Narada (Sanskrit: नारद, Nārada, possibly derived from "năra", meaning man) is a Vedic sage who plays a prominent role in a number of Hindu texts, notably the Ramayana and the Bhagavata Purana. Narada is arguably ancient India's most travelled sage with the ability to visit distant worlds and realms (Sanskrit lokas). He is depicted carrying a Veena, with the name Mahathi and is generally regarded as one of the great masters of the ancient musical instrument. This instrument is known by the name "mahathi" which he uses to accompany his singing of hymns, prayers and mantras as an act of devotion to Lord Vishnu. Narada is described as both wise and mischievous, creating some of Vedic literature's more humorous tales. Vaishnav enthusiasts depict him as a pure, elevated soul who glorifies Vishnu through his devotional songs, singing the names Hari and Narayana, and therein demonstrating bhakti yoga. The Narada Bhakti Sutra is attributed to him.
The Bhagavata Purana describes the story of Narada's spiritual enlightenment: He was the primary source of information among Gods. In his previous birth Narada was a Gandharva (angelic being) who had been cursed to be born on an earthly planet or singing glories to the demigods instead of the Supreme Lord. He was born as the son of a maid-servant of saintly priests- (Brahmins). The priests, being pleased with both his and his mother's service, blessed him by allowing him to eat some of their food (prasad), previously offered to their lord, Vishnu. Gradually Narada received further blessings from other sages and heard them discussing many spiritual topics. After his mother died, he decided to roam the forest in search of enlightenment in understanding the 'Supreme Absolute Truth'.
Reaching a tranquil forest location, after quenching his thirst from a nearby stream, he sat under a tree in meditation (yoga), concentrating on the paramatma form of Vishnu within his heart as he had been taught by the priests he had served. After some time Narada experienced a vision wherein Narayan (Vishnu) appeared before him, smiling, and spoke "that despite having the blessing of seeing him at that very moment, Narada would not be able to see his (Vishnu's) divine form again until he died". Narayan further explained that the reason he had been given a chance to see his form was because his beauty and love would be a source of inspiration and would fuel his dormant desire to be with the lord again. After instructing Narada in this manner, Vishnu then disappeared from his sight. The boy awoke from his meditation both thrilled and disappointed.
For the rest of his life Narada focused on his devotion, meditation upon and worship to Vishnu. After his death Vishnu then blessed him with the spiritual form of "Narada" as he eventually became known. In many Hindu scriptures Narada is considered a saktyavesa-avatara or partial-manifestation (avatar) of God, empowered to perform miraculous tasks on Vishnu's behalf.
- According to Hindu mythology, Sage Narad is one of the twelve immortals or Chiranjeevi.
- Narad Muni is a great Bhakta of Lord Vishnu. He always chants the Mahamantra – “Narayana Narayana.” He sings various glories of Lord Vishnu. He is a master musician and expert at playing the veena.
- Sage Narad narrated the story of Lord Ram to Valmiki
- Sage Narad appeared in Mahabharata, wherein he advised Yudhishthira and taught him his duties as a king.
- Narad Muni can travel between the three Loka at will. He can do so at a lightning-fast speed.
- Sage Narada was the messenger of the Gods. He would alert the Gods to take action whenever there is some major crisis awaiting heaven and earth.
- Sage Narad was a great scholar and master of the Vedas
- Narada is sometimes portrayed as a mischievous character. However, he did things for the greater good of the Universe.
- Narada preaches Bhakti Yoga. He preached the importance of devotion and faith.
Nārada-bhakti sūtra
- We shall expound on Bhakti.
- It is of the nature of the highest love for This One.
- And of the nature of immortal bliss.
- On attaining which, a man becomes perfect, immortal, satisfied forever.
- On gaining which one wants nothing, laments over nothing, hates nothing, delights in nothing, and is never enthusiastic over anything earthly.
- Experiencing which one becomes exhilarated beyond self-control, stands perfectly still, and revels in the Self.
- It is no worldly desire, for it is of the nature of suppression.
- Suppression means abandoning all worldly and Vedic activities.
- And exclusive devotion to Him and indifference to all things that are obstacles to it.
- Exclusive devotion is abandonment of all other supports.
- Indifference to obstacles consists in undertaking only such activities –whether of ordinary life or those enjoined in the Vedas—as are favourable to it.
- Even after firm establishment in divine resolve, the Scriptures are to be respected. Otherwise there is apprehension of a fall.
- Even ordinary life is only up till then, though physical activities such as taking food continue as long as one wears this body.
- Definitions of this Bhakti will now be stated in accordance with different views.
- It is love of worship and other similar acts—says Vyāsa, the son of Parasara. (Devotion in works).
- Fondness for spiritual conversation and the like—says Garga. (Devotion in speech).
- These are Bhakti in so far as they do not clash with the contemplation of the Self— says Śāṇḍilya. (Devotion in mind).
- But Narada says “It is the offering of all acts to Him and feeling the highest pang of separation on occasions of losing remembrance of him.” (Complete self-surrender).
- In that sort of love, there is no idea at all of one’s feeling happy in the happiness of others.
- Bhakti alone should be chosen by those who seek liberation.
- Teachers have recommended various means to this Bhakti...it results from the renunciation of the objects of the senses and renunciation of attachment...from unremitting adoration...from listening to narration of various blessed qualities of the Lord and proclaiming them aloud even while attending to affairs of ordinary life.
- In the main, however, it results through the grace of the great ones, through even a little of the grace of the Lord.
- Nevertheless, it is attainable, and that is through His grace only.
Narada as ‘Kalaha-Priya’ or Lover of Quarrels
Narada is so famous as a mischief-maker and a quarrel-monger due to a curse. Narada had the habit of disclosing to both gods and demons, the secrets about each other. Gods and demons, eventually, detested each other. Narada's deeds often created trouble and friction among gods, demons and men, and such friction often led to a war in the end. Hence Narada, being a notorious mischief-maker, acquired the name, Kalaha-Priya or the lover of quarrels. Nada's intention was to espouse a good cause. It was his constant desire that bad people should be punished for their deeds, that the haughty ones should learn their lesson soon, and that the good should live happily ever after.
Chanting “Narayana, Narayana,” the divine sage Narada went across the three worlds spreading rumors, causing rifts.
In Vaikuntha (Lord Vishnu’s Abode), he would regale the Lord with his merry tales. “I described Ahilya’s beauty to Indra until he began lusting for that married woman…Daksha hates Shiva after I reported how Shiva ridicules him…I made Shreedevi jealous of Bhoodevi…I put the fear of death in Kansa’s mind…I praised the pompous Ravana into believing that he was greater than all Gods…”
“Why do you do this, Narada?” asked Vishnu.
“Do What?”
“Cause so much trouble”
“I don’t do anything. I merely test their faith in you. If they were your true devotees, would any of them be lustful, wrathful, greedy, envious, frightened or proud?”
Vishnu burst out laughing and blessed his dearest devotee Narada, who kept chanting, “Narayana, Narayana”.
Curse on Narada: "May You Wander Like A Vagabond”
The children of Dakshabrahma were once instructed by him: "O my children! Observe penance and you will derive strength and spiritual splendor. Later you must get married and lead a contented life." In response to the command of the father, the children went to the Himalayas and commenced a rigorous penance.
Narada happened to go there. "O sons of Dakshabrahma, why at all are you observing such a penance? And get married later? There is no joy in married life. You must develop devotion for the Lord. Your aim must be to escape the sorrows of family life. Must you observe penance only to get trapped in misery? Practice renunciation, aspire for deliverance." Saying thus, Narada went away, advising Daksha’s sons to choose the path of asceticism and not to lead a worldly life.
The advice of Narada made a tremendous impact on the minds of the children of Daksha. They took an oath not to marry. This news upset Daksha. His anger knew no bounds. He said to Narada: "O Narada, it was my heart's desire that my children should marry and lead a happy household life. But you interfered and misled them. Don't you have any other occupation? I am cursing you to remain a vagabond eternally!"
Narada was not upset by the curse. "All the better indeed! I shall spend all my time wandering and preaching the people the best" he determined. Thus, Narada is shown as a wandering seer always on a journey, as he was condemned by Daksha to lead a roaming life, not staying at one place.
The Mystical Maya
In Devi Bhagwata Purana, it is mentioned that once Narada asked Vishnu about the secret nature of Maya (Illusion).
“What is Maya?” asked Narada.
“The world is my Maya. He who accepts this, realizes me,” said Vishnu.
“Before I explain, will you fetch me some water?” requested the Lord pointing to a river.
Narada did as he was told. But on his way back, he saw a beautiful woman. Smitten by her beauty, he begged the woman to marry him. She agreed.
Narada built a house for his wife on the banks of the river. She bore him many children. Loved by his wife, adored by his sons and daughters, Narada forgot all about his mission to fetch water for Vishnu.
In time, Narada’s children had children of their own. Surrounded by his grandchildren, Narada felt happy and secure. Nothing could go wrong.
Suddenly, dark clouds enveloped the sky. There was thunder, lightning, and rain. The river overflowed, broke its banks and washed away Narada’s house, drowning everyone he loved, everything he possessed. Narada himself was swept away by the river.
“Help, help. Somebody please help me,” he cried. Vishnu immediately stretched out his hand and pulled Narada out of the water.
Back in Vaikuntha, Vishnu asked, “Where is my water?”
“How can you be so remorseless? How can you ask me for water when I have lost my entire family?”
Vishnu smiled. “Calm down, Narada. Tell me, where did your family come from? From Me. I am the only reality, the only entity in the cosmos that is eternal and unchanging. Everything else is an illusion – a mirage, constantly slipping out of one’s grasp.”
“You, my greatest devotee, knew that. Yet, enchanted by the pleasures of worldly life, you forgot all about me. You deluded yourself into believing that your world and your life were all that mattered and nothing else was of any consequence. As per your perspective, the material world was infallible, invulnerable, perfect. That is Maya.”
Thus Vishnu dispelled Narada’s illusion, bringing him back to the realm of reality and making him comprehend the power of Maya over man.
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