Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 71
Mārkaṇḍeya-varṇanam
The Description of Mārkaṇḍeya
विदितानि च शास्त्राणि परार्थं प्रवदन्ति ये । सर्वत्र गुणभाजो ये ते वै भागवताः स्मृताः ॥ ७१ ॥
viditāni ca śāstrāṇi parārthaṃ pravadanti ye | sarvatra guṇabhājo ye te vai bhāgavatāḥ smṛtāḥ || 71 ||
Those who have understood the śāstras and teach them for the welfare of others, and who partake of virtue in every circumstance—such people are remembered as Bhāgavatas, devotees of the Lord.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada on the definition of a Bhāgavata)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It defines a true Bhāgavata not merely as a learned person, but as one who uses śāstra-knowledge compassionately for others’ uplift and remains established in virtues in all situations.
Bhakti is shown as lived character: devotion to Bhagavān expresses itself through selfless teaching (parārtha) and consistent good qualities (guṇa) rather than private piety alone.
While no single Vedāṅga is named, the verse stresses the applied purpose of śāstra and its correct communication—aligned with disciplines like Vyākaraṇa (clear expression) and Śikṣā (proper recitation) in service of dharma and bhakti.