Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 109
Jīva–Ātman Inquiry; Kṣetrajña Doctrine; Karma-based Varṇa; Four Āśramas and Sannyāsa Discipline
धर्मार्थकामावाप्तिर्ह्य. त्र त्रिवर्गसाधनमपेक्ष्यागर्हितकर्मणा धनान्यादाय स्वाध्यायोपलब्धप्रकर्षेण वा । ब्रह्मर्षिनिर्मितेन वा अद्भिः सागरगतेन वा द्रव्यनियमाभ्यासदैवतप्रसादोपलब्धेन वा धनेन गृहस्थो गार्हस्थ्यं वर्तयेत् ॥ १०९ ॥
dharmārthakāmāvāptirhya. tra trivargasādhanamapekṣyāgarhitakarmaṇā dhanānyādāya svādhyāyopalabdhaprakarṣeṇa vā | brahmarṣinirmitena vā adbhiḥ sāgaragatena vā dravyaniyamābhyāsadaivataprasādopalabdhena vā dhanena gṛhastho gārhasthyaṃ vartayet || 109 ||
Here, the attainment of dharma, artha, and kāma depends upon the means that accomplish the three aims of life. Therefore, a householder should sustain the gārhasthya-āśrama with wealth acquired through blameless work, or through excellence gained by self-study, or with wealth established by Brahmarṣis, or found in the ocean and brought up by waters, or obtained through disciplined regulation of resources and by the grace of the deity.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in Moksha-Dharma context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It teaches that even worldly aims (dharma, artha, kāma) must be pursued through ethically pure means, so that the householder’s life supports higher spiritual progress rather than obstructing it.
By highlighting “daivata-prasāda” (divine grace) as a legitimate source of prosperity, it frames material support of life as ultimately dependent on the Lord’s favor—encouraging humility, gratitude, and devotional orientation in household duties.
Svādhyāya (disciplined study/recitation of Vedic texts) is emphasized—linking learning and scriptural practice to excellence and rightful livelihood, a practical foundation for ritual correctness and dharmic living.