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

随后说明坛城（曼荼罗）等布置之相；继而讲以库沙草与阿帕玛尔伽草作净除之法；再述安置“帕维特拉”（已加持的护身圣线/护符）之仪；其后则为神庙（天神殿）之规制。

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).