Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 21
गङ्गामाहात्म्य — The Greatness of the Gaṅgā
चन्द्र हीना यथा रात्रिः पद्महीनं यथा सरः । पतिहीना यथा नारी पितृहीनस्तथा शिशुः ॥ २१ ॥
candra hīnā yathā rātriḥ padmahīnaṃ yathā saraḥ | patihīnā yathā nārī pitṛhīnastathā śiśuḥ || 21 ||
ଚନ୍ଦ୍ରହୀନ ରାତି ପରି, ପଦ୍ମହୀନ ସରୋବର ପରି, ପତିହୀନ ନାରୀ ପରି—ପିତୃହୀନ ଶିଶୁ ମଧ୍ୟ ସେପରି।
Narada (teaching in a dharma-instruction context; dialogue frame traditionally with Sanatkumara lineage)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It stresses dharma through vivid analogies: just as key supports give beauty and completeness (moon to night, lotus to lake), a father’s presence and protection are portrayed as vital to a child’s well-being and proper upbringing.
Indirectly, it frames bhakti as lived responsibility: devotion is not only worship but also righteous care for those entrusted to one—especially dependents—aligning household life with dharma that supports Vishnu-bhakti in practice.
No specific Vedanga is taught directly; the verse functions as dharma-niti (ethical instruction) using poetic comparison, supporting practical conduct rather than technical Shiksha/Vyakarana/Jyotisha procedures.