Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 61
Varṇāśrama Saṁskāras, Upanayana Windows, Brahmacārin Ācāra, and Anadhyāya Prohibitions
वदंति चोपनयनं तत्पुत्रादिषु केचन । अनधीत्य तु यो वेदमन्त्रय कुरुते श्रमम् ॥ ६१ ॥
vadaṃti copanayanaṃ tatputrādiṣu kecana | anadhītya tu yo vedamantraya kurute śramam || 61 ||
Sebagian mengatakan upanayana juga hendaknya dilakukan bagi putra dan tanggungan lainnya. Namun siapa yang tanpa belajar dengan benar bersusah payah melafalkan mantra-mantra Veda, ia hanya berlelah-lelah sia-sia.
Narada (teaching in a dharma/vidhi context; dialogue tradition associated with Sanatkumara lineage)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It emphasizes that Vedic mantra-recitation is not merely a sound-act; it must rest on adhīyana (proper learning). Without study and eligibility, effort becomes fruitless, underscoring dharma as disciplined transmission rather than imitation.
Indirectly, it shows that sincere practice requires proper grounding and guidance. Just as bhakti is strengthened by right understanding and disciplined practice, Vedic recitation too must be supported by authentic learning rather than mechanical repetition.
The verse points to the necessity of śikṣā (phonetics/pronunciation) and vyākaraṇa (grammar) through the broader requirement of ‘adhīyana’—systematic study—before attempting Veda-mantras, implying that correct recitation and comprehension are essential.