Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 103
Pañca-prakṛti-nirūpaṇa and Mantra-vidhi: Rādhā, Mahālakṣmī, Durgā, Sarasvatī, Sāvitrī; plus Sāvitrī-Pañjara
एवं संपूज्य वाग्देवीं साक्षाद्वाग्वल्लभो भवेत् । ब्रह्मचर्यरतः शुद्धः शुद्धदंतनखा दिकः ॥ १०३ ॥
evaṃ saṃpūjya vāgdevīṃ sākṣādvāgvallabho bhavet | brahmacaryarataḥ śuddhaḥ śuddhadaṃtanakhā dikaḥ || 103 ||
Thus, having duly worshipped Vāgdevī, the Goddess of Speech, one becomes, as it were directly, beloved of Speech itself. Devoted to brahmacarya and purified—keeping teeth, nails, and the like clean—one attains this fitness.
Narada (instructional teaching within the Vedanga/learning context, traditionally framed in Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It links vāk-siddhi (mastery of speech) to two pillars: devatā-upāsanā (worship of the presiding deity of speech) and śauca-brahmacarya (inner/outer purity and disciplined conduct), implying that learning becomes fruitful when supported by vow and cleanliness.
Bhakti here is expressed as reverent, methodical worship of Vagdevī; the verse teaches that devotion is not only feeling but also disciplined living, through which divine grace manifests as clarity, eloquence, and right expression.
It emphasizes the practical discipline needed for Vedic study—especially śikṣā (proper speech/sound) and supportive conduct (brahmacarya, cleanliness)—as prerequisites for accurate recitation, learning, and effective expression.