Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 26
The Explanation of the Twelve-Month Caturthī Vrata
व्रतं कृत्वा समुद्याप्य धेनुं दद्यात्पयस्विनीम् । प्रभावेण व्रतस्यास्य भुक्त्वा भोगान्मनोरमान् ॥ २६ ॥
vrataṃ kṛtvā samudyāpya dhenuṃ dadyātpayasvinīm | prabhāveṇa vratasyāsya bhuktvā bhogānmanoramān || 26 ||
Nachdem man das Gelübde vollzogen und es ordnungsgemäß abgeschlossen hat, soll man eine milchgebende Kuh spenden. Durch die Kraft dieses Gelübdes genießt man liebliche, wunscherfüllende Freuden.
Narada (teaching within the Narada Purana’s vrata-vidhi context; dialogue tradition with Sanatkumara lineage implied)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It emphasizes that a vow (vrata) is not complete without proper udyāpana (formal conclusion) and dana (charitable gifting), showing that disciplined observance must culminate in generosity to become spiritually fruitful.
While framed as vrata-vidhi, it supports bhakti-culture by linking devotion expressed through disciplined observance with selfless giving; the devotee’s vrata is sealed by dana, reinforcing humility and offering-oriented living.
It highlights ritual procedure (kalpa-style practice): the concept of udyāpana—formally concluding a vrata—and prescribing an appropriate gift (milch cow) as part of correct rite-completion.