Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 38
The Origin of the Gaṅgā and the Gods’ Defeat Caused by Bali
दिव्याब्दानां सहस्त्रं सा तपोऽतप्यत नारद । दुरन्तं तत्तपः श्रुत्वा दैतेया मायिनोऽदितिम् ॥ ३८ ॥
divyābdānāṃ sahastraṃ sā tapo'tapyata nārada | durantaṃ tattapaḥ śrutvā daiteyā māyino'ditim || 38 ||
Wahai Nārada, dia menanggung tapa selama seribu tahun ilahi. Mendengar tentang pertapaan yang dahsyat itu, para Daitya yang mahir maya pun mula mendekati Aditi untuk mengganggunya.
Sanatkumara (narrating to Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It highlights the Purāṇic principle that sustained tapas (austerity) generates immense spiritual potency, so much so that opposing forces become alarmed and attempt to obstruct the practitioner.
Though the verse focuses on tapas, it supports the broader Bhakti-Dharma theme: sincere, long-term spiritual discipline undertaken for divine purpose attracts both tests and opposition, requiring steadiness and purity of intent.
Indirectly, it reflects the Vedic discipline of tapas as a regulated practice (linked with kalpa/ritual order and dharma), emphasizing duration, restraint, and the understanding that spiritual practices can invite obstacles that must be met with vigilance.