The Bṛhad Nārādīya Purāṇa, has an interesting chapter on the definition of Bhāgavatas, that includes Śiva Bhaktas and Viṣṇu Bhaktas. For a proper understanding of the extreme sectarian approach that manifested in post 11th cent, this chapter is very important and deserves a special attention. As is known this Nārada-Purāṇa emphasizes greatly Viṣṇu Bhakti, Lord Viṣṇu himself says Ch.4 —v. 96 that he was known as bhakti kuṭumbin surrounded by devotees.The definition of Bhaktas occurs in Mārkaṇḍeya carita. Mārkaṇḍeya was the son of sage Mṛgaṇḍu, who taught him Vedas and the dharma. He also gave the boy a wise counsel which reads: “you should worship Sūrya three times a day by offering waters and añjali. You should perform Vedic rites, following the Vedic studies. You should not hate any but do good to all beings.”Mārkaṇḍeya worshipped Viṣṇu by addressing him with a lovely prayer. Pleased by his prayer Lord Viṣṇu appeared and gave him the definition of Bhāgavatas. The Lord said “it is not possible to recount the greatness of Bhāgavatas, even in crores of years”. So saying the Lord gave him a brief narration of the Bhāgavatas.Those people, who do good to all living beings, who have no hatred, who are without envy, who remain controlled in their senses, who have no desires are Bhāgavatas.Those who do not harm others, by thought, word, or deeds, and those who do not covet others belongings they are Bhāgavata-Uttamas.Those who are instinctively interested in listening to good stories and those who are devoted to that and great devotees of Viṣṇu, they are great Bhāgavatas.Those who do attend to their fathers and mothers, considering them as Gaṅgā and Viśveśvara, they are indeed Bhāgavata-Uttamas.Those who are engaged in worshipping Devatās and those who are known as Sādhakas, and those who feel immensely pleased on seeing worship of images, they are Bhāgavata-Uttamas.Those who do service to vratins, and yatins - (householders performing vows, and Sanyāsins and those who do not speak disparagingly about other (paranindā) they are Bhāgavatas.Those who speak always good things about others and those who look to only the good qualities of others, they are Bhāgavata-Uttamas.Those who look others as they will do their own self (atmavat) and those who treat friends and foes alike, are the Bhāgavatas.Those who expound dharma, and Śāstras speak always the truth, and are ever engaged in serving good people they are Bhāgavatas.Those who narrate Purāṇas, and hear them constantly, and also devotees of the exponents of Purāṇas are Bhāgavatas.Those who adore Brāhmins, and cows, and go on pilgrimage to sacred places, they are Bhāgavatas.Those who feel immensely pleased when they see others rising to prosperity and are ever reciting the name of Hari, they are Bhāgavatas.Those who establish (ārāmas) rest houses and protect the Tanks, and create wells and ponds they are Bhāgavatas.Those who dig tanks and build temples to Gods, and recite Gayatri, they are Bhāgavatas.Those who delight in the names of Hari and are extremely happy in listening to them, and full extreme happiness, they are the Bhāgavatas.Those who see forests of Tulsi trees, and salute them, and wear the stem of that plant on their ears are the Bhāgavatas.Those who smell the Tulasi leaves, and also cherish the earth of the Tulsi plants, they are the Bhāgavatas.Those who observe the conduct suited to the stages of life (āśramas) and adore visitors and expound the meaning of Vedas they are the Bhāgavatas.Those who are fond of Śiva and attached to Śiva and worship the sacred feet of Śiva, wearing the Tripuṇḍras (Three stripes of sacred ash on the body) they are the Bhāgavatas.Those who recite the names of Hari and Śiva the great god and wear Rudrākṣa garland, they are the Bhāgavatas.Those who worship Śiva Mahādeva with Yajñas (Vedic sacrifices) with many gifts and Hari with great attention they are the Bhāgavatas.Those who teach various Śāstras to others and are good natured at all places, they are Bhāgavatas.Transact with equality Viṣṇu the Paramātmā and Śiva, the Parameśvara they are the Bhāgavatas.Those who tend Śivāgni, recite pañcākṣhara-japa, and meditate on Śiva (śiva dhyāna ratas), they are the Bhāgavatas.Those who supply drinking waters to others, and distribute food freely and observe Ekadaśi vow they are the Bhāgavatas.Those who make gifts of cows and virgins and do service to me are the Bhāgavatas.These qualities, of the definition of a Bhāgavata have been the guiding factor of the early religious life in the whole of India. That it was the same in Tamilnad can be shown with the help of inscriptions.
