Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 78
Ekādaśī Vrata-Vidhi and the Galava–Bhadrashīla Itihāsa
Dharmakīrti before Yama
पाषंडसङ्गरहितान्द्विजभक्तिनिष्ठान्सत्संगलोलुपतरांश्च तथातिथेयान् । शंभौ हरौ च समबुद्धिमतस्तथैव दूतास्त्यजध्वमुपकारपराञ्जनानाम् ॥ ७८ ॥
pāṣaṃḍasaṅgarahitāndvijabhaktiniṣṭhānsatsaṃgalolupatarāṃśca tathātitheyān | śaṃbhau harau ca samabuddhimatastathaiva dūtāstyajadhvamupakāraparāñjanānām || 78 ||
Oh mensajeros, evitad a quienes se empeñan en hacer “bien” por fines egoístas. Buscad, en cambio, a los que están libres de la compañía de herejes, firmes en la devoción a los dos veces nacidos, ávidos de la santa compañía de los virtuosos, entregados a honrar al huésped, y que veneran con mente ecuánime a Śambhu (Śiva) y a Hari (Viṣṇu).
Sanatkumara (in instruction to messengers, within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches discernment in association: spiritual growth is supported by avoiding pāṣaṇḍa company and by seeking those rooted in dharma—sadhu-saṅga, atithi-dharma, respect for dvijas, and balanced reverence toward Śiva and Viṣṇu.
Bhakti is shown as a lived culture: honoring worthy devotees (dvijas), craving saintly company, serving guests, and avoiding divisive or misleading influences—qualities that protect and mature devotion.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa) is taught directly; the verse emphasizes practical dharma—social-ethical disciplines that support Vedic life, especially sat-saṅga and atithi-sevā.