Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 9
Yamapatha (The Road of Yama), Dāna-Phala, and the Imperishable Fruition of Karma
वप्राग्रारोहणं चैव कन्दरस्य प्रवेशनम् । शर्कराश्च तथा लोष्टाः सूचीतुल्याश्च कण्टकाः ॥ ९ ॥
vaprāgrārohaṇaṃ caiva kandarasya praveśanam | śarkarāśca tathā loṣṭāḥ sūcītulyāśca kaṇṭakāḥ || 9 ||
Mendaki hingga ke puncak benteng tanah, memasuki lurah, tersadung pada kerikil dan ketulan tanah, serta ditembusi duri setajam jarum—demikianlah kesukaran yang ditemui di jalan itu.
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada, describing obstacles on a difficult course of life/practice)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
It uses vivid terrain imagery to convey that the chosen path of higher discipline and dharma is not comfortable; it demands endurance, alertness, and steadiness despite painful obstacles.
By emphasizing hardship and persistence, it indirectly teaches that bhakti is sustained not by ease but by unwavering commitment—continuing remembrance and service even when the journey feels like crossing thorny ground.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyakarana or Jyotisha) is directly taught in this verse; the practical takeaway is sadhana-nīti—careful, disciplined conduct and resilience while pursuing dharma and moksha.