Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 185

The Recitation of the Thousand Names of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa (Yugala-Sahasranāma) and Śaraṇāgati-Dharma

Devanagari script

महाशोभा महामाया महाकांतिर्महास्मृतिः । महामोहा महाविद्या महाकीर्तिंर्महारतिः ॥ १८५ ॥

Transliteration

mahāśobhā mahāmāyā mahākāṃtirmahāsmṛtiḥ | mahāmohā mahāvidyā mahākīrtiṃrmahāratiḥ || 185 ||

Translation

അവൾ മഹാശോഭ, മഹാമായ, മഹാകാന്തി, മഹാസ്മൃതി. അവൾ മഹാമോഹ, മഹാവിദ്യ, മഹാകീർത്തി, മഹാരതി (ഭക്ത്യാനന്ദം) ആകുന്നു.

Word by Word

• महाशोभा: great splendor/beauty
• महाशोभा: Karta (कर्ता/Subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: महाशोभा = महा + शोभा (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग (Feminine), प्रथमा-विभक्ति (Nominative/1st), एकवचन (Singular)

• महामाया: great māyā/illusionary power
• महामाया: Karta (कर्ता/Subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: महामाया = महा + माया (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन

• महाकान्तिः: great radiance/lustre
• महाकान्तिः: Karta (कर्ता/Subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: महाकान्तिः = महा + कान्ति (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन

• महास्मृतिः: great memory/recollection
• महास्मृतिः: Karta (कर्ता/Subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: महास्मृतिः = महा + स्मृति (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन

• महामोहा: great delusion
• महामोहा: Karta (कर्ता/Subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: महामोहा = महा + मोहा (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन

• महाविद्या: great knowledge/learning
• महाविद्या: Karta (कर्ता/Subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: महाविद्या = महा + विद्या (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन

• महाकीर्तिः: great fame/glory
• महाकीर्तिः: Karta (कर्ता/Subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: महाकीर्तिः = महा + कीर्ति (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन

• महारतिः: great delight/pleasure
• महारतिः: Karta (कर्ता/Subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: महारतिः = महा + रति (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन

Speaker

Narada

Vrata Kalpa

Vrata: none

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: bhakti

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

Characters & Entities

• Devi
• Maya
• Vidyā

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in Narada Purana?

The verse compresses a key Purāṇic insight: the Divine Power (Śakti) is simultaneously the source of worldly enchantment (mohā, māyā) and the gateway to liberation (vidyā, smṛti). Remembering her qualities is presented as a contemplative method that turns experience into wisdom.

How does this verse explain the path of devotion (Bhakti)?

By listing exalted epithets (nāma/guṇa-kīrtana), it supports bhakti through remembrance (smṛti) and praise (kīrti). Devotion is strengthened when the devotee recognizes that even what binds (mohā) is under the Divine, and can be transformed into higher delight (mahā-rati).

What practical Vedic knowledge (Vedanga) is highlighted here?

The verse is a mnemonic-style enumeration useful for recitation and retention (smṛti), aligning with Vedāṅga-oriented pedagogy in technical sections—using compact lists of key terms to aid learning and disciplined practice.