Text 15] What Prahlada Learned in the Womb 33
dharmasya tattvarh jndnam ca
mam apy uddisya nirmalam

rsith—the great sage Narada Muni; kadrunikah—naturally very affec-
tionate or merciful to the fallen souls; tasyah—to her; pradat—gave in-
structions; ubhayam—both; isvarah—a powerful controller who can do
whatever he likes (Narada Muni); dharmasya—of religion; tattvam—
the truth; j#dnam—knowledge; ca—and; mam—me; api—especially;
uddisya—indicating; nirmalam—without material contamination.

TRANSLATION

Narada Muni delivered his instructions both to me, who was
within the womb, and to my mother, who was engaged in render-
ing him service. Because he is naturally extremely kind to the
fallen souls, being in a transcendental position, he gave instruc-
tions on religion and transcendental knowledge. These instruc-
tions were free from all material contamination.

PURPORT

Here it is said, dharmasya tattvam jrdnam ca... nirmalam. The
word nirmalam refers to spotless dharma, spotless religion—or, in other
words, bhégavata-dharma. Ordinary ritualistic activities constitute con-
taminated religion, by which one benefits by developing material wealth
and prosperity, but uncontaminated, pure religion consists of under-
standing one’s relationship with God and acting accordingly, thus fulfill-
ing the highest mission of life and returning home, back to Godhead.
Prahlada Maharaja advised that one elevate oneself to the standard of
bhdgavata-dharma from the very beginning of life (kaumdra dcaret
prajno dharman bhagavatan iha). The Lord Himself also speaks of pure,
uncontaminated religion when He says, sarva-darman parityajya mam
ekam saranam vraja: “Abandon all varieties of religion and just sur-
render unto Me.” (Bg. 18.66) One must understand one’s relationship
with God and then act accordingly. This is bhdagavata-dharma.
Bhagavata-dharma means bhakti-yoga.
