Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 36
Bhakti-Śraddhā-Ācāra-Māhātmya and the Commencement of the Mārkaṇḍeya Narrative
पूर्वार्जितानि पापानि नाशमायान्ति यस्य वै । सत्सङ्गतिर्भवेत्तस्य नान्यथा घटते हि सा ॥ ३६ ॥
pūrvārjitāni pāpāni nāśamāyānti yasya vai | satsaṅgatirbhavettasya nānyathā ghaṭate hi sā || 36 ||
For one who attains sat-saṅga, the company of the virtuous, sins accumulated from the past surely come to destruction. Such holy association arises for him—indeed, it does not occur otherwise.
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It declares satsaṅga (holy company) as a decisive sign of inner merit: when one gains true association with the virtuous, accumulated sins begin to be destroyed, showing a turning of life toward purification and dharma.
Bhakti is strengthened through sādhu-saṅga; by keeping company with saintly devotees, one naturally adopts devotional conduct and attitudes, and the obstacles created by prior sins are reduced.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa) is taught here; the practical takeaway is ethical discipline—seeking satsaṅga as a lived method for purification and steady dharmic practice.