Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 72
The Explanation of the Twelve-Month Caturthī Vrata
माघकृष्णचतुर्थ्यां तु संकष्टव्रतमुच्यते । तत्रोपवासं संकल्प्य व्रती नियमपूर्वकम् ॥ ७२ ॥
māghakṛṣṇacaturthyāṃ tu saṃkaṣṭavratamucyate | tatropavāsaṃ saṃkalpya vratī niyamapūrvakam || 72 ||
Am Caturthī-Tag der dunklen Monatshälfte im Monat Māgha ist das Gelübde namens Saṅkaṣṭa-vrata vorgeschrieben. An jenem Tag soll der Gelübdehalter feierlich den Entschluss zum Fasten fassen und das Vrata mit gebührender Disziplin und Enthaltsamkeit wahren.
Narada (teaching in a vrata/ritual instruction context; commonly framed within the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue flow)
Vrata: Saṅkaṣṭa-vrata (Saṅkaṣṭa Caturthī)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It defines the proper timing and method for Saṅkaṣṭa-vrata—observing Māgha kṛṣṇa caturthī with saṅkalpa (solemn intention), fasting, and disciplined conduct—showing that inner resolve and regulated practice are central to dharmic rites.
By emphasizing saṅkalpa and niyama during upavāsa, the verse frames devotion as steady, intentional practice—offering one’s discipline and restraint as an act of worship and trust in divine protection during distress (saṅkaṣṭa).
Kalpa (ritual procedure) and Jyotiṣa (tithi-based timing) are implied: the rite is fixed to a specific lunar day (kṛṣṇa caturthī) in Māgha, and it prescribes the practical steps of saṅkalpa and regulated fasting.