Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 129
Jyotiṣa-śāstra Saṅgraha: Threefold Division, Gaṇita Methods, Muhūrta, and Planetary Reckoning
तन्मध्ये स्थापयेच्छंकुं कल्पना द्द्वादशांगुलम् । तच्छायाग्रं स्पृशेद्यत्र दत्तं पूर्वापराह्णयोः ॥ १२९ ॥
tanmadhye sthāpayecchaṃkuṃ kalpanā ddvādaśāṃgulam | tacchāyāgraṃ spṛśedyatra dattaṃ pūrvāparāhṇayoḥ || 129 ||
In the midst of that marked place, one should set up a gnomon—a vertical peg—measuring, by convention, twelve finger-breadths. Wherever the tip of its shadow touches in the forenoon and in the afternoon, there the point should be marked.
Narada (teaching in a technical-practical instruction style within Moksha-dharma context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It emphasizes kāla-śuddhi (purity/accuracy of time): righteous acts like dāna and daily observances become more effective when performed at properly determined times.
By teaching precise discipline in daily conduct and offerings, it supports steady devotional life—bhakti is strengthened when worship and charity are aligned with proper time and order.
Jyotiṣa/Vedāṅga-based time determination using a chaṅku (gnomon): marking the shadow-tip in the forenoon and afternoon to establish reference points for timing rites.