Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 20
Jīva–Ātman Inquiry; Kṣetrajña Doctrine; Karma-based Varṇa; Four Āśramas and Sannyāsa Discipline
भरद्वाज उवाच । अग्नेर्यथा तस्य नाशात्तद्विनाशो न विद्यते । इन्धनस्योपयोगांते स वाग्निर्नोपलभ्यते ॥ २० ॥
bharadvāja uvāca | agneryathā tasya nāśāttadvināśo na vidyate | indhanasyopayogāṃte sa vāgnirnopalabhyate || 20 ||
Bharadvāja said: Just as, when the manifest flame ceases, the fire-principle itself is not destroyed; and when the fuel has been wholly consumed, that same fire is no longer perceived—so too the Reality remains, though its appearance comes to an end.
Bharadvaja
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It distinguishes between the cessation of an appearance and the destruction of the underlying reality—supporting Moksha-Dharma teaching that the Self is not lost when mental or phenomenal manifestations subside.
By implying an imperishable reality behind changing forms, it supports steady devotion to the eternal Lord rather than attachment to temporary experiences; bhakti becomes anchored in what does not “perish” when conditions change.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyakarana, Jyotisha, or Kalpa) is taught directly; the verse mainly uses a didactic analogy (dṛṣṭānta) to convey moksha-oriented discernment (viveka).