Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 2
Śrāddha-prayoga: Niyama, Brāhmaṇa-parīkṣā, Kutapa-kāla, Tithi-nyāya, and Vaiṣṇava-phala
क्षयाहपूर्वदिवसे स्नात्वा चैकाशनो भवेत् । अधः शायी ब्रह्मचारी निशि विप्रान्निमंत्रयेत् ॥ २ ॥
kṣayāhapūrvadivase snātvā caikāśano bhavet | adhaḥ śāyī brahmacārī niśi viprānnimaṃtrayet || 2 ||
On the day before the kṣayāha, having bathed, one should eat only once; one should sleep upon the ground, observe brahmacarya, and at night invite the brāhmaṇas to be honored with food in the rite.
Narada (in dialogue tradition with Sanatkumara, teaching ritual discipline)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It emphasizes purification and restraint before an important rite: bathing, moderation in food, celibacy, and humility (sleeping on the ground) prepare the performer to act with śraddhā and ritual integrity.
Though primarily a ritual rule, it supports bhakti by cultivating self-control and reverence—qualities that make worship and offerings (including honoring brāhmaṇas) sincere and sattvic.
Kalpa (ritual procedure) is implied: the verse gives a clear niyama—timing (the prior day/night), conduct (ekāśana, brahmacarya), and the formal invitation (nimaṃtraṇa) required for the rite.