Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 42
दंष्ट्राकरालवदनो वापीतुल्योग्रलोचनः । मृत्युज्वरादिभिर्युक्तश्चित्रगुत्पोऽपि भीषणः ॥ ४२ ॥
daṃṣṭrākarālavadano vāpītulyogralocanaḥ | mṛtyujvarādibhiryuktaścitragutpo'pi bhīṣaṇaḥ || 42 ||
With a mouth made terrifying by protruding fangs and eyes fierce like deep pits, even Citragupta appears dreadful—attended by Death, fever, and other afflictions.
Narada (narration within the dialogue to the Sanatkumara brothers)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: bibhatsa
FAQs
It underscores the inevitability and awe of karmic accountability: even the cosmic “accountant” Citragupta is portrayed as fearsome when accompanied by forces like death and disease, reminding the listener that actions (karma) have serious consequences.
By highlighting the terror of death and its attendants, the verse implicitly motivates refuge in dharma and sustained devotion—classically, Narada’s teaching frames Vishnu-bhakti and remembrance as a means to transcend fear and karmic bondage.
No specific Vedanga (e.g., Vyakarana, Jyotisha, Kalpa) is taught directly in this verse; it is primarily a dharma–karma teaching that supports ethical conduct and disciplined practice rather than technical instruction.