Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 77
Śreyas and Paramārtha: The Ribhu–Nidāgha Teaching on Non-Dual Self
Advaita
तत्कथ्यतां महाभाग विशेषो भवतानयोः । ज्ञातुमिच्छाम्यहं कोऽत्र गजः को वा नराधिपः ॥ ७७ ॥
tatkathyatāṃ mahābhāga viśeṣo bhavatānayoḥ | jñātumicchāmyahaṃ ko'tra gajaḥ ko vā narādhipaḥ || 77 ||
Ô très fortuné, explique la distinction entre ces deux. Je désire savoir : en cette affaire, qui est l’éléphant, et qui donc est le roi des hommes ?
Narada
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It highlights the seeker’s need for viveka (clear discrimination): Narada asks the teacher to precisely distinguish two parties in a metaphorical comparison, showing that liberation-oriented teaching depends on correct identification and understanding.
Bhakti is strengthened by right understanding of who/what is being referred to in sacred narratives; Narada’s careful questioning models how a devotee seeks clarity from a competent guru so devotion rests on truth rather than confusion.
The verse implicitly reflects Vyākaraṇa- and Nirukta-style precision—asking for viśeṣa (exact distinction) and correct referents—skills essential for interpreting Purāṇic and Vedic statements accurately.