Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 40
Threefold Suffering, Twofold Knowledge, and the Definition of Bhagavān (Vāsudeva); Prelude to Keśidhvaja–Janaka Yoga
कर्ममार्गे हि खांडिक्यः स्वराज्यादवरोपितः । पुरोधसा मंत्रिभिश्च समवेतोऽल्पसाधनः ॥ ३८ ॥
karmamārge hi khāṃḍikyaḥ svarājyādavaropitaḥ | purodhasā maṃtribhiśca samaveto'lpasādhanaḥ || 38 ||
Khāṇḍikya, setelah dijatuhkan dari kerajaannya sendiri, menempuh jalan karma (tindakan ritual). Bersama purohita dan para menteri, ia berangkat dengan sarana yang sangat terbatas.
Narada (narrative instruction within Moksha-dharma context; dialogue frame traditionally with Sanatkumara)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It highlights how worldly downfall (loss of sovereignty) can redirect a person toward disciplined dharmic practice (karmamārga), suggesting that adversity can become a catalyst for spiritual reorientation.
While the verse explicitly mentions karmamārga (ritual duty), it sets a narrative foundation often used in the Purana to show that when external power is lost, one may turn from ego-driven rule toward dharma and, subsequently, toward higher surrender that culminates in bhakti and moksha.
The presence of the purohita implies śrauta/smārta ritual competence—grounded in Kalpa (ritual procedure) and supported by mantra-usage tied to Śikṣā (phonetics) and Vyākaraṇa (grammar)—even when material resources are limited.