Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 13
Hanūmaccarita
The Account of Hanumān
धनुर्विभज्य समिति लब्धवान्मानिनोऽस्य च । ततो मार्गे भृगुपतेर्दर्प्पमूढं चिरं स्मयन् ॥ १३ ॥
dhanurvibhajya samiti labdhavānmānino'sya ca | tato mārge bhṛgupaterdarppamūḍhaṃ ciraṃ smayan || 13 ||
Having measured out and apportioned the bow in the assembly, he also won this proud one in the gathering. Then, along the way, he long mocked the lordly Bhṛgu—whose mind was deluded by arrogance.
Narada (narrating within the Purva Bhaga dialogue framework)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: raudra
FAQs
It highlights how pride (darpa) distorts judgment and leads one to ridicule the wise; the Purana uses such episodes to reinforce humility as essential for dharma and true learning.
By implying that arrogance and mockery are obstacles to inner purity; bhakti flourishes with humility and reverence, not with derision born of self-importance.
The verse uses the imagery of an assembly/contest and “measuring/apportioning” (vibhajya), echoing the disciplined, rule-based mindset required in Vedanga studies—especially precise procedure and restraint in conduct.