Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 3
Dīkṣā, Mantra-Types, Mantra-Doṣas, and Qualifications of Ācārya–Śiṣya
मननं सर्ववेदित्वं त्राणं संखार्यनुग्रहः । मननात्त्राणधर्मत्त्वान्मंत्र इत्यभिधीयते ॥ ३ ॥
mananaṃ sarvaveditvaṃ trāṇaṃ saṃkhāryanugrahaḥ | mananāttrāṇadharmattvānmaṃtra ityabhidhīyate || 3 ||
Because it is to be reflected upon (manana) and because it possesses the nature of protection (trāṇa), it is called a “mantra”: through contemplation it grants comprehensive knowledge of the Vedas, and through its protective power it bestows grace upon the practitioner.
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It defines “mantra” by its two core functions—deep contemplation (manana) that yields Vedic insight, and protection (trāṇa) that safeguards and uplifts the practitioner through divine grace.
By presenting mantra as a vehicle of anugraha (grace), the verse aligns mantra-practice with devotional reliance: sincere contemplation and repetition invite protective divine favor, which supports steady remembrance and surrender.
It highlights a technical lakṣaṇa (definition) used in Vedic disciplines: mantra is validated by correct reflective engagement (manana) and its efficacy as protective power (trāṇa), foundational to ritual application and disciplined recitation.