Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 76
Dhvaja-Dhāraṇa Mahātmyam: Sumati–Satyamatī, Humility, and Deliverance by Hari’s Messengers
जलसेचनकर्त्तारौ दीपदौ हरिमन्दिरे । कथमेतौ महाभागौ यातनाभोगमर्हथ ॥ ७६ ॥
jalasecanakarttārau dīpadau harimandire | kathametau mahābhāgau yātanābhogamarhatha || 76 ||
They are the ones who sprinkle sacred water and offer lamps in Hari’s temple—how could these two greatly blessed devotees ever deserve to undergo the torments of the realms of punishment?
Sage Narada (questioning, within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
The verse highlights that sincere temple service to Hari—such as watering/cleansing acts and lamp-offering—is a highly meritorious bhakti-karma, raising the question of how such devotees could be destined for punitive suffering.
It presents simple, embodied devotion—serving in Hari’s temple through dīpa-dāna and jalasevā—as a direct expression of bhakti whose spiritual power is understood to counteract or outweigh sinful reactions.
Ritual practicality is implied: proper temple upacāra (offerings like lamps) and śauca-related service (water-sprinkling/cleaning) reflect applied kalpa-style discipline (procedural conduct) rather than a technical Vedanga lesson.