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 ||
ആയിരം വർണ്ണത്തിലധികമുള്ള മന്ത്രങ്ങൾ ‘പീഡിതാഹ്വയ’ എന്നു വിളിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു; അതിലും കൂടുതൽ വ്യാപിക്കുന്ന മന്ത്രങ്ങൾ സ്തോത്രരൂപമാണെന്ന് സ്മരിക്കപ്പെടുന്നു.
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.