Shloka 58
अस्मिंस्तु कार्तिके मासि ऋतुधर्मास्तु माधवे । द्वादश्यां शुक्लपक्षे तु यस्तु घोरे निशागमे
asmiṃstu kārtike māsi ṛtudharmāstu mādhave | dvādaśyāṃ śuklapakṣe tu yastu ghore niśāgame
In the month of Kārtika—and likewise in Mādhava (Vaiśākha), when seasonal observances are enjoined—on the twelfth lunar day of the bright fortnight, whoever performs (this rite) at the dreadful approach of night…
Suta Goswami (narrating the Purana to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pasha
FAQs
It highlights sacred time (Kārtika/Vaiśākha and Śukla-Dvādaśī) as especially potent for vrata and worship, implying that disciplined observance and night-vigil intensify devotion and inner purification—key Shaiva means for loosening pāśa (bondage) and turning the mind toward Pati (Shiva).
By prescribing auspicious calendrical conditions for observance, it supports Saguna worship—timed pūjā, dīpa, japa, and upāsanā—commonly centered on the Śiva-liṅga, where the devotee approaches the compassionate manifest Lord while progressing toward deeper realization.
A Śukla-Dvādaśī night observance (vrata) is implied: maintain purity and restraint, keep a night vigil, and perform Shiva-upāsanā such as pañcākṣarī japa ("Om Namaḥ Śivāya"), liṅga-archana, and (where traditional) bhasma/rudrākṣa-assisted meditation.