Shloka 1
नग्न-परिभाषा तथा देव-स्तोत्रपूर्वक मायामोह-उत्पत्ति
Defining ‘Nagna’ and the Devas’ Hymn Leading to Māyāmoha
इत्य् आह भगवान् और्वः सगराय महात्मने सदाचारान् पुरा सम्यङ् मैत्रेय परिपृच्छते
ity āha bhagavān aurvaḥ sagarāya mahātmane sadācārān purā samyaṅ maitreya paripṛcchate
Thus spoke the venerable sage Aurva to the great-souled King Sagara, setting forth in full and proper measure the ancient disciplines of righteous conduct, when, O Maitreya, he was duly questioned.
Sage Parāśara (narrating to Maitreya; reporting Aurva’s speech to Sagara)
Speaker: Parasara
Topic: How ancient codes of right conduct were taught to exemplary kings (Aurva’s instruction to Sagara)
Teaching: Historical
Quality: revealing
Concept: Sadācāra is preserved and transmitted through guru–king dialogue, where the worthy ruler seeks and receives complete instruction in ancient discipline.
Vedantic Theme: Dharma
Application: Seek guidance from authentic teachers and apply ethical disciplines consistently; treat questions as a spiritual practice that opens one to correction and clarity.
Vishishtadvaita: The pedagogy of dharma supports the Viśiṣṭādvaita stress on śāstra and ācārya as reliable means: knowledge is received through authorized instruction within the Lord’s order.
Vamsha: Surya
Dharma Exemplar: Sadācāra (righteous conduct)
Key Kings: Sagara
FAQs
Here sadācāra is presented as an ancient, orderly discipline taught to a king, implying that stable sovereignty and social harmony depend on time-tested dharma rather than mere power.
Parāśara signals a layered narration: he speaks to Maitreya while recounting what Aurva taught Sagara, establishing the teaching as both traditional (purā) and properly transmitted through inquiry.
Even when Vishnu is not named in the verse, the Purana’s dharma-teachings function within Vishnu’s cosmic sovereignty: righteous rule and right conduct are understood as alignment with the sustaining order upheld by the Supreme.