Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 8

The Account of Kārtavīrya’s Protective Kavaca

Kārtavīrya-kavaca-vṛttānta

Devanagari script

मुद्रिकोदरबन्धाद्यैर्मौंजीनूपुरकादिभिः । भूषितं विविधाकल्पैर्भास्वरैः सुमहाधनैः ॥ ८ ॥

Transliteration

mudrikodarabandhādyairmauṃjīnūpurakādibhiḥ | bhūṣitaṃ vividhākalpairbhāsvaraiḥ sumahādhanaiḥ || 8 ||

Translation

كان مزدانًا بالخواتم وأحزمة الخصر وما شابهها، وبالحزام المقدّس من عشب المُنْجا (muñja)، وبخلاخيل الكاحل وسائر الحُليّ؛ متحلّيًا بزينةٍ شتّى لامعةٍ عظيمةِ القدر.

Word by Word

• mudrikā-udara-bandha-ādyaiḥ: with rings, waist-bands, etc.
• mudrikā-udara-bandha-ādyaiḥ: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: mudrikā (प्रातिपदिक) + udara-bandha (प्रातिपदिक) + ādi (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine/Neuter, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Plural; ‘with rings, waist-bands, etc.’ (ādyaiḥ = ‘and the like’)

• mauñjī-nūpura-ka-ādibhiḥ: with mauñjī-girdle, anklets, etc.
• mauñjī-nūpura-ka-ādibhiḥ: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: mauñjī (प्रातिपदिक) + nūpura (प्रातिपदिक) + ka (प्रत्यय/प्रातिपदिक) + ādi (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine/Neuter, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Plural; ‘with mauñjī (girdle), anklets, etc.’

• bhūṣitam: adorned
• bhūṣitam: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: √bhūṣ (भूष्)
• Form: Neuter, Accusative (2nd/द्वितीया), Singular; past participle (क्त)—‘adorned’

• vividha-ākalpaiḥ: with various ornaments
• vividha-ākalpaiḥ: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Noun
• Root: vividha (प्रातिपदिक) + ākalpa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine/Neuter, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Plural; ‘with various ornaments/adornments’

• bhāsvaraiḥ: shining
• bhāsvaraiḥ: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: bhāsvara (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine/Neuter, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Plural; विशेषण—qualifying ākalpaiḥ; ‘with shining (ornaments)’

• su-mahā-dhanaiḥ: very precious
• su-mahā-dhanaiḥ: Karaṇa (करण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: su (अव्यय) + mahā (प्रातिपदिक) + dhana (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: Masculine/Neuter, Instrumental (3rd/तृतीया), Plural; विशेषण—qualifying ākalpaiḥ; ‘with very great/precious (wealth-like) ornaments’

Speaker

Narada (narration within the dialogue tradition of Narada Purana)

Vrata Kalpa

Vrata: none

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: adbhuta

Secondary Rasa: shanta

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in Narada Purana?

It emphasizes the outward marks of a formal sacred or ceremonial setting—ornaments and ritual attire symbolizing status, discipline, and the ordered aesthetics (saṃskāra) of dharmic life.

How does this verse explain the path of devotion (Bhakti)?

While not directly teaching bhakti, it supports a bhakti-friendly framework: devotion is often expressed through respectful presentation—clean, proper, and sanctified attire in worship and religious observances.

What practical Vedic knowledge (Vedanga) is highlighted here?

It aligns with Vedāṅga-linked ritual culture—especially kalpa-style attention to proper ceremonial details and external observances associated with vows, rites, and disciplined conduct.