Adhyaya 194
Aśoka-Pūrṇimā and Related Vows (अशोकपूर्णिमादिव्रत)
Continuing the Vrata-khaṇḍa’s calendrical discipline, Agni teaches Vasiṣṭha a set of observances that shape sacred time into ordered Dharma. The chapter first recalls the Śivarātri-vrata as a giver of Bhukti–Mukti, then teaches Aśoka-Pūrṇimā: in Phālguna’s bright fortnight one worships Bhūdhara and Bhuva, keeping the vow for a year to gain enjoyment and liberation. Next comes a Kārttika rite featuring vṛṣotsarga (release/donation of a bull) with naktam (a single nightly meal), proclaimed the supreme vṛṣa-vrata leading to Śiva’s abode. Pitṛ-amāvāsyā follows: akṣayya (imperishable) offerings to the ancestors, with year-long fasting discipline and Pitṛ worship, remove sin and grant heaven. The chapter culminates in Sāvitrī-Amāvāsyā: on Jyeṣṭha’s fifteenth day, women fast three nights and worship the great chaste goddess at a banyan root with seven grains, adornments, night vigil with song and dance, naivedya to a brāhmaṇa, feeding of brāhmaṇas, and formal dismissal—seeking saubhāgya and auspicious prosperity through Devī’s pleasure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Worship of Bhūdhara and Bhuva in Phālguna’s bright fortnight, sustained as an observance for a year, stated to yield both Bhukti and Mukti.
By performing vṛṣotsarga (release/donation of a bull) and observing naktam (a single meal at night), the practitioner is said to attain Śiva’s state/abode.
It combines akṣayya offerings to the Pitṛs with a year-long fasting discipline and formal ancestor worship, promising sinlessness and attainment of heaven.
A three-night fast by women, worship at a banyan root with seven grains, night adornment and vigil with song/dance, offering naivedya to a brāhmaṇa, feeding brāhmaṇas, self-meal, and ritual dismissal, aiming at Devī’s favor and saubhāgya.