Popular media portrays Devrishi Narad as a meddlesome trickster rather than a great spiritual master. We often hold incomplete information about our scriptures simply because we do not read and understand them. Our little knowledge is often shaped by what we see in films or TV serials. People tend to believe these dramatised portrayals as ultimate truth. However, such views are not only baseless but also disrespectful.Devrishi Narad is Brahma’s manasputra, born from Brahma’s mind and an unparalleled devotee of Vishnu. He is one of the earliest teachers of astrology and a maestro of divine music. Narad, as one of Vishnu’s most beloved devotees, chants ‘Om Namo Narayana’ with every breath. The celestial raag and ragini that form the foundation of musical tonality owe their origin to his veena’s melodies.
Attributed to Devrishi Narad, Narad Bhakti Sutras define bhakti as pure, selfless love for the Divine, independent of caste, status or intellectual ability. The Bhakti Sutras emphasise that true devotion is free from selfish desires and ego, focusing on God’s love. Bhakti is presented as a natural and accessible path to moksh, for eternal bliss and unity with the Divine.
The Sutras also emphasise humility, compassion and surrender, while warning against material attachments and intellectual pride – obstacles to true devotion. Ultimately, they offer a timeless and inclusive path to evolution, underscoring that anyone with a sincere heart can experience the transformative power of love.
Narad Jayanti is on May 13
