Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 28
Dīkṣā, Mantra-Types, Mantra-Doṣas, and Qualifications of Ācārya–Śiṣya
माप्रा नमामि च पदं नास्ति यस्मिन्स कीलितः । एवं मध्ये द्वयं मूर्ध्नि यस्मिन्नस्त्रलकारकौ ॥ २८ ॥
māprā namāmi ca padaṃ nāsti yasminsa kīlitaḥ | evaṃ madhye dvayaṃ mūrdhni yasminnastralakārakau || 28 ||
Sa salitang “māprā”, at gayundin sa “namāmi”, walang titik o letra na ‘nakapako’ (ibig sabihi’y minarkahang di-nagagalaw). Kaya sa gitna ay may dalawa, at sa unahan ay naroon ang mga letrang nagsisilbing palatandaang teknikal (lakāra).
Sanatkumāra (in instruction to Nārada on technical śāstra/grammar)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It emphasizes that accurate understanding of sacred words depends on technical śāstra (especially Vyākaraṇa/Śikṣā); correct linguistic analysis safeguards mantra-meaning and thus supports disciplined dharma and worship.
Bhakti is strengthened when names, prayers, and mantras are recited and interpreted correctly; this verse supports devotion indirectly by grounding worship in precise verbal knowledge (śabda-pramāṇa).
Vyākaraṇa-style analysis of letters within a word—identifying positions (beginning/middle) and the role of grammatical markers (indicatory signs) used for deriving correct forms and meanings.