Shloka 4
The Discourse of Rukmāṅgada
Prabodhinī Ekādaśī, Kārtika-vrata, and Satya-dharma
स्थातुं कमलगर्भाभ किं पुनर्माससंख्यया । यत्रोपवासकरणं मन्यसे वसुधाधिप ॥ ४ ॥
sthātuṃ kamalagarbhābha kiṃ punarmāsasaṃkhyayā | yatropavāsakaraṇaṃ manyase vasudhādhipa || 4 ||
“O Brahmā, lotus-wombed one, what need is there to speak of counting months? O lord of the earth, wherever you deem the sacred fast (upavāsa) to be performed—there itself its merit is assured.”
Suta (narrative voice, reporting the teaching)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It emphasizes that the essence of a vrata is sincere upavāsa (self-restraint/fasting); merit is not dependent on elaborate time-counting but on the earnest undertaking of the discipline.
By valuing inner resolve over external calculation, it supports bhakti-oriented practice: fasting becomes an offering of restraint and remembrance, rather than a merely calendrical obligation.
Indirectly, it downplays excessive reliance on calendrical computation (Jyotiṣa) when compared to the core dharmic intent of performing the vow—though proper timing remains useful, sincerity is primary.