Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 38
Sṛṣṭi-pralaya-kathana: Mahābhūta-guṇāḥ, Vṛkṣa-indriya-vādaḥ, Prāṇa-vāyu-vyavasthā
भरद्वाज उवाच । पुष्करो यदि संभूतो ज्येष्ठं भवति पुष्करम् । ब्रह्माणं पूर्वजं चाह भवान्संदेह एव मे ॥ ३८ ॥
bharadvāja uvāca | puṣkaro yadi saṃbhūto jyeṣṭhaṃ bhavati puṣkaram | brahmāṇaṃ pūrvajaṃ cāha bhavānsaṃdeha eva me || 38 ||
ಭರದ್ವಾಜನು ಹೇಳಿದರು—ಪುಷ್ಕರನು ಉದ್ಭವಿಸಿದ್ದರೆ, ಅದೇ ಪುಷ್ಕರನು ಜ್ಯೇಷ್ಠ ಪುಷ್ಕರನೆಂದು ಹೇಗೆ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಾರೆ? ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ನೀವು ಬ್ರಹ್ಮನನ್ನು ಪೂರ್ವಜನಾಗಿಯೂ ಕರೆಯುತ್ತೀರಿ; ಇದೇ ನನ್ನ ಸಂಶಯ.
Bharadvaja
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It models the dharmic method of inquiry: a seeker openly states a logical doubt about creation-order and asks for clarification, preparing the ground for right understanding (jñāna) that supports mokṣa.
Indirectly: sincere bhakti is strengthened by removing confusion. By respectfully questioning apparent contradictions, the listener becomes fit to receive a clearer teaching that can later be anchored in devotion to the Supreme.
The verse highlights the discipline of precise meaning and logical consistency (aligned with Vyākaraṇa/Nirukta-style clarity): terms like 'jyeṣṭha' (eldest) and 'pūrvaja' (earlier-born) must be reconciled in context.