DESCRIPTION OF SAGE NARADA

SRIMAD MAHABHARATA - SABHA PARVA - LOKAPALA SABHAKHAYANA (UPA) PARVA - CHAPTER 5(A) - DESCRIPTION OF SAGE NARADA

“Vaishampaayana said, ‘O Bharata (Janamejaya), while the illustrious Paandavaas were seated in that Sabha along with the principal Gandharvaas, there came to that sabha the Deva Rishi Narada, familiar with Vedas and Upanishads, worshipped by Devas acquainted with Itihaasaas and Puraanaas, well-versed in all that occurred in ancient kalpas (one kalpa equals 306,720,000 years), familiar with Nyaaya (Nyaaya is one of the six Aastika schools of Hinduism) and the truth of moral science, possessing a complete knowledge of the Shatangaas (Shatangaas are six branches of Vedas - Shiksha, Chandas, Vyaakarana, Nirukta, Kalpa, Jyotisha). He was a perfect master in resolving differences in contradictory texts and differentiating in applying general principles to particular cases, as also in interpreting contraries by reference to differences in situation, eloquent, resolute, intelligent, possessed of powerful memory.

“He was familiar with the science of morals and politics, learned, proficient in distinguishing inferior things from superior ones, skilled in drawing inference from evidence, competent to judge the correctness or incorrectness of deductive statements consisting of five propositions (Anumaana in Sanskrit). He was capable of answering successively (Deva Guru) Brihaspati himself while arguing, with definite conclusions properly framed about Dharma, Arthaa, Kaamaa and Moksha, of Mahatma and seeing this whole universe, above, below, and around, as if it were present before his eyes.

“He was master of both the Sankhya and Yoga systems of philosophy, ever desirous of humbling Devas and Asuras by provoking quarrels among them, familiar with the sciences of war and treaty, proficient in drawing conclusions by judging of things not within direct knowledge, as also in the six sciences of treaty, war, military campaigns, maintenance of posts against the enemy and plans by ambush and reserves. He was a thorough master of every branch of learning, fond of war and music, incapable of being forced back by any science or any course, of action, and possessed of these and numberless other accomplishments.

“The Rishi (Narada), having wandered over the different worlds, came into that Sabha. O monarch (Janamejaya), the Deva Rishi of immeasurable splendour, filled with great energy was accompanied, by Paarijaata and the intelligent Raivata, Saumya and Sumukha. Possessing the speed of the mind, the Rishi came there and was filled with gladness upon seeing the Paandaavas. The Brahmana (Narada), on arriving there, paid homage to Yudhishthira by uttering blessings on him and wishing him victory. Looking the learned Rishi (Narada) arrive, the eldest of the Paandavaas (Yudhishthira), knowledgeable with all rules of duty, quickly stood up with his younger brothers. Bending low with humility, the monarch (Yudhishthira) cheerfully saluted the Rishi (Narada), and gave with due ceremonies a befitting seat to him. The king also gave him cows and the usual offerings of Arghya including honey and the other ingredients. Familiar with every duty the monarch, (Yudhishthira) also worshipped the Rishi (Narada) with gems and jewels with a whole heart. Receiving that worship from Yudhishthira in proper form, the Rishi (Narada) became pleased. Thus, worshipped by the Paandavaas and the Maha Rishis, Narada possessing a complete mastery over Vedas, said to Yudhishthira the following words bearing upon Dharma, Arthaa, Kaamaa and Moksha.