Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 85
Devapūjā-krama: Ārghya-saṃskāra, Maṇḍala–Nyāsa, Mudrā-pradarśana, Āvaraṇa-arcana, Homa, Japa, and Kṣamāpaṇa
ऐरावतस्तथा मेषो महिषः प्रेतस्तिमिर्मृगः । वाजी वृषो हंसकूर्मौ वाहनानि विदुर्बुधाः ॥ ८५ ॥
airāvatastathā meṣo mahiṣaḥ pretastimirmṛgaḥ | vājī vṛṣo haṃsakūrmau vāhanāni vidurbudhāḥ || 85 ||
Airāvata, ebenso der Widder und der Büffel; der Preta, der Timi und der Hirsch; ferner das Pferd, der Stier, der Schwan und die Schildkröte — dies alles kennen die Weisen als Vāhana, die göttlichen Reittiere.
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada, within the Vedanga/technical enumerations of Book 1.3)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It preserves a traditional, shastric classification of vāhanas (divine vehicles), implying that cosmic functions and divine powers are expressed through recognizable symbols—animals and beings used as mounts in iconography and ritual visualization.
By naming vāhanas, the verse supports devotional practice through correct contemplation (dhyāna) and identification of divine forms in pūjā; accurate knowledge of symbols strengthens reverence and focused worship rather than directly teaching an emotional bhakti doctrine.
A technical-nigama style enumeration used in śāstra and ritual contexts—useful for correct iconographic identification and recitation; it aligns with the Book 1.3 emphasis on structured knowledge and terminology rather than narrative theology.