Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 23
Prāyaścitta for Mahāpātakas and the Sin-destroying Power of Viṣṇu-smaraṇa
वृद्धातुरस्त्रीबालानामर्द्धमुक्तं मनीषिभिः । गौडी पैष्टी च माध्वी च विज्ञेया त्रिविधा सुरा ॥ २३ ॥
vṛddhāturastrībālānāmarddhamuktaṃ manīṣibhiḥ | gauḍī paiṣṭī ca mādhvī ca vijñeyā trividhā surā || 23 ||
For the aged, the sick, women, and children, the wise have prescribed only half of the usual measure. Know that surā, intoxicating liquor, is of three kinds: gauḍī made from molasses, paiṣṭī made from grain, and mādhvī made from honey.
Sanatkumara (in dialogue with Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It frames self-restraint (niyama) as a dharmic principle: even where a concession is mentioned, it is strictly measured, emphasizing control of the senses and avoidance of harm.
By stressing restraint and disciplined living, the verse supports bhakti indirectly: a steady mind and regulated habits are presented as conducive to sustained worship and remembrance, rather than indulgence.
It reflects applied dharma-śāstra style reasoning—classification and regulated measure—useful for ritual conduct (kalpa-oriented practice), especially in determining what is considered surā and how it is categorized.