Nirukta, Phonetic Variants, and Vedic Dhātu–Svara Taxonomy
कर्णेभिश्च यशोभाग्य इत्याद्याश्चतुरक्षरम् । देवासोऽथो सर्वदेवतातित्वावत इत्यपि ॥ १० ॥
karṇebhiśca yaśobhāgya ityādyāścaturakṣaram | devāso'tho sarvadevatātitvāvata ityapi || 10 ||
“कर्णेभिः” व “यशो-भाग्य” इत्यादींनी सुरू होणारे तसेच इतर चतुरक्षर (चार अक्षरी) मंत्र, तसेच “देवासः” इत्यादी, आणि “सर्वदेवतातित्वावत्” (सर्व देवतांपलीकडील अवस्थेने युक्त) हेही येथे समजावे।
Narada (within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue context typical of this section)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
It indicates that specific short, potent mantra-phrases (noted by their opening words) are recognized as valid spiritual supports, capable of conferring worldly auspiciousness (fame, fortune) and pointing toward transcendence beyond limited deity-identifications.
By highlighting concise mantra-utterances, the verse supports bhakti as steady remembrance and recitation—devotion expressed through sound (nāma/mantra) that elevates the mind from benefits toward the highest, all-transcending divine reality.
The practical focus is on mantra-structure and phonetic precision—counting syllables (catur-akṣara) and identifying mantras by their incipits—linking to Śikṣā (phonetics) and Vyākaraṇa (correct forms) for accurate recitation.