Shloka 15
Nārada’s Protection of Kayādhu and Prahlāda’s Womb-Instructions: Ātma-tattva and the Path of Bhakti
ऋषि: कारुणिकस्तस्या: प्रादादुभयमीश्वर: । धर्मस्य तत्त्वं ज्ञानं च मामप्युद्दिश्य निर्मलम् ॥ १५ ॥
ṛṣiḥ kāruṇikas tasyāḥ prādād ubhayam īśvaraḥ dharmasya tattvaṁ jñānaṁ ca mām apy uddiśya nirmalam
கருணைமிகு நாரத முனிவர், தெய்வீக நிலையிலிருந்து, சேவையில் ஈடுபட்ட என் தாய்க்கும் கர்ப்பத்தில் இருந்த எனக்குமாக, தர்மத்தின் தத்துவத்தையும் மாசற்ற ஆன்மிக ஞானத்தையும் இரண்டையும் உபதேசித்தார்।
Here it is said, dharmasya tattvaṁ jñānaṁ ca … nirmalam. The word nirmalam refers to spotless dharma, spotless religion — or, in other words, bhāgavata-dharma. Ordinary ritualistic activities constitute contaminated religion, by which one benefits by developing material wealth and prosperity, but uncontaminated, pure religion consists of understanding one’s relationship with God and acting accordingly, thus fulfilling the highest mission of life and returning home, back to Godhead. Prahlāda Mahārāja advised that one elevate oneself to the standard of bhāgavata-dharma from the very beginning of life ( kaumāra ācaret prājño dharmān bhāgavatān iha ). The Lord Himself also speaks of pure, uncontaminated religion when He says, sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja: “Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me.” ( Bg. 18.66 ) One must understand one’s relationship with God and then act accordingly. This is bhāgavata-dharma. Bhāgavata-dharma means bhakti-yoga.
FAQs
This verse states that Nārada Muni gave Kayādhu the truth of dharma and pure knowledge, and Prahlāda says it was also meant for him—indicating that divine instruction can be received even in the womb.
Kayādhu was protected and consoled by the compassionate sage; he instructed her in dharma and pure knowledge, with the higher purpose that her child Prahlāda would also receive those teachings.
Seek guidance from saintly teachers, learn the essence of dharma, and cultivate clarity of purpose—knowledge that purifies motives and turns life toward devotion and spiritual integrity.