Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 122
The Greatness of the Gaṅgā (Gaṅgā-māhātmya): Saudāsa/Kalmāṣapāda’s Curse and Release
लोहोडुपेन प्रतरन्निमजत्युदके यथा । ततैवाकृतपुण्यास्तु तारयन्ति कथं परान् ॥ २२ ॥
lohoḍupena pratarannimajatyudake yathā | tataivākṛtapuṇyāstu tārayanti kathaṃ parān || 22 ||
जसा लोखंडी होडीतून पार जाणारा पाण्यात बुडतो, तसाच ज्यांनी पुण्य केलेले नाही, ते इतरांना कसे तारतील?
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada, within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue framework)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
It teaches that one must first gain personal spiritual fitness—merit, discipline, and realization—before attempting to guide others; otherwise, both teacher and follower risk sinking in saṃsāra.
Bhakti is not merely speech or instruction; it requires lived purity and sustained practice. Without cultivating puṇya through devotion, vows, and right conduct, one cannot effectively inspire or uplift others toward Hari-bhakti.
The verse emphasizes adhikāra (qualification) and prayojana (purpose): in any śāstric discipline—ritual, mantra, or teaching—competence and inner preparedness are essential before undertaking leadership or instruction.