ŚrīmadBhāgavatam | Adhyayanam
Canto 01 | Chapter 06
Nārada Maharṣi's appearance
(The divine journey in which devotion blossomed through saintly association, culminated in the vision of the Lord, and led to the appearance of Nārada Maharṣi)
Chapter introduction
In Chapter 5, Nārada Maharṣi describes the saintly association, humble service, and beginning of devotion that he received in his previous birth. Chapter 6 carries that account further, explaining how that devotion matured and led to his appearance as Nārada Maharṣi. In this way, the narrative moves from the growth of devotion toward the vision of the Lord and divine transformation.
After the death of his mother, the young Nārada becomes free from worldly bonds and begins a solitary journey. Passing through forests, mountains, and riverbanks, he finally reaches a sacred place suited for meditation. There, his mind becomes steady in remembrance of the Lord, and his inner life enters a deeper direction.
In this chapter, the vision of the Lord stands as a central moment. The brief divine vision of ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa completely transforms Nārada’s heart. Though that vision does not appear again, the Lord’s words establish unwavering devotion, remembrance, and detachment within him. Thus, the vision does not remain merely an event, but becomes a divine experience that guides his whole life.
Finally, this chapter describes Nārada’s transformation from human birth to the state of Devarṣi. This narrative directly shows how devotion, remembrance, and the Lord’s grace can raise the living being to an exalted state. Therefore, Chapter 6 stands as the divine journey in which the maturity of devotion blossoms into the vision of the Lord and finally bears fruit as the appearance of Nārada Maharṣi.
Ślokapāṭham
(sūta uvāca)
evaṁ niśamya bhagavān devarṣer janma karma ca ।
bhūyaḥ papraccha taṁ brahman vyāsaḥ satyavatīsutaḥ ॥
॥ 01.06.01 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
(sūta uvāca)
evam niśamya bhagavān devarṣeḥ janma karma ca ।
bhūyaḥ papraccha tam brahman vyāsaḥ satyavatī sutaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sūta uvāca : Sūta Maharṣi said; evam : thus; niśamya : having heard; bhagavān : the venerable one; devarṣeḥ : of Devarṣi Nārada; janma : birth; karma : deeds; ca : and; bhūyaḥ : again; papraccha : asked; tam : him; brahman : O brāhmaṇa; vyāsaḥ : Vyāsa Maharṣi; satyavatī sutaḥ : the son of Satyavatī
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Sūta Maharṣi said: O brāhmaṇa, having thus heard of the birth and deeds of Devarṣi Nārada, Vyāsa Maharṣi, the son of Satyavatī, again questioned him.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Sūta Maharṣi continued narrating this account to Śaunaka and the assembled sages. After describing his previous birth and the spiritual transformation brought about by the Lord’s grace, Nārada Maharṣi had concluded an important part of his narrative. Vyāsa Maharṣi listened with great attention, yet his desire to understand more remained unsatisfied. Therefore, he began questioning Nārada Maharṣi again. Thus, their dialogue now enters a deeper stage that reveals further spiritual truths.
Ślokapāṭham
(vyāsa uvāca)
bhikṣubhir vipravasite vijñānādeṣṭṛbhis tava ।
vartamāno vayasy ādye tataḥ kim akarod bhavān ॥
॥ 01.06.02 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
(vyāsa uvāca)
bhikṣubhiḥ vipravasite vijñāna ādeṣṭṛbhiḥ tava ।
vartamānaḥ vayasi ādye tataḥ kim akarot bhavān ॥
Pada - Padārtham
vyāsa uvāca : Vyāsa Maharṣi said; bhikṣubhiḥ : by the ascetics; vipravasite : after they had departed; vijñāna ādeṣṭṛbhiḥ : by those who had instructed spiritual knowledge; tava : to you; vartamānaḥ : remaining; vayasi ādye : in early childhood; tataḥ : thereafter; kim : what; akarot : did; bhavān : you
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Vyāsa Maharṣi said: After those ascetics who instructed you in spiritual knowledge had departed, what did you do while you were still in early childhood?
Saraḷa Bhāvam
After hearing about the spiritual experiences Nārada Maharṣi received through saintly association in his childhood, Vyāsa Maharṣi became eager to know what happened next. In particular, he wished to understand how Nārada’s life continued after the great sages who had guided him on the path of devotion and spiritual wisdom had left. Therefore, he asks this question to learn about the next stage of Nārada Maharṣi’s journey.
Ślokapāṭham
svāyambhuva kayā vṛtyā vartitaṁ te paraṁ vayaḥ ।
kathaṁ ca idam udasrākṣīḥ kāle prāpte kalevaram ॥
॥ 01.06.03 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
svāyambhuva kayā vṛtyā vartitam te param vayaḥ ।
katham ca idam udasrākṣīḥ kāle prāpte kalevaram ॥
Pada - Padārtham
svāyambhuva : self obtained; kayā : by what; vṛtyā : mode of living; vartitam : was spent; te : your; param vayaḥ : later period of life; katham : how; ca : and; idam : this; udasrākṣīḥ : did you abandon; kāle prāpte : when the time arrived; kalevaram : body
Yathātatha Anuvādam
How was the later period of your life spent, and when the appointed time arrived, how did you abandon this body?
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Having heard about the events of Nārada Maharṣi’s childhood, Vyāsa Maharṣi now wishes to know how the rest of his life unfolded. He is also eager to understand how Nārada Maharṣi gave up his mortal body and attained the exalted state of Devarṣi. Therefore, he asks about both the course of his later life and the circumstances of his transformation.
Ślokapāṭham
prākkalpaviṣayām etāṁ smṛtiṁ te surasattama ।
na hyeṣa vyavadhāt kāla eṣa sarvanirākṛtiḥ ॥
॥ 01.06.04 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
prāk kalpa viṣayām etām smṛtim te surasattama ।
na hi eṣaḥ vyavadhāt kālaḥ eṣaḥ sarva nirākṛtiḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
prāk kalpa viṣayām : relating to a previous kalpa; etām : this; smṛtim : memory; te : from you; surasattama : O best among the divine sages; na hi : certainly not; eṣaḥ : this; vyavadhāt : has removed; kālaḥ : time; eṣaḥ : this; sarva nirākṛtiḥ : the dissolver of all things
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O best among the divine sages! This Time, which dissolves all things, has certainly not removed from you this memory relating to a previous kalpa.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Vyāsa Maharṣi asks this question with wonder. Ordinarily, memories of previous births and even previous kalpas are lost in the flow of time. Yet Nārada Maharṣi is able to recall such events clearly and in great detail. Therefore, Vyāsa Maharṣi wishes to understand how these memories have remained intact despite the power of time, which normally causes all such recollections to fade away.
Ślokapāṭham
(nārada uvāca)
bhikṣubhir vipravasite vijñānādeṣṭṛbhir mama ।
vartamāno vayasy ādye tata etad akāraṣam ॥
॥ 01.06.05 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
(nārada uvāca)
bhikṣubhiḥ vipravasite vijñāna ādeṣṭṛbhiḥ mama ।
vartamānaḥ vayasi ādye tataḥ etat akāraṣam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
nārada uvāca : Nārada Maharṣi said; bhikṣubhiḥ : by the ascetics; vipravasite : after they had departed; vijñāna ādeṣṭṛbhiḥ : by those who had instructed spiritual knowledge; mama : to me; vartamānaḥ : remaining; vayasi ādye : in early childhood; tataḥ : thereafter; etat : this; akāraṣam : I did
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Nārada Maharṣi said: After those ascetics who instructed me in spiritual knowledge had departed, while I was still in early childhood, I did the following.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Nārada Maharṣi now begins answering Vyāsa Maharṣi’s questions directly. Having described the saintly association that awakened devotion within him, he now turns to the events that followed. He is about to explain how his life unfolded after the departure of the great sages who had guided him on the path of bhakti and spiritual wisdom.
Ślokapāṭham
ekātmajā me jananī yoṣin mūḍhā ca kiṅkarī ।
mayy ātmaje’nanyagatau cakre snehānubandhanam ॥
॥ 01.06.06 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
eka ātmajaḥ me jananī yoṣit mūḍhā ca kiṅkarī ।
mayi ātmaje ananya gatau cakre sneha anubandhanam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
eka ātmajaḥ : only son; me : my; jananī : mother; yoṣit : woman; mūḍhā : lacking understanding; ca : and; kiṅkarī : maidservant; mayi : in me; ātmaje : in her son; ananya gatau : having no other shelter; cakre : formed; sneha anubandhanam : a bond of affection
Yathātatha Anuvādam
I was my mother’s only son. My mother was a maidservant and a woman of limited understanding. In me, her son, who had no other shelter, she formed a deep bond of affection.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Nārada Maharṣi describes the circumstances of his childhood. His mother was a simple maidservant, and he was her only child. Because she had no one else to depend upon and because he had no other protector, a strong bond of affection developed between them. Through this description, Nārada Maharṣi begins to explain the worldly situation in which his spiritual journey unfolded.
Ślokapāṭham
sā’svatantrā na kalpāsīt yogakṣemam mamecchatī ।
īśasya hi vaśe loko yoṣā dārumayī yathā ॥
॥ 01.06.07 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
sā asvatantrā na kalpā āsīt yogakṣemam mama icchatī ।
īśasya hi vaśe lokaḥ yoṣā dārumayī yathā ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sā : she; asvatantrā : not independent; na kalpā āsīt : was not capable; yogakṣemam : welfare and protection; mama : for me; icchatī : desiring; īśasya : of the Lord; hi : indeed; vaśe : under the control; lokaḥ : the world; yoṣā : a woman; dārumayī : made of wood; yathā : like
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Desiring my welfare and protection, she was not capable of acting independently. Indeed, this world is under the control of the Lord, just as a wooden puppet is under the control of its master.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Nārada Maharṣi explains that although his mother loved him deeply and desired his well being, she did not possess the power to control the course of events in life. Through this reflection, he points to a deeper truth: all living beings ultimately remain subject to the will of the Lord. Human affection, effort, and planning have their place, but they operate within the greater arrangement of divine providence.
Ślokapāṭham
ahaṁ ca tad brahmakule ūṣivāṁs tadapekṣayā ।
digdeśakālāvyutpanno bālakaḥ pañcahāyanaḥ ॥
॥ 01.06.08 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
aham ca tat brahmakule ūṣivān tat apekṣayā ।
dik deśa kāla avyutpannaḥ bālakaḥ pañca hāyanaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
aham : I; ca : and; tat brahmakule : in that brāhmaṇa household; ūṣivān : lived; tat apekṣayā : depending upon them; dik deśa kāla avyutpannaḥ : unaware of directions, places, and the ways of the world; bālakaḥ : a child; pañca hāyanaḥ : five years old
Yathātatha Anuvādam
And I lived in that brāhmaṇa household, depending entirely upon them. I was a five year old child, unaware of directions, places, and the ways of the world.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Nārada Maharṣi further describes his condition during childhood. At that time, he was only five years old and was living under the care of the brāhmaṇas. Being very young, he had little understanding of the world around him and depended completely upon those who looked after him. This highlights both his innocence and the humble circumstances from which his spiritual journey began.
Ślokapāṭham
ekadā nirgatāṁ gehāt duhantīṁ niśi gāṁ pathi ।
sarpo’daśat padā spṛṣṭaḥ kṛpaṇāṁ kālacoditaḥ ॥
॥ 01.06.09 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
ekadā nirgatām gehāt duhantīm niśi gām pathi ।
sarpaḥ adaśat padā spṛṣṭaḥ kṛpaṇām kāla coditaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
ekadā : once; nirgatām : having gone out; gehāt : from the house; duhantīm : going to milk; niśi : at night; gām : a cow; pathi : on the path; sarpaḥ : a serpent; adaśat : bit; padā spṛṣṭaḥ : having been touched by her foot; kṛpaṇām : unfortunate woman; kāla coditaḥ : impelled by Time
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Once, at night, when my unfortunate mother had gone out from the house to milk a cow, a serpent, impelled by Time and touched by her foot on the path, bit her.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
One night, Nārada Maharṣi’s mother went out to milk a cow as part of her usual duties. According to the arrangement of Time, a serpent bit her, and she passed away. From a worldly perspective, this was a tragic event, but Nārada Maharṣi later understood it as part of the Lord’s plan. With the bond to his mother removed, the path prepared for him by the Lord began to unfold more clearly.
Ślokapāṭham
tadā tad aham īśasya bhaktānāṁ śam abhīpsataḥ ।
anugrahaṁ manyamānaḥ prātiṣṭhaṁ diśam uttarām ॥
॥ 01.06.10 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tadā tat aham īśasya bhaktānām śam abhīpsataḥ ।
anugraham manyamānaḥ prātiṣṭham diśam uttarām ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tadā : then; tat : that; aham : I; īśasya : of the Lord; bhaktānām : for His devotees; śam abhīpsataḥ : desiring their welfare; anugraham : grace; manyamānaḥ : considering; prātiṣṭham : set out; diśam uttarām : toward the northern direction
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Then, considering that event to be the grace of the Lord, who desires the welfare of His devotees, I set out toward the northern direction.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Nārada Maharṣi did not view his mother’s death merely as a sorrowful event. Instead, he understood it as an act of divine grace from the Lord, who always seeks the ultimate welfare of His devotees. Accepting the situation in that spirit, he left behind his former circumstances and began his spiritual journey toward the north, guided by faith and devotion.
Ślokapāṭham
sphītān janapadāṁs tatra puragrāmavrajākarān ।
kheṭakharvaṭavāṭīś ca vanāny upavanāni ca ॥
॥ 01.06.11 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
sphītān janapadān tatra pura grāma vraja ākarān ।
kheṭa kharvaṭa vāṭīḥ ca vanāni upavanāni ca ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sphītān : prosperous; janapadān : settlements and regions; tatra : there; pura : cities; grāma : villages; vraja : cowherd settlements; ākarān : mines and centres of wealth; kheṭa : small hamlets; kharvaṭa : hill settlements; vāṭīḥ : gardens and groves; ca : and; vanāni : forests; upavanāni : pleasure gardens; ca : and
Yathātatha Anuvādam
There I passed through prosperous regions, cities, villages, cowherd settlements, centres of wealth, small hamlets, hill settlements, gardens, forests, and pleasure groves.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
As he travelled toward the north, Nārada Maharṣi passed through many different kinds of inhabited regions and beautiful natural surroundings. His journey took him through prosperous towns, villages, and pastoral communities, as well as forests and gardens. Gradually, this movement away from populated areas led him closer to the solitude and spiritual atmosphere that would support his deeper inner quest.
Ślokapāṭham
citradhātu vicitrādrīn ibhabhagnabhujadrumān ।
jalāśayān śivajalān nalinīḥ surasevitāḥ ॥
॥ 01.06.12 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
citra dhātu vicitra adrīn ibha bhagna bhuja drumān ।
jalāśayān śiva jalān nalinīḥ sura sevitāḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
citra dhātu : rich with various minerals; vicitra adrīn : wonderful mountains; ibha bhagna bhuja drumān : trees whose branches had been broken by elephants; jalāśayān : reservoirs and lakes; śiva jalān : possessing pure and auspicious waters; nalinīḥ : lotus filled lakes; sura sevitāḥ : frequented by the Devas
Yathātatha Anuvādam
I passed wonderful mountains rich with many minerals, trees whose branches had been broken by elephants, reservoirs filled with pure waters, and lotus filled lakes frequented by the Devas.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
As Nārada Maharṣi continued his journey, he beheld many scenes of natural beauty and grandeur. Majestic mountains, great trees, pure bodies of water, and lotus covered lakes appeared along his path. These serene and sacred surroundings deepened the contemplative atmosphere of his travels and prepared his mind for the spiritual experiences that lay ahead.
Ślokapāṭham
citrasvanaiḥ patrarathaiḥ vibhramad bhramaraśriyaḥ ।
nalaveṇuśarastamba kuśakīcakagahvaram ॥
॥ 01.06.13 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
citra svanaiḥ patra rathaiḥ vibhramat bhramara śriyaḥ ।
nala veṇu śara stamba kuśa kīcaka gahvaram ॥
Pada - Padārtham
citra svanaiḥ : with various melodious sounds; patra rathaiḥ : by birds; vibhramat bhramara śriyaḥ : adorned by the beauty of wandering bees; nala : reeds; veṇu : bamboo; śara : rushes; stamba : dense thickets; kuśa : kuśa grass; kīcaka : bamboo like plants; gahvaram : dense and secluded region
Yathātatha Anuvādam
I passed through a dense region filled with reeds, bamboo, rushes, thickets, kuśa grass, and bamboo like plants, beautified by wandering bees and resonant with the varied songs of birds.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
The regions through which Nārada Maharṣi travelled were rich in natural beauty. The songs of birds, the movement of bees, and the abundance of dense vegetation created a peaceful and secluded environment. As he journeyed farther from human settlements, the surroundings gradually became more solitary, preparing him for the deep meditation that would soon follow.
Ślokapāṭham
eka evātiyāto’haṁ adrākṣaṁ vipinaṁ mahat ।
ghoraṁ pratibhayākāraṁ vyālolūkaśivājiram ॥
॥ 01.06.14 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
ekaḥ eva atiyātaḥ aham adrākṣam vipinam mahat ।
ghoram pratibhaya ākāram vyāla ulūka śivā ajiram ॥
Pada - Padārtham
ekaḥ : alone; eva : indeed; atiyātaḥ : having proceeded further; aham : I; adrākṣam : saw; vipinam : forest; mahat : vast; ghoram : terrifying; pratibhaya ākāram : having a fearsome appearance; vyāla : wild beasts; ulūka : owls; śivā : jackals; ajiram : roaming place
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Proceeding alone, I saw a vast forest, terrifying in appearance, frequented by wild beasts, owls, and jackals.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Continuing his journey toward the north, Nārada Maharṣi eventually reached a vast and frightening wilderness. The presence of wild animals, owls, and jackals made the forest appear dangerous and forbidding. Yet he did not turn back. With determination and trust in the Lord, he continued onward, undeterred by the difficulties that lay before him.
Ślokapāṭham
pariśrāntendriyātmāhaṁ tṛṭparīto bubhukṣitaḥ ।
snātvā pītvā hrade nadyā upaspṛṣṭo gataśramaḥ ॥
॥ 01.06.15 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
pariśrānta indriya ātmā aham tṛṭ parītaḥ bubhukṣitaḥ ।
snātvā pītvā hrade nadyāḥ upaspṛṣṭaḥ gata śramaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
pariśrānta indriya ātmā : with body and senses exhausted; aham : I; tṛṭ parītaḥ : afflicted by thirst; bubhukṣitaḥ : hungry; snātvā : having bathed; pītvā : having drunk; hrade : in a lake; nadyāḥ : belonging to a river; upaspṛṣṭaḥ : having performed ācamana; gata śramaḥ : freed from fatigue
Yathātatha Anuvādam
My body and senses exhausted, afflicted by thirst and hunger, I bathed in a lake connected with a river, drank water, performed ācamana, and became free from fatigue.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Because of his long journey, Nārada Maharṣi had become physically exhausted. Troubled by thirst and hunger, he came upon a lake connected to a river. There he bathed, drank water, and purified himself through ācamana. As a result, his fatigue subsided and both body and mind became refreshed. This restoration prepared him for the deep meditation that was soon to follow in a secluded place.
Ślokapāṭham
tasmin nirmanuje’raṇye pippalopastha āśritaḥ ।
ātmanā’tmānam ātmasthaṁ yathāśrutam acintayam ॥
॥ 01.06.16 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
tasmin nir manuje araṇye pippala upasthe āśritaḥ ।
ātmanā ātmānam ātmastham yathā śrutam acintayam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
tasmin : in that; nir manuje : devoid of human beings; araṇye : forest; pippala upasthe : beneath a pippala tree; āśritaḥ : taking shelter; ātmanā : with the mind; ātmānam : the Supreme Self; ātmastham : situated within the heart; yathā śrutam : as I had heard; acintayam : I meditated upon
Yathātatha Anuvādam
In that forest devoid of human beings, taking shelter beneath a pippala tree, I meditated with my mind upon the Supreme Self situated within the heart, exactly as I had heard from the sages.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Seated beneath a pippala tree in a solitary forest, Nārada Maharṣi entered into meditation. Remembering the instructions he had received from the saintly devotees, he withdrew his attention from the external world and focused entirely upon ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa dwelling within his heart. In this way, his spiritual practice began to mature into direct inner realization.
Ślokapāṭham
dhyāyataś caraṇāmbhojaṁ bhāvanirjitacetasā ।
autkaṇṭhyāśrukalākṣasya hṛdy āsīn me śanair hariḥ ॥
॥ 01.06.17 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
dhyāyataḥ caraṇa ambhojam bhāva nirjita cetasā ।
autkaṇṭhyā aśru kala akṣasya hṛdi āsīt me śanaiḥ hariḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
dhyāyataḥ : while meditating; caraṇa ambhojam : the lotus feet; bhāva nirjita cetasā : with a mind overcome by devotional feeling; autkaṇṭhyā : with intense longing; aśru kala akṣasya : whose eyes were filled with tears; hṛdi : within the heart; āsīt : appeared; me : to me; śanaiḥ : gradually; hariḥ : ŚrīHari
Yathātatha Anuvādam
While I was meditating upon the lotus feet of ŚrīHari with a mind overwhelmed by devotional feeling, and with eyes filled with tears of intense longing, ŚrīHari gradually appeared within my heart.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Absorbed in meditation upon the lotus feet of ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa, Nārada Maharṣi’s heart became filled with intense longing for the Lord. His devotion was so deep that tears flowed from his eyes. In response to that pure and earnest devotion, ŚrīHari gradually revealed His divine presence within Nārada Maharṣi’s heart. This marks the beginning of the direct spiritual experience that he had longed for.
Ślokapāṭham
premātibharanirbhinna pulakāṅgo’tinirvṛtaḥ ।
ānandasamplave līno nāpaśyam ubhayaṁ mune ॥
॥ 01.06.18 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
prema atibhara nirbhinna pulaka aṅgaḥ ati nirvṛtaḥ ।
ānanda samplave līnaḥ na apaśyam ubhayam mune ॥
Pada - Padārtham
prema : love; atibhara : overwhelming intensity; nirbhinna : completely overwhelmed; pulaka aṅgaḥ : having a body thrilled with ecstasy; ati nirvṛtaḥ : supremely satisfied; ānanda samplave : in a flood of bliss; līnaḥ : absorbed; na : not; apaśyam : I saw; ubhayam : either of the two; mune : O sage
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O sage, overwhelmed by an abundance of love, with my body thrilled in ecstasy, fully satisfied, and absorbed in a flood of bliss, I could not perceive either of the two.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
At the moment of beholding the Lord, Nārada Maharṣi’s heart became filled with immeasurable love and bliss. His entire being responded with spiritual ecstasy, and he became completely absorbed in that divine experience. So profound was this state that he could no longer clearly distinguish either himself or even the form of the Lord before him, being wholly immersed in transcendental joy.
Ślokapāṭham
rūpaṁ bhagavato yat tat manaḥkāntaṁ śucāpaham ।
apaśyan sahasottasthe vaiklavyād durmanā iva ॥
॥ 01.06.19 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
rūpam bhagavataḥ yat tat manaḥ kāntam śucā apaham ।
apaśyan sahasā uttasthe vaiklavyāt durmanāḥ iva ॥
Pada - Padārtham
rūpam : form; bhagavataḥ : of the Lord; yat tat : that which; manaḥ kāntam : captivating to the mind; śucā apaham : removing sorrow; apaśyan : not seeing; sahasā : suddenly; uttasthe : I arose; vaiklavyāt : because of distress and agitation; durmanāḥ : sorrowful; iva : as if
Yathātatha Anuvādam
No longer seeing that form of the Lord, which captivated the mind and removed all sorrow, I suddenly arose, distressed and sorrowful.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
After experiencing the joy of beholding the Lord, Nārada Maharṣi suddenly found that the divine form was no longer visible. The vision that had filled his heart with bliss and removed all sorrow disappeared from his sight. Overcome with longing and separation, he became deeply agitated and rose at once, yearning to behold ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa again.
Ślokapāṭham
didṛkṣus tad ahaṁ bhūyaḥ praṇidhāya mano hṛdi ।
vīkṣamāṇo’pi nāpaśyam avitṛptaḥ ivāturaḥ ॥
॥ 01.06.20 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
didṛkṣuḥ tat aham bhūyaḥ praṇidhāya manaḥ hṛdi ।
vīkṣamāṇaḥ api na apaśyam avitṛptaḥ iva āturaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
didṛkṣuḥ : desiring to see; tat : that form; aham : I; bhūyaḥ : again; praṇidhāya : fixing steadily; manaḥ : the mind; hṛdi : in the heart; vīkṣamāṇaḥ : looking; api : although; na apaśyam : I did not see; avitṛptaḥ : unsatisfied; iva : like; āturaḥ : one filled with longing
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Desiring to see that form again, I fixed my mind steadily within the heart and looked, yet I could not see it, remaining unsatisfied and filled with longing.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
With an intense desire to behold the Lord once more, Nārada Maharṣi concentrated his mind even more deeply in meditation. Yet the divine form did not appear again. Instead of diminishing, his longing for the Lord grew stronger, and his heart became filled with profound yearning. This separation deepened his devotion and intensified his desire for the Lord’s presence.
Ślokapāṭham
evaṁ yatantaṁ vijane mām āhāgocaro girām ।
gambhīraślakṣṇayā vācā śucaḥ praśamayann iva ॥
॥ 01.06.21 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
evam yatantam vijane mām āha agocaraḥ girām ।
gambhīra ślakṣṇayā vācā śucaḥ praśamayan iva ॥
Pada - Padārtham
evam : thus; yatantam : striving; vijane : in a solitary place; mām : to me; āha : spoke; agocaraḥ girām : He who is beyond the reach of words; gambhīra ślakṣṇayā : with grave and gentle; vācā : speech; śucaḥ : sorrows; praśamayan : pacifying; iva : as if
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Thus, while I was striving in solitude, the Lord, who is beyond the reach of words, spoke to me with grave and gentle speech, as if pacifying my sorrows.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Seeing Nārada Maharṣi’s intense longing to behold Him again, ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa bestowed His compassion upon him. Although the Lord did not reappear in visible form, He spoke through a divine voice that was at once profound and gentle. Through those words, He began to soothe Nārada Maharṣi’s sorrow and guide him toward a deeper understanding of the spiritual path.
Ślokapāṭham
hantāsmin janmani bhavān mā māṁ draṣṭum ihārhati ।
avipakvakaṣāyāṇāṁ durdarśo’haṁ kuyoginām ॥
॥ 01.06.22 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
hanta asmin janmani bhavān mā mām draṣṭum iha arhati ।
avipakva kaṣāyāṇām durdarśaḥ aham ku yoginām ॥
Pada - Padārtham
hanta : alas; asmin janmani : in this birth; bhavān : you; mā : not; mām : Me; draṣṭum : to see; iha : here; arhati : are fit; avipakva kaṣāyāṇām : for those whose subtle impurities have not yet fully matured and disappeared; durdarśaḥ : difficult to behold; aham : I; ku yoginām : for imperfect yogīs
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Alas, in this birth you are not fit to behold Me here again. For those imperfect yogīs whose subtle impurities have not yet been completely removed, I am difficult to see.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa now reveals an important spiritual truth to Nārada Maharṣi. Although he had made great progress in devotion, the complete and permanent vision of the Lord is not easily attained until even the subtlest traces of material conditioning have been fully removed. Through these words, the Lord teaches that spiritual realization unfolds according to divine grace and the gradual purification of the heart.
Ślokapāṭham
sakṛd yad darśitaṁ rūpam etat kāmāya te’nagha ।
matkāmaḥ śanakaiḥ sādho sarvān muñcati hṛcchayān ॥
॥ 01.06.23 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
sakṛt yat darśitam rūpam etat kāmāya te anagha ।
mat kāmaḥ śanakaiḥ sādho sarvān muñcati hṛt śayān ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sakṛt : once; yat : which; darśitam : was shown; rūpam : form; etat : this; kāmāya : to create longing; te : in you; anagha : O sinless one; mat kāmaḥ : desire for Me; śanakaiḥ : gradually; sādho : O saintly one; sarvān : all; muñcati : causes one to abandon; hṛt śayān : desires lying hidden in the heart
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O sinless one, this form was shown to you only once in order to awaken longing for Me. O saintly one, the desire to attain Me gradually causes all the desires hidden within the heart to be abandoned.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa explains that the brief vision granted to Nārada Maharṣi was not accidental. It was given to awaken an intense longing for the Lord. As that longing deepens, worldly desires naturally lose their hold on the heart. In this way, devotion gradually redirects the entire inner life toward the Lord, leading the devotee away from material attachments and toward exclusive love for Him.
Ślokapāṭham
satsevayādīrghayā te jātā mayi dṛḍhā matiḥ ।
hitvāvadyam imaṁ lokaṁ gantā majjanatām asi ॥
॥ 01.06.24 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
sat sevayā adīrghayā te jātā mayi dṛḍhā matiḥ ।
hitvā avadyam imam lokam gantā mat janatām asi ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sat sevayā : by service to the saintly; adīrghayā : though not for a long time; te : for you; jātā : has arisen; mayi : in Me; dṛḍhā matiḥ : firm devotion; hitvā : giving up; avadyam : blameworthy; imam lokam : this material world; gantā : you will attain; mat janatām : My associates; asi : you shall become
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Although your service to the saintly was not for a long time, firm devotion unto Me has arisen within you. Giving up this blameworthy material world, you shall attain My associates and become one among them.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa explains that the foundation of Nārada Maharṣi’s spiritual advancement was saintly association and service to the devotees. Even though that service lasted only a short time, it established unwavering devotion within his heart. The Lord then assures him that this devotion will ultimately lead him beyond material existence and into the company of His eternal associates, where he will share in the Lord’s divine service.
Ślokapāṭham
matir mayi nibaddheyaṁ na vipadyeta karhicit ।
prajāsarganirodhe’pi smṛtiś ca madanugrahāt ॥
॥ 01.06.25 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
matiḥ mayi nibaddhā iyam na vipadyeta karhicit ।
prajā sarga nirodhe api smṛtiḥ ca mat anugrahāt ॥
Pada - Padārtham
matiḥ : intelligence; mayi : in Me; nibaddhā : firmly fixed; iyam : this; na : not; vipadyeta : will perish; karhicit : at any time; prajā sarga nirodhe api : even at the dissolution of creation; smṛtiḥ : memory; ca : and; mat anugrahāt : by My grace
Yathātatha Anuvādam
This intelligence of yours, firmly fixed in Me, will never perish. Even at the dissolution of creation, your memory will remain by My grace.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa assures Nārada Maharṣi that the devotion established within his heart is not temporary. Because it has been firmly anchored in the Lord through divine grace, it will never be lost. The Lord further declares that even when the universe undergoes dissolution, Nārada Maharṣi’s spiritual remembrance will remain intact through His mercy. This explains why Nārada is able to remember events that transcend ordinary limitations of time and creation.
Ślokapāṭham
etāvad uktvopararāma tan mahat
bhūtaṁ nabholiṅgam aliṅgam īśvaram ।
ahaṁ ca tasmai mahatāṁ mahīyase
śīrṣṇāvanāmaṁ vidadhe’nukampitaḥ ॥
॥ 01.06.26 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
etāvat uktvā upararāma tat mahat
bhūtam nabhaḥ liṅgam aliṅgam īśvaram ।
aham ca tasmai mahatām mahīyase
śīrṣṇā avanāmam vidadhe anukampitaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
etāvat : thus far; uktvā : having spoken; upararāma : became silent; tat mahat bhūtam : that great being; nabhaḥ liṅgam : whose voice came from the sky; aliṅgam : beyond material characteristics; īśvaram : the Lord; aham : I; ca : and; tasmai : unto Him; mahatām mahīyase : the greatest among the great; śīrṣṇā : with my head; avanāmam : obeisance; vidadhe : offered; anukampitaḥ : having received His compassion
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Having spoken thus, that great Lord, whose voice came from the sky and who is beyond all material characteristics, became silent. And I, having received His compassion, offered obeisance with my head to Him, the greatest among the great.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
After delivering His divine instructions, the voice of ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa fell silent. Though the Lord was no longer speaking, His grace remained firmly established in Nārada Maharṣi’s heart. Filled with gratitude for the compassion he had received, Nārada Maharṣi bowed his head in reverence to the Supreme Lord, acknowledging Him as the highest and most exalted reality.
Ślokapāṭham
nāmāny anantasya hatatrapaḥ paṭhan
guhyāni bhadrāṇi kṛtāni ca smaran ।
gāṁ paryaṭaṁs tuṣṭamanā gataspṛhaḥ
kālaṁ pratīkṣan vimado vimatsaraḥ ॥
॥ 01.06.27 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
nāmāni anantasya hata trapaḥ paṭhan
guhyāni bhadrāṇi kṛtāni ca smaran ।
gām paryaṭan tuṣṭa manāḥ gata spṛhaḥ
kālam pratīkṣan vimadaḥ vimatsaraḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
nāmāni : names; anantasya : of the Infinite Lord; hata trapaḥ : free from hesitation; paṭhan : chanting; guhyāni : confidential; bhadrāṇi : auspicious; kṛtāni : deeds; ca : and; smaran : remembering; gām : upon the earth; paryaṭan : wandering; tuṣṭa manāḥ : with a satisfied mind; gata spṛhaḥ : free from worldly desires; kālam : the appointed time; pratīkṣan : awaiting; vimadaḥ : free from pride; vimatsaraḥ : free from envy
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Chanting without hesitation the names of the Infinite Lord, remembering His confidential and auspicious deeds, wandering upon the earth with a satisfied mind, free from worldly desires, pride, and envy, I awaited the appointed time.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
After receiving the Lord’s divine instructions, Nārada Maharṣi’s life became completely centred on the remembrance of the Lord’s names and pastimes. Freed from worldly desires, pride, and envy, he moved through the world in a state of inner contentment. With unwavering devotion, he patiently awaited the moment determined by the Lord for the next stage of his spiritual journey.
Ślokapāṭham
evaṁ kṛṣṇamater brahman nāsaktasyāmalātmanaḥ ।
kālaḥ prādurabhūt kāle taḍitsaudāmanī yathā ॥
॥ 01.06.28 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
evam kṛṣṇa mateḥ brahman na āsaktasya amala ātmanaḥ ।
kālaḥ prādurabhūt kāle taḍit saudāmanī yathā ॥
Pada - Padārtham
evam : thus; kṛṣṇa mateḥ : whose mind was fixed on ŚrīKṛṣṇa; brahman : O brāhmaṇa; na āsaktasya : free from attachment; amala ātmanaḥ : possessing a pure heart; kālaḥ : the appointed time; prādurabhūt : appeared; kāle : when the time arrived; taḍit saudāmanī : a flash of lightning; yathā : like
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O brāhmaṇa, thus, for me whose mind was fixed on ŚrīKṛṣṇa, who was free from attachment and possessed a pure heart, the appointed time arrived, appearing suddenly like a flash of lightning.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Addressing Vyāsa Maharṣi, Nārada Maharṣi explains that he continued living in devotion, with his mind firmly fixed on ŚrīKṛṣṇa and free from worldly attachments. Then, at the moment ordained by the Lord, the next stage of his journey arrived suddenly and unexpectedly, like a flash of lightning. As the following verse reveals, this marked the end of his earthly life and the beginning of his transition toward a divine state by the grace of the Lord.
Ślokapāṭham
prayujyamāne mayi tāṁ śuddhāṁ bhāgavatīṁ tanum ।
ārabdhakarmanirvāṇo nyapatat pāñcabhautikaḥ ॥
॥ 01.06.29 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
prayujyamāne mayi tām śuddhām bhāgavatīm tanum ।
ārabdha karma nirvāṇaḥ nyapatat pāñca bhautikaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
prayujyamāne : while being bestowed; mayi : upon me; tām : that; śuddhām : pure; bhāgavatīm : related to the Lord; tanum : body; ārabdha karma nirvāṇaḥ : when the effects of previously begun karma came to an end; nyapatat : fell away; pāñca bhautikaḥ : composed of the five material elements
Yathātatha Anuvādam
As that pure, divine body related to the Lord was being bestowed upon me, this material body composed of the five elements fell away when the effects of previously begun karma came to an end.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
By the grace of the Lord, Nārada Maharṣi reached the point where his material existence had fulfilled its purpose. When the remaining effects of his previous karma were exhausted, his physical body, made of the five elements, came to an end. At the same time, he became qualified to receive a pure spiritual body suitable for eternal service to the Lord. Thus began his transition from mortal existence to a divine state.
Ślokapāṭham
kalpānta idam ādāya śayāne’mbhasy udanvataḥ ।
śiśayiṣor anuprāṇaṁ viviśe’ntar ahaṁ vibhoḥ ॥
॥ 01.06.30 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
kalpa ante idam ādāya śayāne ambhasi udanvataḥ ।
śiśayiṣoḥ anuprāṇam viviśe antaḥ aham vibhoḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
kalpa ante : at the end of the kalpa; idam : this universe; ādāya : having withdrawn; śayāne : while resting; ambhasi : upon the waters; udanvataḥ : of the cosmic ocean; śiśayiṣoḥ : of Him who reclines; anuprāṇam : into the breath; viviśe : entered; antaḥ : within; aham : I; vibhoḥ : of the all pervading Lord
Yathātatha Anuvādam
At the end of the kalpa, when the all pervading Lord had withdrawn this universe and was reclining upon the waters of the cosmic ocean, I entered within His breath.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
At the time of cosmic dissolution, all creation becomes absorbed into ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa. Nārada Maharṣi explains that during this period he too entered into the Lord’s being through His divine breath. Thus, until the next cycle of creation began, he remained sheltered within the Lord, sustained entirely by His presence and grace.
Ślokapāṭham
sahasrayugaparyante utthāyedam sisṛkṣataḥ ।
marīcimiśrā ṛṣayaḥ prāṇebhyo’haṁ ca jajñire ॥
॥ 01.06.31 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
sahasra yuga paryante utthāya idam sisṛkṣataḥ ।
marīci miśrāḥ ṛṣayaḥ prāṇebhyaḥ aham ca jajñire ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sahasra yuga paryante : after a thousand cycles of four yugas; utthāya : having arisen; idam : this universe; sisṛkṣataḥ : desiring to create; marīci miśrāḥ ṛṣayaḥ : sages headed by Marīci; prāṇebhyaḥ : from the vital breaths; aham : I; ca : also; jajñire : were born
Yathātatha Anuvādam
After the completion of a thousand cycles of four yugas, when the Lord arose desiring to create this universe, the sages headed by Marīci and I were born from His vital breaths.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
When a new cycle of creation began, the Lord willed the universe into existence once again. At that time, just as great sages such as Marīci appeared according to the divine plan, Nārada Maharṣi also manifested once more. In this way, he resumed his role as a divine sage, participating in the Lord’s cosmic purpose and guiding living beings toward spiritual realization.
Ślokapāṭham
antar bahiś ca lokāṁs trīn paryemy askanditavrataḥ ।
anugrahān mahāviṣṇoḥ avighātagatiḥ kvacit ॥
॥ 01.06.32 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
antaḥ bahiḥ ca lokān trīn paryemi askandita vrataḥ ।
anugrahāt mahā viṣṇoḥ avighāta gatiḥ kvacit ॥
Pada - Padārtham
antaḥ : within; bahiḥ : outside; ca : and; lokān trīn : the three worlds; paryemi : I wander; askandita vrataḥ : possessing an unbroken vow; anugrahāt : by the grace; mahā viṣṇoḥ : of MahāViṣṇu; avighāta gatiḥ : unobstructed movement; kvacit : anywhere
Yathātatha Anuvādam
By the grace of MahāViṣṇu, possessing an unbroken vow, I wander throughout the three worlds, within and without, with unobstructed movement everywhere.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Through the grace of MahāViṣṇu, Nārada Maharṣi attained the freedom to travel unhindered throughout the three worlds. Ever steadfast in his devotion and service, he moves wherever the Lord’s purpose calls him. In this way, he serves as a divine messenger, spiritual guide, and devotee who carries the message of bhakti to living beings across all realms.
Ślokapāṭham
devadattām imāṁ vīṇāṁ svarabrahmavibhūṣitām ।
mūrchayitvā harikathāṁ gāyamānaś carāmy aham ॥
॥ 01.06.33 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
deva dattām imām vīṇām svara brahma vibhūṣitām ।
mūrchayitvā hari kathām gāyamānaḥ carāmi aham ॥
Pada - Padārtham
deva dattām : bestowed by the Lord; imām : this; vīṇām : vīṇā; svara brahma vibhūṣitām : adorned with divine musical tones; mūrchayitvā : playing; hari kathām : the narrations of ŚrīHari; gāyamānaḥ : singing; carāmi : I wander; aham : I
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Playing this vīṇā bestowed by the Lord and adorned with divine musical tones, I wander while singing the narrations of ŚrīHari.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Nārada Maharṣi explains that his eternal service is to glorify the Lord through sacred music and divine narration. Carrying the celestial vīṇā granted to him by the Lord, he travels throughout the worlds singing the names, qualities, and pastimes of ŚrīHari. Through this service, he inspires devotion in the hearts of living beings and spreads the message of bhakti wherever he goes.
Ślokapāṭham
pragāyataḥ svavīryāṇi tīrthapādaḥ priyaśravāḥ ।
āhūta iva me śīghraṁ darśanaṁ yāti cetasi ॥
॥ 01.06.34 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
pragāyataḥ sva vīryāṇi tīrtha pādaḥ priya śravāḥ ।
āhūtaḥ iva me śīghram darśanam yāti cetasi ॥
Pada - Padārtham
pragāyataḥ : while singing; sva vīryāṇi : His own glorious deeds; tīrtha pādaḥ : the Lord whose feet are sacred places of pilgrimage; priya śravāḥ : who delights in hearing His glories; āhūtaḥ iva : as if invited; me : to me; śīghram : quickly; darśanam : appearance; yāti : comes; cetasi : within the heart
Yathātatha Anuvādam
When I sing His glorious deeds, the Lord whose feet are sacred places of pilgrimage and who delights in hearing His glories, quickly appears within my heart as though He had been invited.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Nārada Maharṣi explains the intimate relationship he enjoys with the Lord through devotion. Whenever he sings the Lord’s names, qualities, and divine activities with sincerity, ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa immediately reveals His presence within his heart. Thus, kīrtana is not merely remembrance for Nārada Maharṣi; it becomes a direct means of experiencing the Lord’s living presence.
Ślokapāṭham
etad dhyātur acittānāṁ mātrāsparśecchayā muhuḥ ।
bhavasindhuplavo dṛṣṭo haricaryānuvarṇanam ॥
॥ 01.06.35 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
etat dhyātuḥ acittānām mātrā sparśa icchayā muhuḥ ।
bhava sindhu plavaḥ dṛṣṭaḥ hari caryā anuvarṇanam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
etat : this; dhyātuḥ : for one who meditates; acittānām : whose mind is not steady; mātrā sparśa icchayā : because of desire for sense objects; muhuḥ : repeatedly; bhava sindhu plavaḥ : a boat for crossing the ocean of material existence; dṛṣṭaḥ : is seen; hari caryā anuvarṇanam : glorification of the deeds and pastimes of ŚrīHari
Yathātatha Anuvādam
For those whose minds repeatedly become disturbed by desires for sense objects while attempting meditation, the glorification of the deeds and pastimes of ŚrīHari is seen as a boat for crossing the ocean of material existence.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
For many spiritual seekers, the mind does not easily remain fixed in meditation because it is repeatedly drawn toward worldly objects and experiences. Nārada Maharṣi therefore declares that hearing, chanting, and describing the Lord’s names, qualities, and pastimes provide a reliable means of crossing material existence. Through devotion expressed in this way, even an unsteady mind can gradually become purified and directed toward ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa.
Ślokapāṭham
yamādibhir yogapathaiḥ kāmalobhahato muhuḥ ।
mukundasevayā yadvat tathātmāddhā na śāmyati ॥
॥ 01.06.36 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
yama ādibhiḥ yoga pathaiḥ kāma lobha hataḥ muhuḥ ।
mukunda sevayā yadvat tathā ātmā addhā na śāmyati ॥
Pada - Padārtham
yama ādibhiḥ : by disciplines such as yama; yoga pathaiḥ : by the paths of yoga; kāma lobha hataḥ : afflicted by lust and greed; muhuḥ : repeatedly; mukunda sevayā : by service to Mukunda; yadvat : just as; tathā : in that way; ātmā : the mind; addhā : completely; na śāmyati : does not become peaceful
Yathātatha Anuvādam
A mind repeatedly afflicted by lust and greed does not attain complete peace through the paths of yoga beginning with yama in the same way that it does through service to Mukunda.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Nārada Maharṣi teaches that merely restraining the mind through yogic disciplines is often not sufficient to bring lasting inner peace. The mind finds its deepest purification when it becomes positively engaged in the loving service of ŚrīMukunda. Through devotion, desires such as lust and greed gradually lose their influence, and the heart attains a peace that arises naturally from loving connection with the Lord.
Ślokapāṭham
sarvaṁ tad idam ākhyātaṁ yat pṛṣṭo’haṁ tvayānagha ।
janmakarmarahasyaṁ me bhavataś cātmatoṣaṇam ॥
॥ 01.06.37 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
sarvam tat idam ākhyātam yat pṛṣṭaḥ aham tvayā anagha ।
janma karma rahasyam me bhavataḥ ca ātma toṣaṇam ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sarvam : all; tat idam : all this; ākhyātam : has been narrated; yat : which; pṛṣṭaḥ : was asked; aham : I; tvayā : by you; anagha : O sinless one; janma karma rahasyam : the mystery of my birth and activities; me : of me; bhavataḥ ca : and for you; ātma toṣaṇam : bringing satisfaction to the soul
Yathātatha Anuvādam
O sinless one, all that you asked of me has now been narrated. The mystery of my birth and activities has been explained, and it is also a source of satisfaction for your soul.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Having completed the narration of his previous birth, divine vision, and attainment of the position of a Devarṣi, Nārada Maharṣi brings his account to a close. He explains that he has answered all of Vyāsa Maharṣi’s questions regarding the mystery of his life and spiritual journey. At the same time, he indicates that this narration is not merely a personal history but a testimony to the transforming power of saintly association, devotion, and the grace of ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa, which bring true fulfillment to the soul.
Ślokapāṭham
(sūta uvāca)
evaṁ sambhāṣya bhagavān nārado vāsavīsutam ।
āmantrya vīṇāṁ raṇayan yayau yādṛcchiko muniḥ ॥
॥ 01.06.38 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
(sūta uvāca)
evam sambhāṣya bhagavān nāradaḥ vāsavī sutam ।
āmantrya vīṇām raṇayan yayau yādṛcchikaḥ muniḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
sūta uvāca : Sūta Mahārṣi said; evam : thus; sambhāṣya : having spoken; bhagavān : the venerable one; nāradaḥ : Nārada Mahārṣi; vāsavī sutam : the son of Vāsavī (Satyavatī), Vyāsa Mahārṣi; āmantrya : having taken leave; vīṇām : the vīṇā; raṇayan : causing to resound; yayau : departed; yādṛcchikaḥ : freely wandering; muniḥ : the sage
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Sūta Mahārṣi said: Thus, having spoken with Vyāsa Mahārṣi, the venerable Nārada Mahārṣi took leave of him and departed, making his vīṇā resound, as a sage who wanders freely.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
After completing his narration and divine instructions to Vyāsa Mahārṣi, Nārada Mahārṣi resumed his eternal mission. Taking leave of Vyāsa, he departed while playing his celestial vīṇā and glorifying the Lord. Thus he continued his service as the Lord’s messenger, travelling freely across the worlds and inspiring devotion wherever he went.
Ślokapāṭham
aho devarṣir dhanyo’yaṁ yatkīrtiṁ śārṅgadhanvanaḥ ।
gāyan mādyann idaṁ tantrayā ramayaty āturaṁ jagat ॥
॥ 01.06.39 ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
aho devarṣiḥ dhanyaḥ ayam yat kīrtim śārṅga dhanvanaḥ ।
gāyan mādyan idam tantrayā ramayati āturam jagat ॥
Pada - Padārtham
aho : ah!; devarṣiḥ : the divine sage; dhanyaḥ : blessed; ayam : this one; yat : because; kīrtim : the glories; śārṅga dhanvanaḥ : of ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa who bears the Śārṅga bow; gāyan : singing; mādyan : rejoicing in ecstasy; idam : this; tantrayā : with the vīṇā; ramayati : delights; āturam : afflicted with worldly suffering; jagat : the world
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Ah! How blessed is this Devarṣi! Singing the glories of ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa, the bearer of the Śārṅga bow, and immersed in divine joy, he delights this world, which is afflicted by the sufferings of material existence, through the music of his vīṇā.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
Nārada Mahārṣi is not merely a devotee of the Lord but also a divine messenger who spreads devotion throughout the worlds. Travelling with his celestial vīṇā, he constantly sings the glories of ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa and remains immersed in spiritual joy. His music and teachings bring remembrance of the Lord to suffering souls and inspire them toward the path of bhakti. For this reason, Devarṣi Nārada stands as an eternal exemplar of devotion and spiritual outreach.
Chapter conclusion Ślokapāṭham
iti śrīmadbhāgavate mahāpurāṇe pāramahaṁsyāṁ saṁhitāyām ।
prathama skandhe ṣaṣṭho’dhyāyaḥ ॥
Śravaṇam
Padavicchedam
iti śrīmat bhāgavate mahā purāṇe pāramahaṁsyām saṁhitāyām ।
prathama skandhe ṣaṣṭhaḥ adhyāyaḥ ॥
Pada - Padārtham
iti : thus; śrīmat bhāgavate : in ŚrīmadBhāgavatam; mahā purāṇe : in the great Purāṇa; pāramahaṁsyām saṁhitāyām : in the scripture intended for paramahaṁsas; prathama skandhe : in the First Canto; ṣaṣṭhaḥ adhyāyaḥ : the sixth chapter
Yathātatha Anuvādam
Thus ends the Sixth Chapter of the First Canto of ŚrīmadBhāgavatam, the great Purāṇa and sacred scripture intended for the paramahaṁsas.
Saraḷa Bhāvam
In this chapter, Nārada Mahārṣi narrated the account of his previous birth, his vision of ŚrīmanNārāyaṇa, the Lord’s divine instructions, and his attainment of the position of a Devarṣi. The chapter vividly demonstrates how saintly association, devotion, the Lord’s grace, and constant glorification of Him lead a living being from material bondage toward eternal spiritual life.
“Even a momentary vision of the Lord awakens a longing that ultimately leads the soul to His eternal presence”
Other Study Paths | Canto 01 | Chapter 06
Parāyaṇam | Bhāvārtham | Sāram | Sārāmśam