Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 54
Dīkṣā, Mantra-Types, Mantra-Doṣas, and Qualifications of Ācārya–Śiṣya
ये मंत्रास्ते तु विज्ञेयाः स्थानभ्रष्टा मुनीश्वर । त्रयोदशार्णा ये मन्त्रास्तिथ्यर्णाश्च तथा पुनः ॥ ५४ ॥
ye maṃtrāste tu vijñeyāḥ sthānabhraṣṭā munīśvara | trayodaśārṇā ye mantrāstithyarṇāśca tathā punaḥ || 54 ||
हे मुनीश्वर! ते मंत्र ‘स्थानभ्रष्ट’ असे समजावेत. तसेच तेराअक्षरी मंत्र आणि तिथी‑क्रमाने रचलेले अक्षरयुक्त मंत्रही तद्वत् ओळखावेत.
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It stresses that mantra-power depends on precision: correct placement and syllabic structure are essential, and deviations (sthāna-bhraṣṭa) are to be identified and corrected for a rite to bear fruit.
Even in devotion, the Purana upholds disciplined practice: sincere bhakti is supported by accurate mantra-recitation, showing that devotion and proper vidhi (method) work together rather than opposing each other.
It highlights Śikṣā/Vedāṅga-style technicality—syllable-count (arṇa), correct phonetic/positional arrangement (sthāna), and tithi-based ritual timing/structure used in mantra application.