Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 4
Janaka Instructs Śuka: Āśrama-Sequence, Guru-Dependence, and Marks of Liberation
पाद्यं निवेद्य प्रथमं सार्ध्यं गां च न्यद्दे । स च तांमंत्रतः पूजां प्रतिगृह्य द्विजोत्तमः ॥ ४ ॥
pādyaṃ nivedya prathamaṃ sārdhyaṃ gāṃ ca nyadde | sa ca tāṃmaṃtrataḥ pūjāṃ pratigṛhya dvijottamaḥ || 4 ||
D’abord, il offrit l’eau pour laver les pieds (pādya). Puis il présenta l’offrande (nivedya) accompagnée d’une vache. Le plus éminent des deux-fois-nés (brāhmaṇa), ayant accepté ce culte accompli avec des mantras, fut honoré selon le rite.
Sanatkumara (in dialogue instruction to Narada on dharma and mantra-guided reception)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches that liberation-oriented dharma is supported by reverent hospitality: offering pādya, giving dāna (such as a cow), and performing pūjā with mantras to honor a worthy brāhmaṇa.
Bhakti is expressed through humble service and mantra-based worship—honoring the virtuous as embodiments of sacred presence, and making offerings with devotion rather than mere formality.
It highlights correct ritual procedure (kalpa/vaidika ācāra): the use of mantras (mantrataḥ) and standard upacāras like pādya in formal reception and pūjā.