Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 5
Gṛhastha-nitya-karman: Śauca, Sandhyā-vidhi, Pañca-yajña, and Āśrama-krama
पथि गोष्टे नदीतीरे तडागगृहसन्निधौ । तथा वृक्षस्य च्छायायां कांतारे वह्निसन्निधौ ॥ ५ ॥
pathi goṣṭe nadītīre taḍāgagṛhasannidhau | tathā vṛkṣasya cchāyāyāṃ kāṃtāre vahnisannidhau || 5 ||
On a road, in a cowshed, on a riverbank, near a pond or a dwelling; likewise in a tree’s shade, in the wilderness, or close to a fire—one should keep restraint and propriety, avoiding impure or improper acts in such places.
Narada (in instruction/dialogue context with the Sanatkumara tradition)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It teaches ācāra (right conduct): spiritual life is protected by restraint and cleanliness, including awareness of place—public paths, sacred watersides, dwellings, and fire-sites require heightened propriety.
Bhakti is sustained by disciplined living; by avoiding improper behavior in sensitive or sacred locations, a devotee preserves inner purity (śauca) and steadiness needed for Vishnu-bhakti practices like japa, vrata, and pūjā.
It aligns with Dharma-śāstra style application of ritual propriety (kalpa-oriented practical discipline): knowing appropriate places and contexts supports correct observance of rites and daily regulations.