Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 144
The Explanation of Sandhyā and Related Daily Observances
Saṅdhyā-ādi Nitya-karma-Vidhi
दीर्घा तीक्ष्णा तथा रौद्रा प्रोक्ता निद्रा च तन्द्रि का । क्षुधा च क्रोधिनी पश्चात्क्रियाकारी समृत्युका ॥ १४४ ॥
dīrghā tīkṣṇā tathā raudrā proktā nidrā ca tandri kā | kṣudhā ca krodhinī paścātkriyākārī samṛtyukā || 144 ||
Der Schlaf wird als dreifach beschrieben—lang anhaltend, scharf (überwältigend) und wild; ebenso auch die Schläfrigkeit. Der Hunger heißt „zornig“; und danach folgt jene Kraft, die zum Handeln drängt—dem Tod selbst gleich.
Narada (in dialogue context with Sanatkumara tradition; instructional enumeration)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It classifies common inner forces—sleep, drowsiness, hunger, and a death-like compulsion toward activity—as obstacles that disturb steadiness in study, japa, and disciplined living, urging the seeker to recognize and master them.
Bhakti requires sustained remembrance and regulated conduct; by naming sleep, lethargy, hunger, and anger-linked impulses, the verse points to practical hindrances that dilute devotion and must be restrained to keep the mind fixed on the Divine.
It supports the practical discipline needed for Vedic learning—alertness and self-control—so that recitation (śikṣā) and study (vyākaraṇa and related learning) are not undermined by tamas (sleep/dullness) and rajasic agitation (hunger/anger).