Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 46

Hari-nāma Mahimā and Caraṇāmṛta: The Redemption of the Hunter Gulika

Uttaṅka Itihāsa

Devanagari script

वृथैव व्याकुला लोका धनादानां सदार्जने ॥ ४६ ॥

Transliteration

vṛthaiva vyākulā lokā dhanādānāṃ sadārjane || 46 ||

Translation

Con người xao động một cách uổng công, mãi mãi bận rộn với việc kiếm chác tiền của và tích lũy sở hữu.

Word by Word

• vṛthā: in vain
• vṛthā: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: vṛthā (अव्यय)
• Form: Avyaya; adverb (क्रियाविशेषण) ‘in vain’

• eva: indeed/only
• eva: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: eva (अव्यय)
• Form: Avyaya; emphatic particle (निपात)

• vyākulāḥ: agitated/anxious
• vyākulāḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: vyākula (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṃliṅga, Prathamā-vibhakti (Nom/1st), Bahu-vacana (plural) qualifying lokāḥ

• lokāḥ: people/worldly folk
• lokāḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: loka (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Puṃliṅga, Prathamā-vibhakti (Nom/1st), Bahu-vacana (plural)

• dhana-ādānām: of acquiring wealth
• dhana-ādānām: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Noun
• Root: dhana (प्रातिपदिक) + ādāna (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Tatpuruṣa ‘taking/receiving wealth’; Napumsaka-liṅga, Ṣaṣṭhī-vibhakti (Genitive/6th), Bahu-vacana (plural) dependent on arjane (‘in the acquiring of…’)

• sadā: always
• sadā: Adhikaraṇa (अधिकरण)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: sadā (अव्यय)
• Form: Avyaya; adverb of time (कालवाचक) ‘always’

• arjane: in earning/acquiring
• arjane: Adhikaraṇa (अधिकरण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: arjana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Napumsaka-liṅga, Saptamī-vibhakti (Locative/7th), Eka-vacana (singular)

Speaker

Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada, within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue framework)

Vrata Kalpa

Vrata: none

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: karuna

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in Narada Purana?

It warns that obsessive pursuit of wealth creates needless mental disturbance; the Purana points the seeker toward dharma, inner discipline, and liberation-oriented living rather than endless accumulation.

How does this verse explain the path of devotion (Bhakti)?

By exposing the futility of constant acquisition, it implicitly redirects attention to steadiness of mind and remembrance of the Lord—conditions that support Vishnu-bhakti over restless worldly striving.

What practical Vedic knowledge (Vedanga) is highlighted here?

No specific Vedanga technique is taught in this line; the practical takeaway is ethical discernment (dharma-guided artha) and mental restraint, which are foundational for any scriptural practice, including mantra, ritual, and study.