Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 40
Threefold Suffering, Twofold Knowledge, and the Definition of Bhagavān (Vāsudeva); Prelude to Keśidhvaja–Janaka Yoga
कर्ममार्गे हि खांडिक्यः स्वराज्यादवरोपितः । पुरोधसा मंत्रिभिश्च समवेतोऽल्पसाधनः ॥ ३८ ॥
karmamārge hi khāṃḍikyaḥ svarājyādavaropitaḥ | purodhasā maṃtribhiśca samaveto'lpasādhanaḥ || 38 ||
Indeed, Khāṇḍikya—fallen from his own sovereignty—entered upon the path of karma, the way of ritual action. Accompanied by his family priest and ministers, he went forth with only scant resources.
Narada (narrative instruction within Moksha-dharma context; dialogue frame traditionally with Sanatkumara)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It highlights how worldly downfall (loss of sovereignty) can redirect a person toward disciplined dharmic practice (karmamārga), suggesting that adversity can become a catalyst for spiritual reorientation.
While the verse explicitly mentions karmamārga (ritual duty), it sets a narrative foundation often used in the Purana to show that when external power is lost, one may turn from ego-driven rule toward dharma and, subsequently, toward higher surrender that culminates in bhakti and moksha.
The presence of the purohita implies śrauta/smārta ritual competence—grounded in Kalpa (ritual procedure) and supported by mantra-usage tied to Śikṣā (phonetics) and Vyākaraṇa (grammar)—even when material resources are limited.