Shloka 16
Brahmavākya
Brahmā’s Pronouncement on Hari-nāma and the Non-punishability of Viṣṇu’s Devotees
मधुसूदनभक्तानां निग्रहो नोपपद्यते । व्याजेनापि कृता यैस्तु द्वादशी पक्षयोर्द्वयोः ॥ १६ ॥
madhusūdanabhaktānāṃ nigraho nopapadyate | vyājenāpi kṛtā yaistu dvādaśī pakṣayordvayoḥ || 16 ||
Restraint or punishment is not proper in the case of devotees of Madhusūdana (Viṣṇu). Even if the Dvādaśī observance is performed only under some pretext, when done in both fortnights it still carries sanctifying power.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in a vrata-mahatmya context)
Vrata: Dvādaśī-vrata
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It emphasizes Viṣṇu’s special grace toward His devotees: even imperfect or excuse-based observance of Dvādaśī, when done with devotion across both fortnights, is accepted and should not be met with harsh censure.
Bhakti is shown as the decisive factor: Madhusūdana’s devotees are not to be judged primarily by external perfection, because sincere devotional orientation makes their vows fruitful and draws divine protection.
Kalā/ritual timing (connected to Jyotiṣa) is implied through the reference to Dvādaśī in both pakṣas (śukla and kṛṣṇa), underscoring correct tithi-based vrata scheduling following Ekādaśī.