Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 88
गङ्गामाहात्म्य — The Greatness of the Gaṅgā
अल्पैरहोभिरेवैते नाशमेष्यन्ति सागराः । इत्युक्ते मुनिना तेन कपिलेन महात्मना । प्रणम्य तं यथान्यायं गता नाकं दिवौकसः ॥ ८८ ॥
alpairahobhirevaite nāśameṣyanti sāgarāḥ | ityukte muninā tena kapilena mahātmanā | praṇamya taṃ yathānyāyaṃ gatā nākaṃ divaukasaḥ || 88 ||
Khi bậc đại thánh Kapila, tâm hồn cao cả, đã tuyên bố: “Chỉ trong ít ngày nữa, các đại dương này sẽ đi đến chỗ diệt vong,” chư thiên nơi cõi trời liền cung kính đảnh lễ đúng phép rồi trở về Svarga.
Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing Kapila’s statement and the devas’ response)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It highlights the authority of realized sages like Kapila: when a mahātmā speaks, even the devas accept it, respond with reverence, and act accordingly—showing dharma as humility before spiritual wisdom.
Though not a direct bhakti instruction, it models a core bhakti attitude—praṇāma (reverent surrender) and honoring the saintly—an essential support for Vishnu-bhakti and Purāṇic devotion.
The verse emphasizes yathā-nyāya (proper procedure/etiquette), aligning with dharma-śāstra conduct rather than a technical Vedāṅga; the practical takeaway is disciplined, rule-based respectful behavior toward teachers and sages.