Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 15
Anūcāna (True Learning), the Vedāṅgas, and Śikṣā: Svara, Sāmavedic Chant, and Gandharva Theory
स्वरः प्रधानः शिक्षायां कीर्त्तितो मुनिभिर्दिजैः । वेदानां वेदविद्भिस्तु तच्छृणुष्व वदामि ते ॥ १५ ॥
svaraḥ pradhānaḥ śikṣāyāṃ kīrttito munibhirdijaiḥ | vedānāṃ vedavidbhistu tacchṛṇuṣva vadāmi te || 15 ||
Dans la Śikṣā, la science védique de la phonétique, les sages et les érudits dvija proclament que le ‘svara’, l’accent tonal, est primordial. Écoute donc : je t’exposerai ce que les connaisseurs des Veda enseignent au sujet des Veda.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in a Vedanga/Śikṣā context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It emphasizes that spiritual efficacy and fidelity of Vedic mantras depend on correct tonal accent (svara); Śikṣā safeguards the mantra so its intended meaning and ritual/spiritual power are preserved.
While not directly preaching bhakti, it supports devotional practice by insisting that sacred sound be honored through proper chanting—disciplined recitation becomes a form of reverence that strengthens worship and mantra-based devotion.
Śikṣā Vedāṅga—specifically the rule that svara (udātta/anudātta/svarita accents) is primary in Vedic recitation, guiding how mantras must be voiced for accurate transmission and ritual correctness.