Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 48
Graha–Ketu–Utpāta Lakṣaṇas: Solar/Lunar Omens, Comets, Eclipses, and Calendar Rules
प्राकृताद्यासु गतिषु ह्युदितोऽस्तमियोपिवा । यावंत्येव दिनान्येष दृश्यस्तावत्यदृश्यगः ॥ ४८ ॥
prākṛtādyāsu gatiṣu hyudito'stamiyopivā | yāvaṃtyeva dinānyeṣa dṛśyastāvatyadṛśyagaḥ || 48 ||
In the various courses of existence beginning with the material (prākṛta) state, this one—whether spoken of as rising or setting—remains visible only for that many days; for the same span he moves in an unseen condition.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It highlights that “appearance” and “disappearance” are relative to perception: the jīva seems present for a time and absent for a time, yet continues its course—pointing to the need for mokṣa through knowledge beyond sensory visibility.
By stressing the limits of what is seen, it supports bhakti as steady remembrance of the Lord beyond changing appearances—devotion anchors the mind in the unseen Reality rather than in temporary visibility.
The verse uses astronomical-style language of “rising” and “setting,” aligning with Jyotiṣa (Vedic astrology/astronomy) as a metaphor for perceived presence and absence across time.