Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 17
Anūcāna (True Learning), the Vedāṅgas, and Śikṣā: Svara, Sāmavedic Chant, and Gandharva Theory
एकांतरः स्वरो ह्यप्सु गाथासुद्व्यंतरः स्वरः । सामसु त्र्यंतरं विद्यादेतावत्स्वरतोऽन्तरम् ॥ १७ ॥
ekāṃtaraḥ svaro hyapsu gāthāsudvyaṃtaraḥ svaraḥ | sāmasu tryaṃtaraṃ vidyādetāvatsvarato'ntaram || 17 ||
في أبيات الرِّك (apsu) يكون فاصلُ الدرجة خطوةً واحدة؛ وفي الغاثا خطوتين؛ وفي أناشيد السامان يُعرَف أنه ثلاثُ خطوات—وهذا هو مقدارُ الاختلاف من جهة السْوَرَ، أي طبقة النغم.
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It emphasizes that liberation-oriented dharma includes disciplined mantra-recitation: correct svara (intonation) preserves the potency and intended meaning of Vedic sound, making worship and study spiritually effective.
Bhakti in the Purāṇic framework is supported by proper śravaṇa and kīrtana; this verse highlights that even devotional recitation should be aligned with Vedic phonetic rules so the offering of sound is precise and reverent.
Śikṣā (Vedic phonetics): it teaches how svara-intervals differ across Ṛk-style recitation, gāthā-style singing/recitation, and Sāman chanting—guiding practitioners in correct vocal execution.