Narda’s Prideful Journey

Narada, proud of his victory over Kama (the god of desire), believes he’s achieved a monumental spiritual triumph. First, he tells Brahma, who downplays it, warning Narada not to tell Shiva. Narada, however, feels his victory is greater than Shiva’s, who burned Kama with anger rather than true detachment.

Next, Narada approaches Shiva, who similarly warns him against telling Vishnu. But Narada’s pride drives him to ignore the warning and seek Vishnu’s recognition. When he shares his victory with Vishnu, the Lord only gently questions his boast, hinting that such pride in “conquering” desire is itself a flaw. Narada, feeling hurt, prays only for greater devotion.

Sometime later, while on Earth, Narada encounters a dazzling kingdom and is drawn to the beautiful Princess Mahalaxmi, whose Swayamvara (groom-selection ceremony) is soon to be held. Reading her palm, Narada sees that her husband will become the “Lord of the Worlds,” and desires to marry her himself. Returning to Vishnu, he asks for Vishnu’s appearance for the day of the Swayamvara.

On the full moon, Narada attends, confident with Vishnu’s divine face, but is bewildered when Mahalaxmi passes him by and garlands another. He’s stunned when a mirror reveals that he has a monkey face instead of Vishnu’s. Outraged, Narada realizes he’s been tricked and confronts Vishnu, cursing him to feel the same suffering for a woman.

Vishnu calmly accepts the curse, foretelling his future incarnation as Rama, where he endures the pain of separation from his beloved, Sita. Vishnu explains that Shiva’s earlier advice had been to prevent Narada from falling victim to his own pride. Chastened, Narada understands that his spiritual journey still has lessons to learn.