Shloka 44
Mohinī-prashna
The Question about Mohinī
स्वकं कर्म परित्यज्य योऽन्यत्र कुरुते श्रमम् । अज्ञानाद्वा प्रमादाच्च पतितः स न संशयः ॥ ४४ ॥
svakaṃ karma parityajya yo'nyatra kurute śramam | ajñānādvā pramādācca patitaḥ sa na saṃśayaḥ || 44 ||
جو اپنا مقررہ فرض چھوڑ کر کہیں اور مشقت کرتا ہے—خواہ جہالت سے یا غفلت سے—وہ گرا ہوا (پتیت) ہے؛ اس میں کوئی شک نہیں۔
Suta (narrating the teaching as part of the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: raudra
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It teaches that spiritual progress depends on fidelity to one’s rightful dharma (svakarma/svadharma); substituting it with unrelated exertions—through ignorance or carelessness—constitutes a fall from the path of righteousness.
Bhakti in the Narada Purana is not mere emotion; it is disciplined devotion aligned with dharma. The verse warns that neglecting one’s proper duties while pursuing other practices undermines steadiness (niyama) that supports genuine Vishnu-bhakti.
It implies the need for correct adhikara (eligibility) and proper procedure in karma-kanda: one should know, through shastra-guided discernment, which rites/vows are appropriate to one’s station and avoid pramada (ritual negligence).