Shloka 18
Vratas, Nakṣatra Observances, Naivedya Rules, and Tithi-wise Devatā Worship
दुर्गाष्टम्यां मातरश्च नवम्यामथ तक्षकः / इन्द्रो दशम्यां धनद एकादश्यां मुनीश्वराः
durgāṣṭamyāṃ mātaraśca navamyāmatha takṣakaḥ / indro daśamyāṃ dhanada ekādaśyāṃ munīśvarāḥ
On Durgāṣṭamī are the Mother-goddesses; on Navamī, Takṣaka; on Daśamī, Indra; and on Ekādaśī, Kubera and the great sages.
Lord Viṣṇu (in dialogue to Garuḍa/Vinātā-putra)
Concept: Dharma as right observance of time—worship aligned to tithi and devatā yields harmony and merit.
Vedantic Theme: Rta/dharma as cosmic order reflected in ritual time; devotion expressed through disciplined observance.
Application: Follow the vrata/puja calendar: honor the specified deities on their tithis with appropriate offerings and restraint.
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.137 (vrata-tithi-devata listings continuing); Garuda Purana 1.137.19 (continuation: Dvadasi–Purnima deities)
FAQs
This verse assigns presiding deities to specific lunar days, indicating which divine powers are traditionally honored on those tithis for dharmic observance and ritual timing.
It does not directly describe the soul’s post-death journey; instead, it supports dharmic living through correct observance of sacred days, which the Purāṇa frames as spiritually beneficial.
Use it as a devotional calendar cue—on these tithis, align worship/fasting with the named deities (e.g., Durgāṣṭamī for the Mothers, Ekādaśī with saintly/sattvic emphasis), strengthening discipline and devotion.