Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 24
The Description of the Index (Anukramaṇikā) of the Padma Purāṇa
शिवशंभुसमायोगी दधीचाख्यानकं ततः । भस्ममाहात्म्यमतुलं शिवमाहात्म्यमुत्तमम् ॥ २४ ॥
śivaśaṃbhusamāyogī dadhīcākhyānakaṃ tataḥ | bhasmamāhātmyamatulaṃ śivamāhātmyamuttamam || 24 ||
ત્યારબાદ શિવ-શંભુ સાથે પાવન સમાયોગ, પછી દધીચિનું આખ્યાન, ભસ્મનું અતુલ માહાત્મ્ય અને ભગવાન શિવનું ઉત્તમ માહાત્મ્ય વર્ણિત છે।
Narada (in dialogue-format summary to the Sanatkumara brothers)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
This verse functions as an anukramaṇikā (topic-index) line, indicating that the chapter proceeds through Śiva-related themes—communion with Śiva, the exemplar tale of Dadhīci, and the sanctity of bhasma—culminating in the highest praise of Śiva as a means of purification and devotion.
By foregrounding Śiva-māhātmya and bhasma-māhātmya, the verse points to bhakti expressed through remembrance (glorification) and embodied practice (Śiva-upāsanā and sacred markings), where reverence for Śiva and His symbols becomes a direct devotional discipline.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Vyākaraṇa or Jyotiṣa) is taught in this verse; instead, it highlights ritual-practice knowledge typical of Purāṇic dharma—especially the religious use and meaning of bhasma in Śaiva observance.