Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 5
The Account of the Ekādaśī Vow Observed Throughout the Twelve Months
चैत्रस्य शुक्लैकादश्यां सोपवासो नरोत्तमः । कृत्वा च नियमान्सर्वान्वक्ष्यमाणान्दिनत्रये ॥ ५ ॥
caitrasya śuklaikādaśyāṃ sopavāso narottamaḥ | kṛtvā ca niyamānsarvānvakṣyamāṇāndinatraye || 5 ||
On the bright (waxing) eleventh day of the month of Caitra, O best of men, one should observe the fast; and, having undertaken all the disciplines that will be described, one should follow them for three days.
Narada (teaching in dialogue to the Sanatkumara tradition)
Vrata: Ekadashi (Caitra śukla Ekādaśī)
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It establishes Ekādaśī in the bright fortnight of Caitra as a structured vrata: fasting joined with specific niyamas, sustained across a three-day observance, emphasizing disciplined devotion as a means of purification.
By prescribing upavāsa (fasting) together with niyamas (regulated conduct), the verse frames bhakti as deliberate practice—channeling the senses and mind toward sustained remembrance and worship rather than momentary piety.
Kalpa (ritual procedure) and basic calendrical practice are implied: identifying the tithi (Ekādaśī) in the śukla pakṣa of Caitra and following a multi-day vrata regimen as per prescribed rules.