Shloka 3
Viṣṇor Māhātmya and Indriya-saṃyama (विष्णोर्माहात्म्यं तथा इन्द्रियसंयमः)
नारद उवाच राष्ट्रे धर्मोत्तरे श्रेष्ठे विदर्भेष्वभवद् द्विज: । उज्छवृत्तिऋषि: कश्निद् यज्ञ यछ्ं समादधे
nārada uvāca | rāṣṭre dharmottare śreṣṭhe vidarbheṣv abhavad dvijaḥ | ucchavṛttiṛṣiḥ kaścid yajñaṃ yaṣṭuṃ samādadhe ||
Wika ni Narada: Sa marangal na lupain ng Vidarbha, kung saan ang dharma ang nangingibabaw, may isang brahmin na rishi na naninirahan. Nabubuhay siya sa pamumulot—pagtipon ng mga butil na nagkalat sa mga bukiring inani na at sa mga bilihan ng palay. Minsan, nagpasiya siyang magsagawa ng isang handog na ritwal (yajña).
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds an ethical ideal: even in poverty, a sage maintains integrity through a non-exploitative livelihood (gleaning what is left) and still aspires to uphold dharma through yajña. It links a righteous society (where dharma is foremost) with individuals who practice restraint and duty.
Narada begins a story set in Vidarbha. He introduces a brahmin rishi who lives by gleaning leftover grains from harvested fields and threshing-floors. The rishi then forms the intention to perform a yajña, setting the stage for the events that follow.