Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 53
Sṛṣṭi-varṇana, Bhārata-khaṇḍa-mahātmya, and Jagad-bhūgola
Creation, Glory of Bhārata, and World Geography
हरिकीर्तनशीलो वा तद्भक्तानां प्रियोऽपि वा । शुक्षषुर्वापि महतः सवेद्यो दिविजैरपि ॥ ५३ ॥
harikīrtanaśīlo vā tadbhaktānāṃ priyo'pi vā | śukṣaṣurvāpi mahataḥ savedyo divijairapi || 53 ||
Ob jemand dem Kīrtana der Namen und Herrlichkeiten Haris hingegeben ist oder den Bhaktas des Herrn lieb ist—selbst wenn er äußerlich abgenutzt und ausgemergelt erscheint—er ist wahrhaft eine große Seele, würdig, erkannt und geehrt zu werden, sogar von den Göttern.
Narada (teaching in the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It declares that genuine greatness is measured by devotion—Hari-kīrtana and love for His devotees—rather than by outward strength or appearance; such a devotee is honored even by the devas.
It highlights two core limbs of Bhakti: chanting Hari’s glories (kīrtana) and valuing the Lord’s devotees (bhakta-prītyā). Both mark a mahātmā, even if the body seems weak.
No specific Vedanga technique is taught; the practical takeaway is dharmic discernment—judge spiritual worth by bhakti-lakṣaṇa (signs of devotion) rather than external austerity or physical condition.