Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 51
Anūcāna (True Learning), the Vedāṅgas, and Śikṣā: Svara, Sāmavedic Chant, and Gandharva Theory
गांधारश्च निषादश्च वैश्यावर्द्धेन वै स्मृतौ । शूद्रत्वं विधिनार्द्धेन पतितत्वान्न संशयः ॥ ५० ॥
gāṃdhāraśca niṣādaśca vaiśyāvarddhena vai smṛtau | śūdratvaṃ vidhinārddhena patitatvānna saṃśayaḥ || 50 ||
گاندھار اور نِشاد—سمِرتی میں آدھے حصے سے ویشیہ مانے گئے ہیں۔ مقررہ قاعدے سے آدھے حصے سے شودر بھی؛ اور پَتِت ہونے میں کوئی شک نہیں۔
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada, Moksha-dharma instruction context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
The verse frames social classification as a Smṛti-based dharma rule and warns that deviation from prescribed dharmic standing is described as leading to “patita” status, emphasizing ethical discipline as a support for mokṣa-oriented life.
Indirectly: it highlights dharmic boundaries taught in Smṛti, which in the Purāṇic worldview are meant to stabilize conduct (ācāra); such steadiness is often presented as a foundation upon which Viṣṇu-bhakti and inner purification can mature.
It reflects Dharmaśāstra/Smṛti application—practical normative rules used in ritual and social eligibility discussions (e.g., who may perform certain rites), rather than a specific Vedāṅga like Vyākaraṇa; it is a dharma-interpretation takeaway.