Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 88
गङ्गामाहात्म्य — The Greatness of the Gaṅgā
अल्पैरहोभिरेवैते नाशमेष्यन्ति सागराः । इत्युक्ते मुनिना तेन कपिलेन महात्मना । प्रणम्य तं यथान्यायं गता नाकं दिवौकसः ॥ ८८ ॥
alpairahobhirevaite nāśameṣyanti sāgarāḥ | ityukte muninā tena kapilena mahātmanā | praṇamya taṃ yathānyāyaṃ gatā nākaṃ divaukasaḥ || 88 ||
மகாத்ம முனி கபிலர்—“சில நாட்களிலேயே இச் சமுத்திரங்கள் அழிவுறும்” என்று உரைத்தார். அதை கேட்ட தேவர்கள் முறையாக வணங்கி ஸ்வர்க்கம் சென்றனர்।
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing Kapila’s statement and the devas’ response)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It highlights the authority of realized sages like Kapila: when a mahātmā speaks, even the devas accept it, respond with reverence, and act accordingly—showing dharma as humility before spiritual wisdom.
Though not a direct bhakti instruction, it models a core bhakti attitude—praṇāma (reverent surrender) and honoring the saintly—an essential support for Vishnu-bhakti and Purāṇic devotion.
The verse emphasizes yathā-nyāya (proper procedure/etiquette), aligning with dharma-śāstra conduct rather than a technical Vedāṅga; the practical takeaway is disciplined, rule-based respectful behavior toward teachers and sages.