At the beginning of creation, Brahma created Narada as his mind-born son. When the Creator instructed him to accept a wife and produce offspring, Narada refused to obey. As a result, he was cursed by Brahma. Consequently, he became entangled in the cycle of birth and death. He died as a manasa putra (mind-born son). He was born again as a Gandharva (celestial musician). He was born again as a human. Then again, he was reborn as a mind-born son. In one birth, he became the husband of a young queen. In another birth, he became the wife of a great king! Narada inspired Sage Valmiki to compose the Ramayana and encouraged Sage Vyasa to compose the Bhagavatam. He personally authored the Bhakti Sutras (aphorisms on devotion). He tirelessly worked for the welfare of the world and became a great sage (Maharshi). Through his conduct, he provided both entertainment and enlightenment, making him a truly great intellect—Mahamedhavi Narada.