Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 38
Mantraśodhana, Dīkṣā-krama, Guru-Pādukā, Ajapā-Haṃsa, and Ṣaṭcakra-Kuṇḍalinī Sādhana
समोऽस्त्वित्यक्षरान्दद्यात्ततः शिष्योऽर्चयेद्गुरुम् । ततः सचन्दनं हस्तं दत्वा शिष्यस्य मस्तके ॥ ३८ ॥
samo'stvityakṣarāndadyāttataḥ śiṣyo'rcayedgurum | tataḥ sacandanaṃ hastaṃ datvā śiṣyasya mastake || 38 ||
He should impart the syllables beginning with “samo’stu” (“May there be equanimity/peace”). Then the disciple should worship the Guru. After that, the Guru places his hand, anointed with sandal paste, upon the disciple’s head to complete the rite.
Narada (teaching a technical/ritual procedure in the Vedanga-oriented section)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It frames initiation as a transmission grounded in inner balance (“samo’stu”) and reverence—knowledge is given after the disciple honors the guru, and the head-touch with sandal signifies blessing, purity, and authorization.
Bhakti is reflected through arcana—worshipful service to the guru—showing that humility and devotion are prerequisites for receiving sacred instruction and grace.
It highlights a formal instructional rite: mantric syllable transmission and a codified gesture (hand on head with sandal), aligning with Śikṣā/Mantra-prayoga style procedure within Vedanga-oriented teaching.