Devarshi Narada (Part 2)

Narada, Who Became Naradi

The story of Devarshi Narada transforming into a woman, “Naradi,” is both fascinating and thought-provoking.

Once, Narada visited Shvetadweepa, where he saw many radiant young men, more beautiful even than Manmatha, the god of love. Amazed by their enchanting forms, Narada approached Lord Vishnu to know the mystery. Vishnu, with a smile, seated Narada on Garuda and brought him to Kanyakubja, where he instructed Narada to bathe in a crystal-clear pond. As Narada stepped into the waters, he was transformed into a beautiful maiden.

Vishnu, having taken away Narada’s vina and kamandalu, left the place. Soon after, the king of Kanyakubja, Laladhvaja, noticed the maiden—now Naradi—believed her to be an orphan, and married her. Naradi lived as queen, bore twenty sons named Veeravarma, Sudhanva, and others, and led a household life.

One day, enemies attacked Laladhvaja’s kingdom. In the fierce battle, the king, his sons, and his army perished. Grief-stricken, Naradi went to the battlefield, weeping bitterly. At that moment, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of an aged Brahmin, comforted her, and instructed her to perform the last rites with tilodaka (sacred water offering) and purifying baths at holy rivers. As she obeyed, Naradi shed her female form and once again became Narada—the celestial sage.

The Desire to Accumulate More Merit

Though Narada was always engaged in chanting the holy name of Narayana and spreading devotion across the worlds, he once desired to perform even greater meritorious deeds. During a discourse with Sage Katyayana on varna-ashrama dharma, the greatness of charity was discussed. Narada thus resolved to accumulate merit through acts of daana (charitable giving).

To fulfill this, Narada visited the hermitage of Bhrigu Maharshi near the confluence of the Mahī and the Ocean, where he realized the sanctity of the region. Deciding to establish a Brahmin settlement there, Narada disguised himself as a Brahmin and approached King Dharmavarma of Saurashtra. The king, who had long been struggling to interpret complex verses on charity, was delighted by Narada’s explanation and, in gratitude, gifted him immense wealth and vast lands.

With these, Narada gathered thousands of worthy Brahmins at Kalapa village, tested their wisdom, and finally performed a grand charity. With the divine assistance of Vishvakarma, the celestial architect, Narada built a magnificent city named Mahinagara, endowed with wealth, grains, silver, gold, and riches, and donated it to the deserving, thus fulfilling his vow of supreme charity.

Narada’s Famous Dialogues

The depth of Narada’s knowledge, philosophy, and spiritual insight is seen in his countless dialogues:

1. With Sage Samanga, he discussed liberation from the cycle of joy and sorrow.

2. With Gaalava, he spoke of the path to salvation.

3. To Shuka Muni, he imparted guidance on attaining moksha.

4. With Sanatkumara, he explored the mysteries of creation.

5. With Markandeya, he expounded on the duties of women and yuga dharmas.

6. With Pundarika, he revealed that Narayana is the supreme.

7. With Vyasa, he emphasized that singing the glory of Hari is the highest dharma.

In many battles against demons—like the destruction of Tripurasura, the slaying of Madhu-Kaitabha, or the downfall of Hiranyakashipu—it was Narada’s clever words and divine wit that turned the tide in favor of the gods.

Narada in the Ramayana and Mahabharata

In the Ramayana, Narada appeared at crucial junctures. For instance, when a Brahmin’s son died prematurely during Rama’s reign, Narada explained the yuga dharma behind the event.

In the Mahabharata, Narada’s presence is even more prominent:

1. He revealed Krishna’s omnipresence by witnessing Him simultaneously in every palace of Dwaraka.

2. He instructed Yudhishthira on dharma, varna duties, and moksha.

3. He narrated the tale of Sunda and Upasunda to caution the Pandavas about quarrels caused by a single woman, leading to the rule that Draupadi would live with each Pandava in turn.

4. He advised the Pandavas on Rajasuya Yajna and guided them during exile.

5. After the war, he revealed Karna’s true parentage to Yudhishthira and ensured the proper rites were performed.

Narada’s role extended to inspiring sages and poets too—most famously Valmiki, who composed the Ramayana after Narada’s guidance.

Narada in Yakshagana

In Yakshagana performances, Narada appears as a versatile character—sometimes witty, sometimes mischievous, sometimes deeply devotional. He often stirs up conflict between characters, only to later reconcile them. Whether in stories like Bhakta Prahlada, Daksha Yajna, Krishna Janma, or Jambavati Kalyana, Narada’s entry adds drama, humor, and spiritual depth.

The Incomparable Sage

To describe Narada’s vast persona in a single article is impossible. The Vedas and Puranas are filled with his glories. His life embodies wit, wisdom, devotion, and cosmic purpose. To fully capture his essence, perhaps only Lord Narayana Himself could do justice.