Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 83
त्वं राजा शिबिका चेयं वयं वाहाः पुरः सराः । अयं च भवतो लोको न सदेतन्नृपोच्यते ॥ ८३ ॥
tvaṃ rājā śibikā ceyaṃ vayaṃ vāhāḥ puraḥ sarāḥ | ayaṃ ca bhavato loko na sadetannṛpocyate || 83 ||
«Ты — царь; это — паланкин; мы — носильщики, идущие впереди и несущие его. Но твое “царство” не есть подлинная реальность; потому в высшем смысле ты не называешься царем».
Unspecified (didactic dialogue within Moksha-dharma context; likely a wise instructor addressing a ruler)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It dismantles ego based on social role—“king” is a convention sustained by attendants and symbols, not an ultimate reality—pointing the seeker toward truth (sat) and self-knowledge rather than status.
By exposing the fragility of worldly identity, it encourages humility and surrender—key foundations for Vishnu-bhakti—where one’s real refuge is the Lord, not power, titles, or public honor.
Primarily Vyākaraṇa/semantic discernment: the verse distinguishes between a mere label (“nṛpa/king” as a word used in society) and what is truly ‘sat’—a practical lesson in precise meaning and right understanding.