Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 42
Dīkṣā, Mantra-Types, Mantra-Doṣas, and Qualifications of Ācārya–Śiṣya
यस्यांते हृदयं प्रोक्तं शिरोमंत्रोऽथ मध्यगः । शिखा वर्म च यस्यांते नेत्रमस्रं च दृश्यते ॥ ४२ ॥
yasyāṃte hṛdayaṃ proktaṃ śiromaṃtro'tha madhyagaḥ | śikhā varma ca yasyāṃte netramasraṃ ca dṛśyate || 42 ||
In that mantra’s nyāsa sequence, the Heart-mantra (Hṛdaya) is prescribed at the end, while the Head-mantra (Śiro) is placed in the middle. At the close are also the Topknot (Śikhā) and Armor (Varma) mantras, and likewise the Eye (Netra) and Weapon (Astra) mantras are to be applied.
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It teaches that mantras are not only recited but ritually ‘placed’ (nyāsa) on specific loci—heart, head, śikhā, armor, eyes, and weapon—so worship is sealed with protection and focused embodiment of the deity’s power.
Bhakti here is expressed as disciplined worship: the devotee internalizes devotion through nyāsa, making the body a sanctified support for remembrance and reverent service rather than mere external chanting.
It highlights procedural ritual knowledge—mantra-vinyāsa/nyāsa and protective anga-mantras—typical of technical instruction aligned with Vedanga-style precision in recitation and application.