Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 37
The Characteristics of Devotion to Hari
तत्रापि देवताबुद्धिर्दानबुद्धिश्च सत्तम । भोगबुद्धिस्तथा नॄणां जन्मान्तरतपः फलम् ॥ ३७ ॥
tatrāpi devatābuddhirdānabuddhiśca sattama | bhogabuddhistathā nṝṇāṃ janmāntaratapaḥ phalam || 37 ||
Even then, O best of the virtuous, one’s inclination to honor the deities, the impulse toward charity (dāna), and likewise the tendency among men to seek enjoyment—these are the fruits of austerities (tapas) performed in former births.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It teaches that key inner tendencies—reverence for divine worship, generosity, and even enjoyment-seeking—arise as karmic results, specifically as fruits of austerities performed in previous births.
By stating that devatā-buddhi (a mind inclined toward the divine) is a past-life fruit, the verse frames bhakti as supported by prior tapas and merit, encouraging continued worship and discipline to deepen devotion.
While not a direct Vedanga lesson, it aligns with Dharma-śāstra reasoning used alongside Kalpa (ritual practice): charity (dāna) and deva-pūjā are seen as merit-producing actions whose results mature as stable dispositions in future lives.