Srimad Bhagavatam — Prathama Skandha, Shloka 20
The Appearance of Śrī Nārada and Vyāsa’s Dissatisfaction
Veda-vibhāga and the Need for Bhakti
ऋग्यजु:सामाथर्वाख्या वेदाश्चत्वार उद्धृता: । इतिहासपुराणं च पञ्चमो वेद उच्यते ॥ २० ॥
ṛg-yajuḥ-sāmātharvākhyā vedāś catvāra uddhṛtāḥ itihāsa-purāṇaṁ ca pañcamo veda ucyate
Les quatre Veda—Ṛg, Yajur, Sāma et Atharva—furent répartis en sections distinctes. Quant aux faits historiques et récits authentiques des Purāṇa, on les appelle le « cinquième Veda ».
FAQs
This verse states that along with the four Vedas, the Itihāsas and Purāṇas are regarded as the “fifth Veda,” affirming their scriptural authority and Vedic status.
Sūta establishes the credibility of Purāṇic narration by linking it to Vedic revelation—showing that histories and Purāṇas are a recognized, authoritative channel for transmitting dharma and devotion.
It encourages seekers to study accessible Vedic wisdom through Purāṇic teachings—using narratives and theology to cultivate faith, ethics, and bhakti in daily life.