Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 76
Dhvaja-Dhāraṇa Mahātmyam: Sumati–Satyamatī, Humility, and Deliverance by Hari’s Messengers
जलसेचनकर्त्तारौ दीपदौ हरिमन्दिरे । कथमेतौ महाभागौ यातनाभोगमर्हथ ॥ ७६ ॥
jalasecanakarttārau dīpadau harimandire | kathametau mahābhāgau yātanābhogamarhatha || 76 ||
हरिमन्दिरे जलसेचनदीपदानकर्त्तारौ एतौ महाभागौ कथं यातनाभोगमर्हथः ॥
Sage Narada (questioning, within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
The verse highlights that sincere temple service to Hari—such as watering/cleansing acts and lamp-offering—is a highly meritorious bhakti-karma, raising the question of how such devotees could be destined for punitive suffering.
It presents simple, embodied devotion—serving in Hari’s temple through dīpa-dāna and jalasevā—as a direct expression of bhakti whose spiritual power is understood to counteract or outweigh sinful reactions.
Ritual practicality is implied: proper temple upacāra (offerings like lamps) and śauca-related service (water-sprinkling/cleaning) reflect applied kalpa-style discipline (procedural conduct) rather than a technical Vedanga lesson.