Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c8.1310

c8.1310

(i) *The Gandharva called Upabarhaṇa.* Nārada born from the lap of Brahmā desired to remain a celibate. But, Brahmā suggested that he should assume responsibility for procreation as his (Brahmā's) other sons like Marīci and Sanaka had already become celibates. Nārada did not accept this suggestion of Brahmā at which the latter got angry and cursed Nārada to lose his knowledge and to marry fifty beautiful women. Brahmā continued:—"You will be born as a Gandharva known as Upabarhaṇa and will become a great musician. You will be unrivalled in the handling of the Vīṇā. After your death as the Gandharva you will be born as the son of a servant woman, and as such you will be a great devotee of Viṣṇu. Afterwards you will be born as my son when I will impart knowledge to you."