Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 4
Mārkaṇḍeya-varṇanam
The Description of Mārkaṇḍeya
तपसोऽन्ते मृकण्डुस्तु भार्यामुद्वाह्य सत्तमः । गार्हस्थ्यमकरोद्धृष्टः शान्तो दान्तः कृतार्थकः ॥ ४ ॥
tapaso'nte mṛkaṇḍustu bhāryāmudvāhya sattamaḥ | gārhasthyamakaroddhṛṣṭaḥ śānto dāntaḥ kṛtārthakaḥ || 4 ||
तपसः परिसमाप्तौ मृकण्डुः सत्तमः ऋषिः भार्यामुद्वाह्य हृष्टः शान्तो दान्तः कृतार्थकश्च सन् गार्हस्थ्याश्रमं प्रविवेश ॥ ४ ॥
Narada (narration within the Purana’s dialogue frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It presents the Vedic ideal that spiritual attainment is not limited to renunciation: after completing tapas, one may enter gṛhastha-āśrama while remaining peaceful (śānta) and self-controlled (dānta), thereby fulfilling dharma without losing inner discipline.
While bhakti is not named directly here, the verse establishes the foundation for devotional life in the home: steadiness, restraint, and tranquility make household duties offerings aligned with dharma—an essential mood for later Vishnu-bhakti practice in the Purana.
The verse chiefly highlights āśrama-dharma (practical conduct). Indirectly, it implies correct performance of gṛhastha rites (saṃskāras and daily rituals), which rely on Vedāṅga supports such as Kalpa (ritual procedure) and Vyākaraṇa (correct recitation and usage).