Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 78
Ekādaśī Vrata-Vidhi and the Galava–Bhadrashīla Itihāsa
Dharmakīrti before Yama
पाषंडसङ्गरहितान्द्विजभक्तिनिष्ठान्सत्संगलोलुपतरांश्च तथातिथेयान् । शंभौ हरौ च समबुद्धिमतस्तथैव दूतास्त्यजध्वमुपकारपराञ्जनानाम् ॥ ७८ ॥
pāṣaṃḍasaṅgarahitāndvijabhaktiniṣṭhānsatsaṃgalolupatarāṃśca tathātitheyān | śaṃbhau harau ca samabuddhimatastathaiva dūtāstyajadhvamupakāraparāñjanānām || 78 ||
O messengers, shun those who pursue “good” for selfish ends. Seek instead those free from the company of heretics, steadfast in devotion to the twice-born, eager for the holy fellowship of the virtuous, devoted to honoring guests, and who revere Śambhu (Śiva) and Hari (Viṣṇu) with equal-minded respect.
Sanatkumara (in instruction to messengers, within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches discernment in association: spiritual growth is supported by avoiding pāṣaṇḍa company and by seeking those rooted in dharma—sadhu-saṅga, atithi-dharma, respect for dvijas, and balanced reverence toward Śiva and Viṣṇu.
Bhakti is shown as a lived culture: honoring worthy devotees (dvijas), craving saintly company, serving guests, and avoiding divisive or misleading influences—qualities that protect and mature devotion.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa) is taught directly; the verse emphasizes practical dharma—social-ethical disciplines that support Vedic life, especially sat-saṅga and atithi-sevā.