Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 97
Sṛṣṭi-pralaya-kathana: Mahābhūta-guṇāḥ, Vṛkṣa-indriya-vādaḥ, Prāṇa-vāyu-vyavasthā
आप्यायंते च ते नित्यं धातवस्तैस्तु धातुभिः । आपोऽग्निर्मारुस्चैव नित्यं जाग्रति देहिषु ॥ ९७ ॥
āpyāyaṃte ca te nityaṃ dhātavastaistu dhātubhiḥ | āpo'gnirmāruscaiva nityaṃ jāgrati dehiṣu || 97 ||
आप्यायन्ते च ते नित्यं धातवस्तु परैर्धातुभिः। आपोऽग्निर्मारुतश्चैव नित्यं जाग्रति देहिषु॥
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It frames the body as a constantly maintained system of dhātus and elemental forces (water, fire, wind), encouraging dispassion and self-knowledge: the embodied state is sustained by natural processes, not by an independent, permanent ego.
By highlighting the body’s dependence on ever-working elemental powers, the verse supports humility and surrender—key moods in Vishnu-bhakti—reminding the devotee to rely on the Lord rather than identifying the self with bodily maintenance.
While not a direct Vedāṅga lesson, it reflects applied adhyātma-knowledge used in vrata and sādhana: understanding bodily processes helps regulate food, breath, and discipline (supporting steady japa, worship, and meditation).
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