is always worthy of worship.
Bhakti is shown as accessible and continuous—one may begin with a small act (momentary worship) and deepen it into a lifelong orientation: “Viṣṇu is to be worshiped always.”
Ritual practicality (kalpa-oriented conduct) is implied: using readily available materials (clay) for pratimā-pūjā and pairing worship with teaching others, reinforcing dharmic practice through instruction.