Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 17
Tithi-Nirṇaya for Vratas: Ekādaśī Rules, Saṅkrānti Punya-kāla, Eclipse Observances, and Prāyaścitta
रात्रिव्रतेषु सर्वेषु रात्रियोगो विशिष्यते । तिथिर्नक्षत्रयोगेन या पुण्या परिकीर्तिता ॥ १७ ॥
rātrivrateṣu sarveṣu rātriyogo viśiṣyate | tithirnakṣatrayogena yā puṇyā parikīrtitā || 17 ||
Among all vows observed at night, the proper night-time conjunction (yoga) is held to be pre-eminent; and that tithi (lunar day) which is proclaimed auspicious when joined with a particular nakṣatra (lunar mansion) is praised as highly meritorious.
Nārada (teaching in dialogue, traditionally to the Sanatkumāra lineage)
Vrata: rātri-vrata (general category)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches that the merit of a night-vow depends greatly on correct sacred timing—especially the night-time yoga and the auspicious pairing of tithi with nakṣatra—so that the observance aligns with dharmic cosmic order.
While not directly defining bhakti, it supports devotional practice by emphasizing disciplined, scripture-aligned observance (vrata) performed at the most auspicious times, which traditionally strengthens focus and purity in worship.
It highlights Jyotiṣa (a Vedāṅga): using pañcāṅga factors—tithi and nakṣatra (and their yoga)—to determine the most auspicious timing for ritual vows.