Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 58
Dīkṣā, Mantra-Types, Mantra-Doṣas, and Qualifications of Ācārya–Śiṣya
सहस्रवर्णदधिका मंत्रास्ते पीडिताह्वयाः । तद्वर्द्ध्वं चैव ये मंत्राः स्तोत्ररूपास्तु ते स्मृताः ॥ ५८ ॥
sahasravarṇadadhikā maṃtrāste pīḍitāhvayāḥ | tadvarddhvaṃ caiva ye maṃtrāḥ stotrarūpāstu te smṛtāḥ || 58 ||
Les mantras qui contiennent plus de mille syllabes sont appelés pīḍitāhvaya. Et ceux qui dépassent encore cette mesure sont tenus pour des stotras, des hymnes de louange.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It preserves a precise Vedāṅga-style taxonomy of sacred speech, showing that Vedic tradition distinguishes mantra-forms by measurable structure (syllable count) and recognizes when extended compositions function as stotras—devotional praise suited to sustained worship.
By stating that very extended mantra-compositions are regarded as stotras, the verse bridges technical Vedic recitation and bhakti practice: longer, praise-oriented formulations naturally become hymns used for concentrated remembrance and worship.
Chandas/Śikṣā-oriented practical knowledge: mantras are classified by quantitative features (syllable/varṇa count), guiding how a text should be treated—strict mantra-recitation versus stotra-style hymn chanting.