Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 19
Dharmānukathana
Narration of Dharma
धेनुर्वा ब्राह्मणो वापि यो वा को वापि भूपते । क्षणार्द्धं तस्य छायायां तिष्ठन्स्वर्गं नयत्यमुम् ॥ १९ ॥
dhenurvā brāhmaṇo vāpi yo vā ko vāpi bhūpate | kṣaṇārddhaṃ tasya chāyāyāṃ tiṣṭhansvargaṃ nayatyamum || 19 ||
Ó rei, seja uma vaca ou um brāhmaṇa—ou quem quer que seja—quem permanecer mesmo por meio instante à sua sombra é, por esse mérito, conduzido ao céu.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada; addressed to a king as illustrative audience)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It elevates the dharmic principle that proximity to, and reverence for, sanctified beings—especially cows and brāhmaṇas—creates immediate puṇya, symbolized here by the merit of even standing briefly in their shade.
By teaching humble reverence and service to dharmic embodiments (cow and brāhmaṇa), it supports bhakti as lived devotion—honoring what is sacred and God-aligned, which purifies the heart and leads to higher states.
It reflects Dharma-śāstra style ritual-ethics rather than a specific Vedāṅga technique: the practical takeaway is the rule of conduct (ācāra) that serving and respecting cows and brāhmaṇas is a direct source of puṇya.