Shloka 47
Nārada Explains the Allegory of King Purañjana
Deha–Indriya–Manaḥ Mapping and the Remedy of Bhakti
तस्मात्कर्मसु बर्हिष्मन्नज्ञानादर्थकाशिषु । मार्थदृष्टिं कृथा: श्रोत्रस्पर्शिष्वस्पृष्टवस्तुषु ॥ ४७ ॥
tasmāt karmasu barhiṣmann ajñānād artha-kāśiṣu mārtha-dṛṣṭiṁ kṛthāḥ śrotra- sparśiṣv aspṛṣṭa-vastuṣu
Therefore, my dear King Barhiṣmān, do not, out of ignorance, take Vedic ritualism or fruitive work—though pleasing to hear of—as the supreme goal of self-interest; it is not life’s ultimate end.
In Bhagavad-gītā (2.42-43) it is said:
FAQs
This verse warns that karma performed with the aim of material profit is rooted in ignorance and only appears attractive; it does not give lasting fulfillment or liberation.
Because the king was strongly inclined toward elaborate sacrifices and worldly results; Nārada redirects him from karma-centered goals to spiritual understanding and the higher path of devotion.
Reduce chasing pleasures that are only sensory and temporary (entertainment, touch-based indulgence), and re-aim effort toward lasting spiritual practices—hearing, chanting, and serving the Lord with devotion.