Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 40
The Greatness of the Gaṅgā (Gaṅgā-māhātmya): Saudāsa/Kalmāṣapāda’s Curse and Release
अविवेको हि सर्वेषामापदां परमं पदम् । विवेकरहितो लोके पशुरेव न संशयः ॥ ४० ॥
aviveko hi sarveṣāmāpadāṃ paramaṃ padam | vivekarahito loke paśureva na saṃśayaḥ || 40 ||
निश्चय ही अविवेक समस्त आपदाओं का परम कारण है। जो इस लोक में विवेक-रहित है, वह बिना संदेह पशु के समान है।
Sanatkumāra (teaching Nārada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It establishes viveka (clear discernment) as the root safeguard of dharma: when discrimination is absent, a person becomes vulnerable to every kind of downfall—ethical, spiritual, and worldly.
Bhakti matures through right understanding—discerning the eternal (Viṣṇu and dharma) from the temporary (sense-impulses and ego). Without viveka, devotion can be replaced by habit, display, or desire-driven action.
The verse highlights a foundational principle behind all śāstra-application: discernment in choosing correct conduct. While not naming a Vedāṅga directly, it supports the practical use of śāstric reasoning (nyāya) and disciplined interpretation (as in vyākaraṇa/mīmāṃsā-based clarity) to avoid wrong action.