Shloka 14
Tithi-vicara
Determination of Tithi for Fasts, Parana, and Pitri Rites
आदित्योदयवेलायां यास्तोकापि तिथिर्भवेत् । पूर्वविद्धा तु मंतव्या प्रभूता नोदयं विना ॥ १४ ॥
ādityodayavelāyāṃ yāstokāpi tithirbhavet | pūrvaviddhā tu maṃtavyā prabhūtā nodayaṃ vinā || 14 ||
At sunrise, whatever tithi is present—even for a brief moment—should be regarded as pūrvaviddhā, ‘previously begun’. But a tithi that is extensive yet does not touch sunrise should not be accepted as valid for that day’s observance.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada the rule of tithi for observances)
Vrata: none (general rule applicable to vratas)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It teaches kāla-śuddhi (purity of timing): vows and rites gain full merit when aligned with the tithi that is connected to sunrise, ensuring disciplined and scripturally grounded observance.
Bhakti is supported by niyama (regulated practice): even devotion-centered vratas must be performed at the proper tithi, and the verse gives a clear rule—accept the tithi that touches sunrise.
It reflects Jyotiṣa/Vedāṅga-based calendrical determination: tithi is operationally taken from sunrise contact (pūrvaviddhā), not merely by duration, for deciding the day’s vrata/karma.