Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 104
Yuga-Dharma Framework, Kali-Yuga Diagnosis, and the Hari-Nāma Remedy
Transition to Vedānta Inquiry
संसारे सुलभाः पुंसां पुत्रदारधनादयः । घोरे कलियुगे विप्र हरिभक्तस्तु दुर्लभा ॥ ४ ॥
saṃsāre sulabhāḥ puṃsāṃ putradāradhanādayaḥ | ghore kaliyuge vipra haribhaktastu durlabhā || 4 ||
Im weltlichen Dasein sind Söhne, Gattin, Reichtum und dergleichen den Menschen leicht zu erlangen; doch in diesem schrecklichen Kali-Yuga, o Brāhmane, ist ein wahrer Bhakta Haris wahrlich selten.
Narada
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
It contrasts easily gained worldly supports (family, wealth) with the true rarity of genuine Hari-bhakti, implying that devotion is the real spiritual treasure and the gateway to liberation in Kali Yuga.
By calling a Hari-bhakta “rare,” it elevates devotion above ordinary achievements and urges seekers to intentionally cultivate bhakti—through remembrance, worship, and surrender to Hari—rather than assuming it arises automatically.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa) is taught directly; the practical takeaway is discernment (viveka): prioritize bhakti-oriented sādhana over merely pursuing common worldly gains.