Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 54
Jīva–Ātman Inquiry; Kṣetrajña Doctrine; Karma-based Varṇa; Four Āśramas and Sannyāsa Discipline
स्वेदमूत्रपुरीषाणि श्लेष्मा पित्त सशोणितम् । त्वन्तः क्षरति सर्वेषां कस्माद्वर्णो विभज्यते ॥ ५४ ॥
svedamūtrapurīṣāṇi śleṣmā pitta saśoṇitam | tvantaḥ kṣarati sarveṣāṃ kasmādvarṇo vibhajyate || 54 ||
Sweat, urine, and feces—phlegm (śleṣma), bile (pitta), and blood as well—ooze from within the skin of everyone alike. If the bodily substances are common to all, then on what basis are people divided into ‘varṇas’?
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
FAQs
It undermines pride based on birth by pointing out that all bodies share the same impure constituents; the verse redirects attention from bodily identity to the pursuit of mokṣa through right understanding.
By reducing attachment to bodily and social identities, it prepares the mind for single-pointed devotion—seeing all beings as equal before the Lord and valuing inner purity over external status.
No specific Vedāṅga is taught directly; the practical takeaway is dharma-viveka—using discernment to separate social convention from spiritual truth, which supports disciplined conduct and sādhana.