Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 2
The Exposition of the Ṣaṣṭhī-vrata Observed Through the Twelve Months
चैत्रमासे शुक्लषष्ठ्यां कुमारव्रतमुत्तमम् । तत्रेष्ट्वा षण्मुखं देवं नानापूजा विधानतः ॥ २ ॥
caitramāse śuklaṣaṣṭhyāṃ kumāravratamuttamam | tatreṣṭvā ṣaṇmukhaṃ devaṃ nānāpūjā vidhānataḥ || 2 ||
In the month of Caitra, on the sixth lunar day of the bright fortnight, one should observe the excellent vow called the Kumāra-vrata. On that day, having worshipped the six-faced Lord (Ṣaṇmukha) with diverse offerings according to the prescribed rite, the vow is fulfilled.
Narada (teaching in a vrata/ritual context within Book 1.4)
Vrata: Kumāra-vrata
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It fixes a sacred time (Caitra, bright Ṣaṣṭhī) for the Kumāra-vrata and emphasizes worship done “according to vidhi,” teaching that disciplined observance and properly ordered pūjā are themselves dharma that lead to merit and spiritual uplift.
Bhakti here is expressed as structured devotion—worshipping Ṣaṇmukha with many offerings and reverence—showing that heartfelt devotion is strengthened when performed with scriptural procedure (vidhāna) and a vowed intention (vrata).
It highlights calendrical/ritual precision—identifying the lunar tithi (Śukla Ṣaṣṭhī) and month (Caitra) and insisting on pūjā-vidhi—reflecting applied Jyotiṣa (timing) and Kalpa (ritual procedure).