Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 146
Graha–Ketu–Utpāta Lakṣaṇas: Solar/Lunar Omens, Comets, Eclipses, and Calendar Rules
रात्रौ चन्द्र वती राकाप्यमावास्या तथा द्विधा । सिनीवाली चेंदुमती कुहूर्नेंदुमती मता ॥ १४६ ॥
rātrau candra vatī rākāpyamāvāsyā tathā dvidhā | sinīvālī ceṃdumatī kuhūrneṃdumatī matā || 146 ||
By night the lunar day is called Rākā; likewise the Amāvāsyā, the new‑moon night, is of two kinds: Sinīvālī is held to be “moon‑possessing” (indumatī), while Kuhū is deemed “not moon‑possessing” (not indumatī).
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada on technical distinctions of lunar nights/observances)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It emphasizes kāla-śuddhi (purity/precision of sacred time): correctly identifying lunar nights like Rākā and the two forms of Amāvāsyā supports accurate performance of dharma, vows, and rites that underpin spiritual progress.
While not directly teaching bhakti, it supports bhakti-practice indirectly by clarifying when observances and pūjā-based vratas should be timed; disciplined observance (niyama) is presented as an aid to steadiness in devotion.
Jyotiṣa Vedāṅga (Vedic astronomy/astrology): the verse gives a technical distinction within Amāvāsyā—Sinīvālī (with lunar presence) versus Kuhū (without)—useful for calendrical decisions in ritual and vrata timing.