Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 71
The Characteristics of Devotion to Hari
न नमेद्विष्णवे यस्य शरीरं कर्मभेदिने । पापानामाकरं तद्वै विज्ञेयं मुनिसत्तम ॥ ७१ ॥
na namedviṣṇave yasya śarīraṃ karmabhedine | pāpānāmākaraṃ tadvai vijñeyaṃ munisattama || 71 ||
Wer sich nicht vor Viṣṇu verneigt—vor Ihm, der die Wesen gemäß ihrem Karma unterscheidet—der sei, o bester der Weisen, wahrlich als eine Mine, als Quelle der Sünden zu erkennen.
Sanatkumara (addressing Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: raudra
FAQs
The verse teaches that refusal to offer reverence to Viṣṇu—recognized as the divine regulator of karmic results—reveals a spiritually harmful mindset, making one a “source of sin” due to pride, denial of divine order, and lack of devotion.
Bhakti begins with humility and surrender expressed through namaskāra (bowing). By honoring Viṣṇu as the Lord who governs karma, the devotee aligns with dharma and opens the path to purification and grace.
While not a technical Vedāṅga lesson, it reinforces practical dharma: correct devotional conduct (ācāra) such as salutation and recognition of karmic causality—principles that guide ritual life and ethical discipline.