Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 61
The Exposition of the Dvādaśī Vow for the Twelve Months
Dvādaśī-vrata-nirṇaya and Mahā-dvādaśī Lakṣaṇas
निरंजनं निरा कारं निर्द्वंद्वं ब्रह्म चाप्नुयात् । अत्रैवाखंडसंज्ञं च व्रतमुक्त द्विजोत्तम ॥ ६१ ॥
niraṃjanaṃ nirā kāraṃ nirdvaṃdvaṃ brahma cāpnuyāt | atraivākhaṃḍasaṃjñaṃ ca vratamukta dvijottama || 61 ||
وينال البراهمن الطاهر الذي لا دنس فيه، بلا صورة، منزَّهًا عن الثنائيات، واحدًا غيرَ مُثنّى. وهنا بعينه—يا أسمى ذوي الولادتين—أُعلِنَ النذر المسمّى «أخَندة».
Sanatkumara (addressing Narada as dvijottama, within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue frame)
Vrata: Akhaṇḍa-vrata
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It links a specific vow (the Akhaṇḍa-vrata) with the highest spiritual fruit: realization of Brahman described as stainless, formless, and beyond dualities—language typical of Vedāntic mokṣa.
While the verse uses jñāna-oriented terms (nirākāra, nirdvandva), it frames realization as the fruit of a vrata—suggesting disciplined religious observance (often performed with Viṣṇu-oriented devotion in Purāṇic practice) as a supportive path toward liberation.
The practical emphasis is on vrata-dharma (ritual discipline and observance). Though no single Vedāṅga is named, correct performance typically relies on Kalpa (ritual procedure) and proper timing (often informed by Jyotiṣa) for vow observances.