Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 37
Dīkṣā, Mantra-Types, Mantra-Doṣas, and Qualifications of Ācārya–Śiṣya
विरामस्थानगं चास्रं हतवीर्यः स उच्यते । मंत्रस्यादौ च मध्ये च मूर्ध्नि चास्रचतुष्टयम् ॥ ३७ ॥
virāmasthānagaṃ cāsraṃ hatavīryaḥ sa ucyate | maṃtrasyādau ca madhye ca mūrdhni cāsracatuṣṭayam || 37 ||
Ang pantig ng mantra na bumabagsak sa lugar ng paghinto ay sinasabing humihina ang bisa. Sa isang mantra may apat na ganitong ‘asra’ na punto—sa simula, sa gitna, sa wakas, at sa ulo o tuktok (pangunahing bahagi).
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada on mantra-recitation and Śikṣā)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches that mantra-siddhi depends on precise Śikṣā (phonetics): if recitation is broken by improper pauses or placed at sensitive points, the mantra’s efficacy is considered weakened.
Even in bhakti-oriented practice, the Purana emphasizes disciplined recitation—devotion is supported by correct mantra-utterance, showing that sincerity and proper method work together.
Śikṣā (Vedic phonetics): guidance about virāma (pause), structural points in a mantra (beginning/middle/end/crest), and how such placement impacts ritual recitation and results.