Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 64

Anūcāna (True Learning), the Vedāṅgas, and Śikṣā: Svara, Sāmavedic Chant, and Gandharva Theory

Devanagari script

षड्जः । मन्द्रः ॥ ५ ॥

Transliteration

ṣaḍjaḥ | mandraḥ || 5 ||

Translation

ഷഡ്ജം—മന്ദ്ര (ഗംഭീര) സ്വരത്തിൽ॥

Word by Word

• षड्जः: Ṣaḍja (the note ‘Sa’)
• षड्जः: कर्ता (Karta/Subject)
• Type: Noun
• Root: षड्ज (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (Nominative/1st), एकवचन (Singular); समासः—तत्पुरुषः (षट् + ज = ‘born from six’)

• मन्द्रः: low-pitched, grave
• मन्द्रः: विशेषण (Viśeṣaṇa/Qualifier)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: मन्द्र (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (Nominative/1st), एकवचन (Singular); विशेषण

Speaker

Sanatkumara (instructing Narada on technical Vedic sound/recitation)

Vrata Kalpa

Vrata: none

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

Characters & Entities

• Narada
• Sanatkumara

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in Narada Purana?

It highlights disciplined sacred sound (śabda) as a support for dharma and inner purification—accurate tone and register are treated as integral to mantra efficacy and contemplative steadiness.

How does this verse explain the path of devotion (Bhakti)?

By implying that devotional recitation is not merely emotional but also precise: correct svara and register help preserve the intended mantra-power, supporting focused worship and remembrance.

What practical Vedic knowledge (Vedanga) is highlighted here?

Śikṣā (phonetics): it identifies the ṣaḍja note and its placement in the mandra (low) register—useful for correct chanting/intonation and traditional musical-phonetic instruction.