Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 37
The Explanation of Sandhyā and Related Daily Observances
Saṅdhyā-ādi Nitya-karma-Vidhi
अलक्ष्मीर्मलरूपा या सर्वभूतेषु संस्थिता । क्षालयन्ति च तां स्पर्शादापो देव्यः पुनन्तु माम् ॥ ३७ ॥
alakṣmīrmalarūpā yā sarvabhūteṣu saṃsthitā | kṣālayanti ca tāṃ sparśādāpo devyaḥ punantu mām || 37 ||
May the divine Waters purify me: for Alakṣmī—misfortune in the form of impurity—dwells in all beings, and by their very touch the Waters wash her away.
Narada (reciting a purificatory mantra/pravacana within a Vedanga-oriented ritual context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
It frames impurity and misfortune (Alakṣmī) as a subtle defilement present in embodied life, and presents sacred Waters as a divine purifying power that removes that taint through ritual contact and prayer.
Bhakti appears here as reverent dependence on divine agencies—treating the Waters as “devyaḥ” and seeking their grace—showing that purification is not only physical cleansing but also a devotional act of surrender and sanctification.
It reflects prayoga-style ritual application (kalpa-leaning practice): using a specific mantra during ācamana/snana or sprinkling, where correct recitation and intended effect (removal of mala and alakṣmī) are central to the rite.
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