Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 81
Ekādaśī Vrata-Vidhi and the Galava–Bhadrashīla Itihāsa
Dharmakīrti before Yama
एकादशीव्रतपराङ्मुखमुग्रशीलं लोकापवादनिरतं परनिंदकं च । ग्रामस्य नाशकरमुत्तमवैरयुक्तं दूताः समानयत विप्रधनेषु लुब्धम् ॥ ८१ ॥
ekādaśīvrataparāṅmukhamugraśīlaṃ lokāpavādanirataṃ paraniṃdakaṃ ca | grāmasya nāśakaramuttamavairayuktaṃ dūtāḥ samānayata vipradhaneṣu lubdham || 81 ||
The messengers brought that man who had turned away from the Ekādaśī vow—harsh in nature, absorbed in slandering the world and condemning others—one who ruined his village, was bound to fierce enmity, and was greedy for the wealth of brāhmaṇas.
Narrator (in the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue context)
Vrata: Ekadashi
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
FAQs
It lists key adharma traits—rejecting Ekadashi-vrata, slander, hostility, social harm, and greed for Brahmin wealth—showing how such conduct attracts punitive consequences and blocks spiritual progress.
By highlighting a life opposed to Ekadashi discipline and moral restraint, the verse implies that Bhakti to Vishnu is supported by vrata-observance, purity of speech, and non-harm, not by criticism and covetousness.
Ritual discipline (vrata-niyama) is emphasized: Ekadashi observance as a practical dharmic rule, along with ethical speech-control—both foundational to correct ritual life even when explicit Vedanga topics are not named.