Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 132
Pāpa-bheda, Naraka-yātanā, Mahāpātaka-vicāra, Atonement Limits, Daśa-vidhā Bhakti, and Gaṅgā as Final Remedy
तेषां तासां च संख्यानं कर्त्तुं नालमहं प्रभो । पापानां यातनानां च धर्माणां चापि भूपते ॥ १३२ ॥
teṣāṃ tāsāṃ ca saṃkhyānaṃ karttuṃ nālamahaṃ prabho | pāpānāṃ yātanānāṃ ca dharmāṇāṃ cāpi bhūpate || 132 ||
Ó Senhor—ó rei—não sou capaz de enumerar plenamente o número dessas variedades de pecados, dos tormentos (yātanās) que deles resultam, e até mesmo das formas de dharma.
Narada (addressing a king)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It stresses the vast, subtle scope of karma: sins, their consequences, and remedial dharmas are so numerous that even a sage frames them as beyond complete enumeration—encouraging humility and careful ethical living.
Indirectly, it sets the stage for seeking a higher, simplifying refuge—often expressed in Purāṇic teaching as devotion and surrender—when detailed accounting of every sin and expiation becomes too vast for ordinary capacity.
The verse points to dharma-śāstra style classification (a practical, rule-based approach) rather than a specific Vedāṅga; it implies the need for disciplined interpretation and application of ethical rules in conduct and governance.