Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 38
Sṛṣṭi-pralaya-kathana: Mahābhūta-guṇāḥ, Vṛkṣa-indriya-vādaḥ, Prāṇa-vāyu-vyavasthā
भरद्वाज उवाच । पुष्करो यदि संभूतो ज्येष्ठं भवति पुष्करम् । ब्रह्माणं पूर्वजं चाह भवान्संदेह एव मे ॥ ३८ ॥
bharadvāja uvāca | puṣkaro yadi saṃbhūto jyeṣṭhaṃ bhavati puṣkaram | brahmāṇaṃ pūrvajaṃ cāha bhavānsaṃdeha eva me || 38 ||
بھردواج نے کہا—اگر پُشکر پیدا ہوا ہے تو وہی پُشکر سب سے بڑا پُشکر کیسے کہلا سکتا ہے؟ اور آپ برہما کو بھی پہلے جنما ہوا کہتے ہیں؛ یہی میرا شک ہے۔
Bharadvaja
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It models the dharmic method of inquiry: a seeker openly states a logical doubt about creation-order and asks for clarification, preparing the ground for right understanding (jñāna) that supports mokṣa.
Indirectly: sincere bhakti is strengthened by removing confusion. By respectfully questioning apparent contradictions, the listener becomes fit to receive a clearer teaching that can later be anchored in devotion to the Supreme.
The verse highlights the discipline of precise meaning and logical consistency (aligned with Vyākaraṇa/Nirukta-style clarity): terms like 'jyeṣṭha' (eldest) and 'pūrvaja' (earlier-born) must be reconciled in context.