Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 7
Anūcāna (True Learning), the Vedāṅgas, and Śikṣā: Svara, Sāmavedic Chant, and Gandharva Theory
न हायनैर्न पलितैर्न वित्तेन न बंधुभिः । ऋषयश्चक्रिरे धर्मं योऽनूचानः स नो महान् ॥ ७ ॥
na hāyanairna palitairna vittena na baṃdhubhiḥ | ṛṣayaścakrire dharmaṃ yo'nūcānaḥ sa no mahān || 7 ||
偉大さは、年齢や白髪、富、あるいは親族によって得られるものではない。賢者たちはダルマの基準を定めた。「真に学識ある者こそ、我らの中で偉大である」と。
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in the Moksha-Dharma context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: vira (heroic)
Secondary Rasa: shanta (peace)
FAQs
It defines true greatness as inner qualification—scriptural learning and discernment that align one with dharma—rather than external markers like age, status, wealth, or family support.
Bhakti in the Narada Purana is strengthened by right understanding (śāstra-jñāna). This verse prioritizes being anūcāna (well-instructed), implying that devotion becomes steady and dharmic when guided by authentic teaching rather than social prestige.
The verse points to the primacy of disciplined study (anūcāna)—the foundation for Vedanga-based competence such as correct recitation (Śikṣā) and correct understanding through language and meaning (Vyākaraṇa/Nirukta), which support dharma and ritual accuracy.