Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 153
Vāmana’s Advent, Aditi’s Hymn, Bali’s Gift, and the Mahatmya of Bhū-dāna
सर्वशास्त्रार्थवेत्तापि दरिद्रो भाति मूर्खवत् । नैष्किञ्चन्यमहाग्राहग्रस्तानां को विमोचकः ॥ ५३ ॥
sarvaśāstrārthavettāpi daridro bhāti mūrkhavat | naiṣkiñcanyamahāgrāhagrastānāṃ ko vimocakaḥ || 53 ||
Même celui qui connaît le sens de toutes les śāstras paraît sot s’il est pauvre. Qui peut délivrer ceux que saisit le grand crocodile nommé « dénuement total » (naiṣkiñcanya) ?
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It highlights how severe poverty can eclipse even scriptural learning in society and can become a powerful bondage; it implicitly points to seeking a higher refuge and inner freedom beyond external conditions.
By portraying destitution as a ‘great crocodile’ that grips the mind and life, the verse suggests the need for a liberating power greater than worldly supports—classically fulfilled through surrender and steady devotion to the Lord as the ultimate protector.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyakarana, Jyotisha, or Kalpa) is taught directly; the practical takeaway is ethical realism—scriptural knowledge must be supported by right livelihood, dana (charity), and disciplined living to prevent worldly distress from overwhelming dharma.