Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 16
Śrāddha-prayoga: Niyama, Brāhmaṇa-parīkṣā, Kutapa-kāla, Tithi-nyāya, and Vaiṣṇava-phala
वेदविक्रयिणश्चैव व्रतविक्रयिणस्तथा । स्मृतिविक्रयिणश्चैव मंत्रविक्रयिणस्तथा ॥ १६ ॥
vedavikrayiṇaścaiva vratavikrayiṇastathā | smṛtivikrayiṇaścaiva maṃtravikrayiṇastathā || 16 ||
De même, ceux qui vendent le Veda, ceux qui vendent les vœux sacrés (vrata), ceux qui vendent les Smṛtis et ceux qui vendent les mantras (formules sacrées) sont eux aussi condamnés.
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none (generic 'vrata' mentioned as a category)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: raudra
FAQs
It warns that sacred knowledge and observances are meant for purification and liberation, not for trade; commodifying them corrupts intention (bhāva) and violates dharma.
Bhakti depends on sincerity and reverence; treating mantras, vratas, and scriptures as merchandise turns worship into transaction, weakening devotion and spiritual merit.
It highlights the ethics of mantra-prayoga and transmission (linked with Śikṣā for correct recitation and Kalpa for ritual practice): they should be taught and applied as dharma, not sold as a commercial service.