Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 16
Varṇāśrama Saṁskāras, Upanayana Windows, Brahmacārin Ācāra, and Anadhyāya Prohibitions
अन्यथा पतितं विद्यात्कर्त्तापि ब्रह्महा भवेत् । र्मौजी विप्रस्य विज्ञेया धनुर्ज्या क्षत्त्रियस्य तु ॥ १६ ॥
anyathā patitaṃ vidyātkarttāpi brahmahā bhavet | rmaujī viprasya vijñeyā dhanurjyā kṣattriyasya tu || 16 ||
If it is done otherwise, contrary to the rule, know it as a fall from dharma; and the doer too becomes as sinful as a slayer of a brāhmaṇa. The maujī, the sacred girdle of muñja grass, belongs to a brāhmaṇa, whereas the bowstring is the proper emblem for a kṣatriya.
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It stresses that dharma must be practiced according to śāstra and one’s rightful discipline; misusing prescribed marks and duties is treated as a severe spiritual breach that leads to downfall.
By warning against adharma and hypocrisy, it supports bhakti as śuddha-ācāra—devotion expressed through truthful, rule-aligned conduct rather than external imitation.
It reflects Kalpa/Smārta-ritual discipline: correct assignment and use of varṇa-identifiers (like the brāhmaṇa’s maujī and the kṣatriya’s bowstring) as part of regulated religious practice.