Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 170
Jyotiṣa-śāstra Saṅgraha: Threefold Division, Gaṇita Methods, Muhūrta, and Planetary Reckoning
पंचत्वे गोंकविशिखाः शेषकर्णहताः पृथक् । विकृज्यकांगसिद्धाग्निभक्तालब्धोनसंयुताः ॥ १७० ॥
paṃcatve goṃkaviśikhāḥ śeṣakarṇahatāḥ pṛthak | vikṛjyakāṃgasiddhāgnibhaktālabdhonasaṃyutāḥ || 170 ||
In the fivefold classification there are distinct classes such as the Goṅkaviśikhās and the Śeṣakarṇahatās; and there are others as well—those with altered limbs, those perfected through discipline, those devoted to Agni (the sacred fire), those devoted to worship, and those who have attained what was formerly unattained—each endowed with its own defining marks.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in Moksha-Dharma context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It presents a fivefold typology of practitioners or groups, emphasizing that seekers differ by temperament and discipline (fire-worship, devotional worship, perfected practice), yet each is recognized within a structured spiritual framework.
By explicitly naming “bhaktas” (devotees) and placing them among recognized spiritual types, the verse validates devotion as a legitimate and distinct sādhanā alongside austerity/perfection and Vedic fire-oriented practice.
The verse indirectly points to ritual discipline through “Agni-bhakti,” implying competence in Vedic ritual performance (kalpa-oriented practice), even though no single Vedāṅga is taught explicitly in this line.