Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 16
Śrāddha-prayoga: Niyama, Brāhmaṇa-parīkṣā, Kutapa-kāla, Tithi-nyāya, and Vaiṣṇava-phala
वेदविक्रयिणश्चैव व्रतविक्रयिणस्तथा । स्मृतिविक्रयिणश्चैव मंत्रविक्रयिणस्तथा ॥ १६ ॥
vedavikrayiṇaścaiva vratavikrayiṇastathā | smṛtivikrayiṇaścaiva maṃtravikrayiṇastathā || 16 ||
Likewise, those who sell the Veda, those who sell vratas (sacred vows), those who sell the Smṛtis, and those who sell mantras—sacred formulas—are also condemned.
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none (generic 'vrata' mentioned as a category)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: raudra
FAQs
It warns that sacred knowledge and observances are meant for purification and liberation, not for trade; commodifying them corrupts intention (bhāva) and violates dharma.
Bhakti depends on sincerity and reverence; treating mantras, vratas, and scriptures as merchandise turns worship into transaction, weakening devotion and spiritual merit.
It highlights the ethics of mantra-prayoga and transmission (linked with Śikṣā for correct recitation and Kalpa for ritual practice): they should be taught and applied as dharma, not sold as a commercial service.