Shloka 69
Nārada’s Instructions: Śrāddha, True Dharma, Contentment, Yoga, and Devotion-Centered Renunciation
अहं पुराभवं कश्चिद्गन्धर्व उपबर्हण: । नाम्नातीते महाकल्पे गन्धर्वाणां सुसम्मत: ॥ ६९ ॥
ahaṁ purābhavaṁ kaścid gandharva upabarhaṇaḥ nāmnātīte mahā-kalpe gandharvāṇāṁ susammataḥ
В далёком прошлом, в иной маха-кальпе, я существовал как гандхарва по имени Упабархана. Среди гандхарвов меня очень почитали.
Śrīla Nārada Muni is giving a practical example from his past life. Formerly, during the previous lifetime of Lord Brahmā, Nārada Muni was one of the denizens of Gandharvaloka, but unfortunately, as will be explained, he fell from his exalted position in Gandharvaloka, where the inhabitants are extremely beautiful and expert in singing, to become a śūdra. Nonetheless, because of his association with devotees, he became more fortunate than he was in Gandharvaloka. Even though cursed by the prajāpatis to become a śūdra, in his next life he became the son of Lord Brahmā.
FAQs
Upabarhaṇa is the name Nārada Muni gives for his former identity as a Gandharva, a celestial musician, who was once highly respected among the Gandharvas.
Nārada recounts his past to teach humility and to show that spiritual advancement is possible regardless of one’s prior position—worldly honor can change, but devotion and right conduct are essential.
Do not rely on status or reputation; use your talents and position in a way that supports devotion, purity, and service, knowing life circumstances can change but spiritual character endures.