Narada

“Then Nārada arrived there, eager to behold the worlds. Seeing that sage approaching—foremost among Vaiṣṇavas, the son of Vidhātr̥ (Brahmā)—(the king took notice).”

Jaimini said: Having thus heard from Nārada—the son of Brahmā—about the supreme devotion to the Lord, Indradyumna too, filled with deep joy, spoke to him.

Now (begins) the arrival of Nārada near Padmāvatī, who dwelt in the garden. Dharaṇī said: “The Lord has stated the name of that son of the Sky; but what name did he then give to the daughter of the womb-less (maiden)?”

Nārada said: ‘He is radiant like Vivasvān (the Sun), equal to Bṛhaspati in judgment, courageous like Mahendra (Indra), and endowed with forbearance like the Earth.’

Then Parvata, by ascetic insight and by observing his demeanor, understood it. Seeing Nārada distressed by desire, he became angered and pronounced a severe curse upon him.

Nārada said: Today, O Lord, I have indeed obtained the immediate fruit of my austerity, and of my restraints and observances—since I have beheld the Blessed One.

The sages said: “O Sūta, live long, O virtuous one. With your exceedingly compassionate nature, you have narrated a wondrous dialogue—one that took place between Nārada and Īśa (Śiva).”

Meanwhile, Śakra (Indra), intent on accomplishing his objective, then called to mind the devarṣi Nārada, who is esteemed among the gods.

Pārvatī said: “O Lord, the secret of Vṛndāvana has been explained in many ways. By what particular kind of merit did Nārada attain (his) true nature?”

Description of Narada's marriage with the illusory Damayanti. Narada said: Hearing his daughter's words through the nurse, the king then spoke to his beautiful-eyed wife, Kaikeyi, who was standing nearby.

Narada's description of his attaining womanhood. Narada said: Listen, O best of sages, to this excellent story being told by me. The power of Maya is exceedingly difficult to comprehend, even for sages who are the foremost knowers of Yoga.

Description of the Proposal for Damayanti's Marriage. Vyasa said: Hearing these words of mine, Narada, the knower of the highest truth, smiled and spoke to me who was inquiring about the cause of delusion.