Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 121

Jyotiṣa-saṅgraha: Varga-vibhāga, Bala-nirṇaya, Garbha-phala, Āyuḥ-gaṇanā

Devanagari script

नखा विधुर्द्वावंकाश्च धृतिः स्वाक्षिखमार्गणाः ॥ १२१ ॥

Transliteration

nakhā vidhurdvāvaṃkāśca dhṛtiḥ svākṣikhamārgaṇāḥ || 121 ||

Translation

“nakha”被说为月亮；“二”即数字二；而“dhṛti”乃坚稳之义，譬如自眼之明与寻路之行。

Word by Word

• nakhāḥ: nails (number-word)
• nakhāḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: nakha (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा बहुवचन — masculine, nominative plural

• vidhuḥ: the Moon (number-word)
• vidhuḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: vidhu (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा एकवचन — masculine, nominative singular

• dvau: two
• dvau: Visheshana (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: dvi (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा द्विवचन; संख्यावाचक विशेषण — masculine, nominative dual

• aṃkāḥ: marks/digits (number-word)
• aṃkāḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: aṃka (प्रातिपदik)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा बहुवचन — masculine, nominative plural

• ca: and
• ca: Sambandha (सम्बन्ध)
• Type: Indeclinable
• Root: ca (अव्यय)
• Form: समुच्चयबोधक अव्यय (conjunction)

• dhṛtiḥ: dhṛti (a number-word)
• dhṛtiḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: dhṛti (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: स्त्रीलिङ्ग, प्रथमा एकवचन — feminine, nominative singular

• sva-akṣi-kha-mārgaṇāḥ: sva, eye, sky, and arrows (number-words)
• sva-akṣi-kha-mārgaṇāḥ: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Noun
• Root: sva + akṣi + kha + mārgaṇa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा बहुवचन; बहुपद-द्वन्द्व/समाहार-प्राय (स्व, अक्षि, ख, मार्गण) — masculine, nominative plural

Speaker

Narada (in dialogue context with Sanatkumara tradition; didactic listing style)

Vrata Kalpa

Vrata: none

Verse Rasa

Primary Rasa: shanta

Secondary Rasa: adbhuta

FAQs

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

It uses symbolic correspondences—linking bodily features and mental qualities—to point the seeker from outer forms toward inner steadiness (dhṛti) and discernment, which are essential for Moksha.

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

By emphasizing dhṛti (steadfastness) and “seeking the path,” it supports Bhakti as sustained, focused practice—holding the mind steady while searching for and staying aligned with the Lord’s way.

What practical Vedic knowledge (Vedanga) is highlighted here?

The verse reflects a Vedāṅga-style mnemonic/technical enumeration (common in Śikṣā and allied traditions), where terms like aṅka (numeral) and structured correspondences help memorization and disciplined study.