Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 42
The Origin of the Gaṅgā and the Gods’ Defeat Caused by Bali
ये शरीरमुपेक्षन्ते ते स्युरात्मविघातिनः । सुखं त्वं तिष्ट सुभगे पुत्रानस्मान्न खेदय ॥ ४२ ॥
ye śarīramupekṣante te syurātmavighātinaḥ | sukhaṃ tvaṃ tiṣṭa subhage putrānasmānna khedaya || 42 ||
جو جسم کو نظرانداز کرتے ہیں وہ اپنے ہی نفس کے قاتل ہوتے ہیں۔ پس اے نیک بخت! آرام سے رہو؛ ہمیں، اپنے بیٹوں کو، رنجیدہ نہ کرو۔
Unspecified (a son addressing his mother, within the narrative frame)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: karuna (compassion)
Secondary Rasa: shanta (peace)
FAQs
It teaches that neglecting the body is a form of self-injury, because the body is the instrument for dharma, japa, vrata, and bhakti; steadiness and self-care support spiritual progress.
Bhakti requires a stable body and mind for hearing, chanting, worship, and vows; the verse implies that excessive despair or bodily neglect undermines sustained devotion and service.
A practical takeaway aligns with Kalpa (right conduct/discipline): maintaining bodily wellbeing and composure as part of proper daily observance, enabling regular ritual and devotional duties.