Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 59
The Account of Kārtavīrya’s Protective Kavaca
Kārtavīrya-kavaca-vṛttānta
साधुभीतिकरा दुष्टाश्छद्मका ये दुराशयाः । दुर्हृदो दुष्टभू पाला दुष्टामात्याश्च पापकाः ॥ ५९ ॥
sādhubhītikarā duṣṭāśchadmakā ye durāśayāḥ | durhṛdo duṣṭabhū pālā duṣṭāmātyāśca pāpakāḥ || 59 ||
善き人々に恐れを与える悪しき者ども—偽りをまとい邪心を抱く者、悪意の者、国土を穢して治める腐敗の支配者、そして罪深き悪臣—これらは危険なるものと知るべし。
Sanatkumara (in dialogue instruction to Narada, Third Pada ethical cautions)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It warns that adharma often appears through deception and misuse of power—people who frighten the virtuous, act with hidden motives, or govern unjustly obstruct spiritual life and social order.
Bhakti thrives in sat-saṅga and fearlessness; the verse implies that devotees should avoid deceitful, ill-willed, and corrupt influences that disturb dharma and weaken steady remembrance and practice.
While not a technical Vedāṅga rule, it supports the practical framework for Vedic learning: discernment (viveka) about teachers, patrons, and rulers—so study, ritual, and discipline are not derailed by adharma and exploitation.