Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 49
Nārada Explains the Allegory of King Purañjana
Deha–Indriya–Manaḥ Mapping and the Remedy of Bhakti
आस्तीर्य दर्भै: प्रागग्रै: कार्त्स्न्येन क्षितिमण्डलम् । स्तब्धो बृहद्वधान्मानी कर्म नावैषि यत्परम् । तत्कर्म हरितोषं यत्सा विद्या तन्मतिर्यया ॥ ४९ ॥
āstīrya darbhaiḥ prāg-agraiḥ kārtsnyena kṣiti-maṇḍalam stabdho bṛhad-vadhān mānī karma nāvaiṣi yat param tat karma hari-toṣaṁ yat sā vidyā tan-matir yayā
大王啊，你仿佛以尖锐的库沙草遍覆大地，因祭祀中屠杀众多牲畜而自负；却不知至高之业为何。唯有能令哈利欢喜的行为才是正业；能引人升起克里希纳意识的，才是真正的学问与心志。
In this verse the great sage Nārada Muni directly insults the King because he was engaged in performing sacrifices that entail the killing of a great number of animals. The King was thinking that he was great for having performed so many sacrifices, but the great sage Nārada directly chastises him, informing him that his animal-killing only leads to his being puffed up with false prestige. Actually, anything that is done which does not lead to Kṛṣṇa consciousness is a sinful activity, and any education that does not lead one to understand Kṛṣṇa is false education. If Kṛṣṇa consciousness is missing, one is simply engaged in false activities and false educational pursuits.
FAQs
This verse states that the supreme goal of karma is Hari-toṣaṇam—actions meant to please Lord Hari (Viṣṇu).
Because the king was absorbed in expansive rituals and pride; Nārada redirected him to the essence—devotional service that satisfies Hari, not mere grandeur of sacrifice.
Do your duties with the intention to please God—offer results, cultivate humility, and align work with bhakti practices like hearing, chanting, and serving devotees.