Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 94
The Greatness of the Gaṅgā (Gaṅgā-māhātmya): Saudāsa/Kalmāṣapāda’s Curse and Release
पिता च धर्मवक्ता च विशेषगुरवः स्मृताः । एतेषामपि भूपाल श्रृणुष्व प्रवरं गुरुम् ॥ ९४ ॥
pitā ca dharmavaktā ca viśeṣaguravaḥ smṛtāḥ | eteṣāmapi bhūpāla śrṛṇuṣva pravaraṃ gurum || 94 ||
Cha và bậc thuyết giảng Dharma được ghi nhớ là những loại guru đặc biệt. Nhưng, ôi Đại vương, xin hãy nghe về vị guru tối thượng, ngay cả trong số ấy.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada, addressed as a kingly/protective epithet 'bhūpāla')
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It distinguishes respected worldly instructors (father and dharma-teacher) from the “most excellent” guru—implying a highest spiritual guide who leads one beyond duty into liberating realization.
By pointing to a “supreme” guru beyond ordinary authorities, the verse supports the bhakti principle that one needs a realized preceptor who can direct devotion toward the Highest (ultimately Vishnu) rather than merely teach social or ritual duty.
The verse emphasizes dharma-vākya (authoritative instruction in dharma) rather than a specific Vedanga; practically, it underscores the role of śāstric teaching and disciplined listening (śravaṇa) as the method for receiving valid guidance.