Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 83
Jīva–Ātman Inquiry; Kṣetrajña Doctrine; Karma-based Varṇa; Four Āśramas and Sannyāsa Discipline
तमोग्रस्तान पश्यंति प्रकाशंतमसावृताः । सुदुष्प्रकाश इत्याहुर्नरकं तम एव च ॥ ८३ ॥
tamograstāna paśyaṃti prakāśaṃtamasāvṛtāḥ | suduṣprakāśa ityāhurnarakaṃ tama eva ca || 83 ||
Those seized by tamas (darkness) perceive even what is luminous as though it were veiled by darkness. They call it “hard to illuminate,” and that very darkness itself is hell.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in the Moksha-Dharma dialogue)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It teaches that “hell” is not only a place but an inner condition: when tamas dominates, even clear truth appears obscure, and that obscuration itself becomes suffering.
By implying that devotion and remembrance of the Divine remove tamas; when the heart is purified, the “light” (dharma and truth) is naturally perceived rather than dismissed as unknowable.
No specific Vedanga is taught directly; the practical takeaway is discernment (viveka): recognize tamas-driven perceptions and counter them through disciplined study, ethical conduct, and steady spiritual practice.