Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 21
The Greatness of Viṣṇu
Viṣṇor Māhātmya
सर्वात्मना महापुण्यं नरेश विदितं च यत् । तद् ब्रूहि मे गुह्यतमं प्रीतिर्मयि तवास्ति चेत् ॥ २१ ॥
sarvātmanā mahāpuṇyaṃ nareśa viditaṃ ca yat | tad brūhi me guhyatamaṃ prītirmayi tavāsti cet || 21 ||
大王啊，你以全身全心所知的至大功德之真理，请对我宣说；若你确对我怀有慈爱，就请开示那最为隐秘的教诲。
A petitioner/sage addressing the King (Nāreśa) within the Narada Purana dialogue frame
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It emphasizes that the highest instruction is both supremely meritorious and confidential, and that it is to be shared only where there is genuine trust and heartfelt sincerity.
By making affection (prīti) and sincerity (sarvātmanā) the condition for receiving or transmitting the “most secret” teaching, the verse reflects bhakti’s core principle: spiritual truths mature in a relationship of trust, reverence, and loving intent.
No specific Vedāṅga (like Śikṣā, Vyākaraṇa, or Jyotiṣa) is taught in this verse; the practical takeaway is the rule of adhikāra—confidential teachings should be communicated only to a qualified, sincere recipient.