Shloka 65
संध्याचरित्रवर्णनम् (Sandhyā-caritra-varṇana) — “Account of Sandhyā’s Story”
तृतीये षष्ठकाले तु ह्युपवासपरो भवेत् । एवं तपस्समाप्तौ वा षष्ठे काले क्रिया भवेत्
tṛtīye ṣaṣṭhakāle tu hyupavāsaparo bhavet | evaṃ tapassamāptau vā ṣaṣṭhe kāle kriyā bhavet
In the third phase, at the sixth appointed time, one should be devoted to fasting. Thus, when the discipline of austerity is concluded, the ritual observance should be performed at the sixth time as well.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating Shiva’s prescribed observances to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: Fasting and time-regulated observance reduce sensory outwardness (a practical ‘concealment’ of distractions), preparing for the later unveiling through grace.
FAQs
It emphasizes regulated discipline: fasting (upavāsa) and ritual action (kriyā) are to be performed at prescribed times, showing that steady tapas, when concluded properly, becomes a purifying means to approach Shiva (Pati) with a clarified mind and devotion.
The verse supports Saguna Shiva worship by prescribing practical observance—fasting and then performing the concluding rite at the proper time—typically expressed as timely pūjā/arcana to Shiva (often via the Liṅga) after completing the intended austerity.
A timed vrata practice: keep upavāsa at the stated ‘sixth time’ during the third phase, and upon completing tapas, perform the concluding kriyā (such as Shiva pūjā, mantra-japa like the Pañcākṣarī, and formal completion/udvāsana) at the same prescribed time.