Shloka 35
Tithi-vicara
Determination of Tithi for Fasts, Parana, and Pitri Rites
पूर्वे तु दक्षिणे भागे व्यतीते चोत्तरो मतः । मध्यकाले तु विषुवे त्वक्षया परिकीर्तिता ॥ ३५ ॥
pūrve tu dakṣiṇe bhāge vyatīte cottaro mataḥ | madhyakāle tu viṣuve tvakṣayā parikīrtitā || 35 ||
When the Sun moves in its earlier course, it is held to be the southern half (dakṣiṇāyana); when that has passed, the northern half (uttarāyana) is understood. But at the middle time—at the viṣuval, the equinox—it is proclaimed as Akṣayā, the imperishable, ever-fruitful time.
Narada (teaching within a calendrical/ritual-time context)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It links cosmic order (the Sun’s course and equinox) with dharmic timing, teaching that certain middle points in time—like the equinox—are regarded as especially “akṣayā,” i.e., yielding unfailing religious merit when used for worship, charity, and vows.
By emphasizing sacred timing, it guides devotees to align bhakti-practices (pūjā, dāna, vrata) with ritually potent periods—especially the equinox—so devotion is performed when its fruit is described as enduring (akṣaya).
Jyotiṣa Vedāṅga: the practical reckoning of ayana (dakṣiṇāyana/uttarāyana) and viṣuval (equinox) for determining auspicious ritual calendars and merit-bearing observances.