Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 65

Dīkṣā, Mantra-Types, Mantra-Doṣas, and Qualifications of Ācārya–Śiṣya

Devanagari script

सुंदरः सुमुखः शांतः कुलीनः सुलभो वशी । मंत्रतंत्रार्थतत्त्वज्ञो निग्रहानुग्रहक्षमः ॥ ६५ ॥

Transliteration

suṃdaraḥ sumukhaḥ śāṃtaḥ kulīnaḥ sulabho vaśī | maṃtrataṃtrārthatattvajño nigrahānugrahakṣamaḥ || 65 ||

Translation

Er ist ansehnlich, von freundlichem Antlitz und still; edler Herkunft, leicht zugänglich und selbstbeherrscht. Er kennt Wesen und Sinn von Mantra und Tantra und vermag sowohl zu zügeln (wenn es nötig ist) als auch Gnade zu gewähren.

Word by Word

• सुन्दरः: handsome/pleasant
• सुन्दरः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सुन्दर (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन

• सुमुखः: good-faced
• सुमुखः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सु-मुख (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; समासः—कर्मधारय (सुन्दरं मुखं यस्य/सु मुखः)

• शान्तः: calm
• शान्तः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: शान्त (प्रातिपदिक; कृदन्त from शम् धातु)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; क्त-प्रत्यय (pacified)

• कुलीनः: of noble family
• कुलीनः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: कुलीन (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन

• सुलभः: easily approachable
• सुलभः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सु-लभ (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; समासः—कर्मधारय (सु + लभ = easily obtainable/accessible)

• वशी: self-controlled
• वशी: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: वशिन् (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; इन्-प्रत्यय (self-controlled)

• मन्त्र-तन्त्र-अर्थ-तत्त्व-ज्ञः: knower of the true meaning of mantra and tantra
• मन्त्र-तन्त्र-अर्थ-तत्त्व-ज्ञः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: मन्त्र-तन्त्र-अर्थ-तत्त्व-ज्ञ (प्रातिपदिक; ‘ज्ञ’ from ज्ञा धातु)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; समासः—तत्पुरुष (मन्त्राणां तन्त्राणां च अर्थः तस्य तत्त्वं तद् जानाति)

• निग्रह-अनुग्रह-क्षमः: capable of restraint and grace
• निग्रह-अनुग्रह-क्षमः: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: निग्रह-अनुग्रह-क्षम (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति, एकवचन; समासः—द्वन्द्व (निग्रहश्च अनुग्रहश्च) + ‘क्षम’ (capable)

Speaker

Narada (teaching in the Vedanga/technical-sciences section; framed within Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue tradition)

Vrata Kalpa

Vrata: none

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: vira

FAQs

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

It lists the hallmark qualities of a spiritually competent guide—inner peace, self-mastery, and true understanding of mantra/tantra—balanced with the ability to correct faults and also grant compassionate grace.

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

Bhakti matures under a teacher who is approachable and tranquil, who restrains harmful tendencies (nigraha) while nurturing the devotee through encouragement and blessings (anugraha).

What practical Vedic knowledge (Vedanga) is highlighted here?

It emphasizes artha-tattva-jñāna—knowing the correct meaning and essential principles behind mantra usage (a practical requirement alongside disciplines like Śikṣā and Vyākaraṇa for accurate recitation and understanding).