Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 169
Jyotiṣa-śāstra Saṅgraha: Threefold Division, Gaṇita Methods, Muhūrta, and Planetary Reckoning
सेष्वशोनाः सितं तिथ्यो बलन्नाशोन्नतं विधोः । श्रृङ्गमन्यत्र उद्वाच्यं बलनांगुललेखनात् ॥ १६९ ॥
seṣvaśonāḥ sitaṃ tithyo balannāśonnataṃ vidhoḥ | śrṛṅgamanyatra udvācyaṃ balanāṃgulalekhanāt || 169 ||
On the remaining days, the Moon’s portions are to be understood as “white and bright” according to the tithis; its waxing and waning are inferred from its rising and falling. The direction of the Moon’s “horn” (the crescent-tip) is stated differently elsewhere, based on the mark made by the fingers—by practical measure and observation.
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada within the Moksha-Dharma/observance discussion, touching calendrical indication)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It emphasizes that Dharma and vrata-observance should be grounded in accurate knowledge of time (kāla)—using tithi and lunar condition—so that spiritual practices are performed with clarity and correctness.
Bhakti is supported by disciplined observance; the verse highlights the practical side of devotion—keeping vows and worship on the proper tithis—so that devotional acts align with scriptural timing rather than guesswork.
Vedāṅga Jyotiṣa: reading tithi-related lunar phases (waxing/waning) and using simple observational measures (like finger-marking) to describe the Moon’s crescent orientation for calendrical/ritual purposes.