Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 34
Dharma-ākhyāna (Discourse on Dharma): Worthy Charity, Fruitless Gifts, and the Merit of Building Ponds
समागतं धर्मराजमर्हयामास भूपतिः । शास्त्रदृष्टेन विधिना धर्मः प्री उवाच तम् ॥ ३५ ॥
samāgataṃ dharmarājamarhayāmāsa bhūpatiḥ | śāstradṛṣṭena vidhinā dharmaḥ prī uvāca tam || 35 ||
ਧਰਮਰਾਜ ਦੇ ਆਉਣ ਤੇ ਰਾਜੇ ਨੇ ਸ਼ਾਸਤ੍ਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਦੱਸੇ ਵਿਧਾਨ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਦਾ ਯਥੋਚਿਤ ਸਤਿਕਾਰ ਕੀਤਾ। ਫਿਰ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਨ ਹੋ ਕੇ ਧਰਮ ਨੇ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਕਿਹਾ।
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing the scene); Dharma speaks next
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches that Dharma is pleased when actions—especially honoring a revered guest—are performed in alignment with śāstra (scriptural injunction), showing that righteousness is upheld through correct conduct and reverent reception.
While not explicitly about Viṣṇu-bhakti, it reflects a bhakti-like attitude of reverence (ārhaṇa) and humility: honoring the divine principle of Dharma with sincerity and proper method is itself a devotional disposition.
The verse emphasizes śāstra-dṛṣṭa vidhi—ritual procedure and correctness—aligning with Kalpa (Vedāṅga dealing with ritual rules and conduct), particularly the etiquette and rites of receiving an honored person.