Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 51
Anūcāna (True Learning), the Vedāṅgas, and Śikṣā: Svara, Sāmavedic Chant, and Gandharva Theory
गांधारश्च निषादश्च वैश्यावर्द्धेन वै स्मृतौ । शूद्रत्वं विधिनार्द्धेन पतितत्वान्न संशयः ॥ ५० ॥
gāṃdhāraśca niṣādaśca vaiśyāvarddhena vai smṛtau | śūdratvaṃ vidhinārddhena patitatvānna saṃśayaḥ || 50 ||
Dans la Smṛti, il est enseigné que Gāndhāra et Niṣāda ne sont comptés comme Vaiśyas qu’à moitié; selon la règle prescrite, ils sont aussi comptés comme Śūdras pour moitié—et nul doute qu’ils tombent dans l’état de « patita » (déchu).
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada, Moksha-dharma instruction context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
The verse frames social classification as a Smṛti-based dharma rule and warns that deviation from prescribed dharmic standing is described as leading to “patita” status, emphasizing ethical discipline as a support for mokṣa-oriented life.
Indirectly: it highlights dharmic boundaries taught in Smṛti, which in the Purāṇic worldview are meant to stabilize conduct (ācāra); such steadiness is often presented as a foundation upon which Viṣṇu-bhakti and inner purification can mature.
It reflects Dharmaśāstra/Smṛti application—practical normative rules used in ritual and social eligibility discussions (e.g., who may perform certain rites), rather than a specific Vedāṅga like Vyākaraṇa; it is a dharma-interpretation takeaway.