Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 8
The Explanation of Sandhyā and Related Daily Observances
Saṅdhyā-ādi Nitya-karma-Vidhi
आयुर्बलं यशो वर्चः प्रजाः पशुवसूनि च । श्रियं प्रज्ञां च मेधां च त्वं नो देहि वनस्पते ॥ ८ ॥
āyurbalaṃ yaśo varcaḥ prajāḥ paśuvasūni ca | śriyaṃ prajñāṃ ca medhāṃ ca tvaṃ no dehi vanaspate || 8 ||
Wahai Vanaspati, anugerahkan kepada kami umur panjang, kekuatan, kemasyhuran, dan cahaya wibawa; juga keturunan, ternak, serta harta; limpahkan pula śrī, kebijaksanaan, dan kecerdasan tajam.
Narada (as a ritual/benediction formula within the Vedanga-oriented section)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It functions as a benedictory prayer asking nature’s presiding power (Vanaspati) to harmonize worldly well-being—life, vigor, reputation, family, and wealth—with inner excellence—śrī (auspicious prosperity), prajñā (wisdom), and medhā (intellect).
Bhakti here appears as reverent petition and gratitude toward a divine presiding principle; the devotee seeks not only material supports but also higher faculties (prajñā and medhā) that make dharmic living and God-centered practice possible.
The verse reflects mantra-prayoga used in rite-contexts: a structured list of desired fruits (āyuḥ, bala, yaśas, varcas, etc.) typical of Vedic ritual language, aligning with Vedanga concerns of correct liturgical usage and intended results.