Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 23
Dīkṣā, Mantra-Types, Mantra-Doṣas, and Qualifications of Ācārya–Śiṣya
तारवर्मत्रया लक्ष्मीरेवं हीनस्तु यो मनुः । शक्तिहीनः स विज्ञेयश्चिरकालफलप्रदः ॥ २३ ॥
tāravarmatrayā lakṣmīrevaṃ hīnastu yo manuḥ | śaktihīnaḥ sa vijñeyaścirakālaphalapradaḥ || 23 ||
جو منو (منتر) تین گونہ ‘تار-ورم’ کے حفاظتی غلاف سے خالی ہو، وہ بے قوت سمجھا جائے؛ اس سے لکشمی کی حضوری نہیں ہوتی اور اس کا پھل بھی بہت دیر سے حاصل ہوتا ہے۔
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It teaches that mantra-phala depends on correct mantric structure and protection; a deficient mantra is considered śakti-hīna and yields results only slowly, emphasizing precision and discipline in sādhanā.
It implies that devotion must be accompanied by proper vidhi (method): sincere bhakti aligned with correct mantra-prayoga brings auspicious grace (symbolized by Lakṣmī) more effectively than careless or incomplete practice.
A technical principle of mantra-śāstra used within Vedāṅga-style disciplines: mantras require correct components (often taught as coverings/kavaca/nyāsa-like protections); otherwise their śakti is weakened and the promised phala is delayed.