Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 5

The Exposition of the Table of Contents (Anukramaṇī) of the Agni Purāṇa

Devanagari script

लक्षणं मंडलादीनां कुशापामार्जनं ततः । पवित्रारोपणविधिर्देवालयविधिस्ततः ॥ ५ ॥

Transliteration

lakṣaṇaṃ maṃḍalādīnāṃ kuśāpāmārjanaṃ tataḥ | pavitrāropaṇavidhirdevālayavidhistataḥ || 5 ||

Translation

پھر منڈل وغیرہ کی علامات؛ اس کے بعد کُشا اور اپامارگ سے مارجن (تطہیر)؛ پھر پویتر آروپن کی विधی، اور اس کے بعد دیوالیہ (مندر) کے قواعد ہیں۔

Word by Word

• लक्षणम्: the characteristics/definitions
• लक्षणम्: Karma (कर्म/Object/Item)
• Type: Noun
• Root: लक्षण (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा/द्वितीया-विभक्ति (1st/2nd), एकवचन

• मण्डलादीनाम्: of maṇḍalas and the like
• मण्डलादीनाम्: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/Genitive relation)
• Type: Noun
• Root: मण्डल + आदि (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, षष्ठी-विभक्ति (6th/Genitive), बहुवचन; समासः—मण्डलम् आदि येषाम् (तत्पुरुषः; ‘and others’ sense)

• कुशापामार्जनम्: cleansing with kuśa grass
• कुशापामार्जनम्: Karma (कर्म/Object/Item)
• Type: Noun
• Root: कुश + अपामार्जन (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: नपुंसकलिङ्ग, प्रथमा/द्वितीया-विभक्ति (1st/2nd), एकवचन; समासः—कुशेन अपामार्जनम् (तृतीया-तत्पुरुषः)

• ततः: thereafter
• ततः: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/Sequence marker)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: ततः (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय; क्रमवाचक (thereafter)

• पवित्रारोपणविधिः: the procedure for placing the pavitra (amulet/cord)
• पवित्रारोपणविधिः: Karta (कर्ता/Topic)
• Type: Noun
• Root: पवित्र + आरोपण + विधि (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (1st/Nominative), एकवचन; समासः—पवित्रस्य आरोपणस्य विधिः (षष्ठी-तत्पुरुषः)

• देवालयविधिः: the rules for the temple
• देवालयविधिः: Karta (कर्ता/Topic)
• Type: Noun
• Root: देवालय + विधि (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा-विभक्ति (1st/Nominative), एकवचन; समासः—देवालयस्य विधिः (षष्ठी-तत्पुरुषः)

• ततः: thereafter
• ततः: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध/Sequence marker)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: ततः (अव्यय)
• Form: अव्यय; क्रमवाचक (thereafter)

Speaker

Narada (as part of an anukramaṇikā/topic-summary section traditionally framed in Narada’s narration)

Vrata Kalpa

Vrata: none

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: bhakti

FAQs

What is the spiritual significance of this verse in Narada Purana?

It functions as a compact index of temple-centered ritual purity: correct maṇḍala setup, cleansing acts, and consecratory protections (pavitra) are presented as prerequisites for proper worship and maintaining sanctity in a devālaya.

How does this verse explain the path of devotion (Bhakti)?

Bhakti here is expressed through disciplined service (sevā) and reverent worship: devotion is supported by orderly ritual space (maṇḍala), purification, and temple procedure, ensuring offerings and worship are performed in a fit, sacred environment.

What practical Vedic knowledge (Vedanga) is highlighted here?

It highlights Kalpa-style procedural knowledge (ritual injunctions/vidhi): how to prepare ritual layouts (maṇḍala), perform purification with prescribed materials (kuśa, apāmārga), and follow temple protocols (devālaya-vidhi).