Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 85
Nirukta, Phonetic Variants, and Vedic Dhātu–Svara Taxonomy
पाठोनुनासिकानां च परायणमिहोच्यते । शब्दाः सिद्धा वैदिकास्तु लौकिकाश्चापि नारद ॥ ८५ ॥
pāṭhonunāsikānāṃ ca parāyaṇamihocyate | śabdāḥ siddhā vaidikāstu laukikāścāpi nārada || 85 ||
Here the proper method of recitation—including the correct use of nasalized sounds (anunāsika)—is taught. O Nārada, sounds and words are established as valid both in the Vedic tradition and also in common (worldly) usage.
Sanatkumara (teacher addressing Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It emphasizes that spiritual practice depends on śabda-śuddhi (purity and correctness of sound): accurate recitation—down to nasalization—preserves mantra efficacy and supports dharma leading toward moksha.
Bhakti often expresses itself through nāma-japa and mantra; this verse implies that devotion should be accompanied by disciplined, correct chanting so the sacred sound is honored and transmitted without distortion.
Śikṣā (Vedic phonetics) is highlighted—especially the rule-governed use of anunāsika (nasalized) sounds—along with the idea that śabda is “siddha,” i.e., authoritative in both Vedic and classical usage.