Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 38
The Characteristics of Devotion to Hari
मानुष्यं दुर्लभं प्राप्य यो हरिं नार्चयेत्सकृत् । मूर्खः कोऽस्ति परस्तस्माज्जडबुद्धिरचेतनः ॥ ३८ ॥
mānuṣyaṃ durlabhaṃ prāpya yo hariṃ nārcayetsakṛt | mūrkhaḥ ko'sti parastasmājjaḍabuddhiracetanaḥ || 38 ||
Having attained the rare human state, whoever does not worship Hari even once—who could be more foolish than that person, dull-minded and devoid of discernment?
Narada (teaching in the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It declares human birth to be rare and spiritually meaningful, and condemns wasting it without turning—even once—toward Hari (Vishnu), the refuge leading to moksha.
It emphasizes the primacy and accessibility of bhakti: even a single sincere act of worship of Hari is presented as essential, while neglecting devotion is portrayed as profound spiritual ignorance.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyakarana, Jyotisha, or Kalpa) is taught in this verse; the practical takeaway is simple daily practice—perform at least one act of Hari-arcana (worship) to sanctify human life.