Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 20
Paramahaṁsa-Dharma: The Avadhūta-like Sannyāsī and Prahlāda’s Dialogue with the ‘Python’ Saint
श्रीनारद उवाच \स इत्थं दैत्यपतिना परिपृष्टो महामुनि: । स्मयमानस्तमभ्याह तद्वागमृतयन्त्रित: ॥ २० ॥
śrī-nārada uvāca sa itthaṁ daitya-patinā paripṛṣṭo mahā-muniḥ smayamānas tam abhyāha tad-vāg-amṛta-yantritaḥ
ಶ್ರೀ ನಾರದನು ಹೇಳಿದರು: ದೈತ್ಯರಾಜ ಪ್ರಹ್ಲಾದನು ಹೀಗೆ ಪ್ರಶ್ನಿಸಿದಾಗ, ಆ ಮಹಾಮುನಿ ಪ್ರಹ್ಲಾದನ ಅಮೃತಮಯ ವಚನಗಳ ಮಳೆಯಿಗೆ ಆಕರ್ಷಿತರಾಗಿ, ನಗುನಗುತ್ತ ಉತ್ತರಿಸಿದರು.
FAQs
It narrates that Nārada Muni, after being questioned by Hiraṇyakaśipu, replies smiling—suggesting a composed, compassionate delivery of dharma-teachings.
The verse indicates Nārada was serene and inwardly steady; he responded gently, moved by the ‘nectar-like’ quality of the king’s earnest inquiry, even though the questioner was a Daitya ruler.
When questioned—even by hostile or difficult people—respond with calmness, clarity, and goodwill; dharmic truth is best communicated without agitation.