Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 34
Dharma-ākhyāna (Discourse on Dharma): Worthy Charity, Fruitless Gifts, and the Merit of Building Ponds
समागतं धर्मराजमर्हयामास भूपतिः । शास्त्रदृष्टेन विधिना धर्मः प्री उवाच तम् ॥ ३५ ॥
samāgataṃ dharmarājamarhayāmāsa bhūpatiḥ | śāstradṛṣṭena vidhinā dharmaḥ prī uvāca tam || 35 ||
ധർമ്മരാജൻ എത്തിയപ്പോൾ രാജാവ് ശാസ്ത്രവിധിപ്രകാരം യഥോചിതമായി അദ്ദേഹത്തെ ആദരിച്ചു. തുടർന്ന് പ്രീതനായ ധർമ്മം അവനോട് പറഞ്ഞു.
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing the scene); Dharma speaks next
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches that Dharma is pleased when actions—especially honoring a revered guest—are performed in alignment with śāstra (scriptural injunction), showing that righteousness is upheld through correct conduct and reverent reception.
While not explicitly about Viṣṇu-bhakti, it reflects a bhakti-like attitude of reverence (ārhaṇa) and humility: honoring the divine principle of Dharma with sincerity and proper method is itself a devotional disposition.
The verse emphasizes śāstra-dṛṣṭa vidhi—ritual procedure and correctness—aligning with Kalpa (Vedāṅga dealing with ritual rules and conduct), particularly the etiquette and rites of receiving an honored person.