Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 65
पाशुपतव्रतविधिः | The Procedure of the Supreme Pāśupata Vow
अर्कवारे तथार्द्रायां पञ्चदश्यां च पक्षयोः । अष्टम्यां च चतुर्दश्यां शक्तस्तूपवसेदपि
arkavāre tathārdrāyāṃ pañcadaśyāṃ ca pakṣayoḥ | aṣṭamyāṃ ca caturdaśyāṃ śaktastūpavasedapi
On Sunday, on the day of Ārdrā (nakṣatra), on the fifteenth lunar day in either fortnight, and also on the eighth and fourteenth lunar days—if one is able, one should observe a fast (upavāsa) as a sacred vow on these occasions as well.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Sthala Purana: Not tied to a single jyotirliṅga; it gives vrata-kāla (auspicious observance times) for upavāsa supporting Śiva-upāsanā.
Significance: Fasting on specified tithi/nakṣatra days is presented as a purifier and stabilizer of sādhana, strengthening adhikāra for Śiva worship.
FAQs
It highlights disciplined devotion (vrata) through upavāsa on specially charged lunar and stellar timings, training the devotee’s senses toward Shiva-bhakti and inner purity, which supports liberation-oriented practice.
Fasting on these tithis and nakṣatra-days is traditionally paired with intensified Linga-pūjā—offering water, bilva, mantra-japa, and night vigil—directing the mind to Saguna Shiva as a doorway to realizing Shiva as the supreme Pati.
Upavāsa (fasting) on Sundays, Ārdrā, aṣṭamī, caturdaśī, and pañcadaśī; practically, it is commonly accompanied by Om Namaḥ Śivāya japa, Rudrākṣa-wearing, and (where appropriate) Tripuṇḍra/bhasma with focused meditation on Shiva.