Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 5
Prāyaścitta for Mahāpātakas and the Sin-destroying Power of Viṣṇu-smaraṇa
ब्रह्महा च सुरापी च स्तेयी च गुरुतल्पगः । महापातकिननस्त्वेते तत्संसर्गी च पंचमः ॥ ५ ॥
brahmahā ca surāpī ca steyī ca gurutalpagaḥ | mahāpātakinanastvete tatsaṃsargī ca paṃcamaḥ || 5 ||
A slayer of a Brāhmaṇa, a drinker of intoxicating liquor, a thief, and one who violates the teacher’s bed—these are declared to be great sinners (mahāpātakins); and as the fifth is counted the person who associates with them.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It defines the core category of mahāpātakas (grave transgressions) and warns that even close association with such offenders is spiritually contaminating, emphasizing vigilance in conduct and company as a foundation for dharma.
While not describing a bhakti-practice directly, it sets the ethical ground for devotion: purity of life and avoidance of corrupting company protect the mind’s steadiness, which is essential for sincere Vishnu-bhakti and scriptural living.
It reflects Dharmaśāstra-style classification used in smṛti traditions (closely tied to Kalpa/ritual-law reasoning): identifying degrees of sin and the practical rule that saṃsarga (harmful association) itself becomes a culpable factor requiring caution and, in later context, prāyaścitta.