Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 97
Sṛṣṭi-pralaya-kathana: Mahābhūta-guṇāḥ, Vṛkṣa-indriya-vādaḥ, Prāṇa-vāyu-vyavasthā
आप्यायंते च ते नित्यं धातवस्तैस्तु धातुभिः । आपोऽग्निर्मारुस्चैव नित्यं जाग्रति देहिषु ॥ ९७ ॥
āpyāyaṃte ca te nityaṃ dhātavastaistu dhātubhiḥ | āpo'gnirmāruscaiva nityaṃ jāgrati dehiṣu || 97 ||
Et ces constituants du corps (dhātu) sont sans cesse nourris par les autres dhātus. Dans les êtres incarnés, les principes de l’eau, du feu et du vent demeurent toujours actifs et en éveil.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It frames the body as a constantly maintained system of dhātus and elemental forces (water, fire, wind), encouraging dispassion and self-knowledge: the embodied state is sustained by natural processes, not by an independent, permanent ego.
By highlighting the body’s dependence on ever-working elemental powers, the verse supports humility and surrender—key moods in Vishnu-bhakti—reminding the devotee to rely on the Lord rather than identifying the self with bodily maintenance.
While not a direct Vedāṅga lesson, it reflects applied adhyātma-knowledge used in vrata and sādhana: understanding bodily processes helps regulate food, breath, and discipline (supporting steady japa, worship, and meditation).