Shloka 7
Hari-Pūjā: Puruṣa-sūkta, Bhakti-Supremacy, and Consequences of Neglect
वर्णाश्रमाचारवता पुरुषेण परः पुमान् / विष्णुराराध्यते पन्था नान्यस्तत्तोषकारकः
varṇāśramācāravatā puruṣeṇa paraḥ pumān / viṣṇurārādhyate panthā nānyastattoṣakārakaḥ
वर्णाश्रमाचारवता पुरुषेण परः पुमान्। विष्णुराराध्यते पन्था नान्यस्तत्तोषकारकः॥
Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue with Garuḍa/Vinātā-putra)
Concept: Varṇāśrama-ācāra, rightly lived, is itself a path of Viṣṇu-ārādhana; no alternative path pleases Him if it bypasses disciplined dharma.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-yoga orientation: prescribed duties offered to the Supreme Person; harmony of dharma and bhakti.
Application: Align daily roles and responsibilities with ethical discipline; offer work as worship (īśvara-arpana-buddhi) and avoid compartmentalizing devotion from conduct.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: sections praising varṇāśrama as stabilizing dharma and enabling devotion; Garuda Purana: teachings that right conduct supports successful worship and post-death welfare
FAQs
This verse presents varṇāśrama-based right conduct as a direct and valid means of worship, stating that it is a primary way to please Lord Viṣṇu.
Yes. It frames disciplined living according to one’s life-stage and social duty as the “panthāḥ” (means) by which Viṣṇu is properly propitiated, emphasizing inner alignment through dharma rather than alternative substitutes.
Perform your responsibilities ethically (family, work, study, service) with integrity and devotion, treating daily duty as worship—rather than separating spirituality from conduct.