Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 21
Māsopavāsa (Month-long Fast) and Repeated Parāka Observances: Procedure and Fruits
दशकृत्वस्तु यः कुर्यात्पराकं मुनिसत्तम । स ब्रह्ममेधयज्ञस्य त्रिगुणं फलमश्नुते ॥ २१ ॥
daśakṛtvastu yaḥ kuryātparākaṃ munisattama | sa brahmamedhayajñasya triguṇaṃ phalamaśnute || 21 ||
Oh, el mejor de los sabios: quien observe diez veces el ayuno Parāka obtiene un fruto triple, superior al del sacrificio Brahmamedha.
Narada
Vrata: Parāka (fast/observance)
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It elevates disciplined fasting (vrata) as a potent Dharma-practice, stating that repeated Parāka observance can yield merit surpassing even major Vedic sacrifices, emphasizing inner austerity and self-restraint.
While it speaks in the language of “phala” (merit), it supports Bhakti-oriented living by valuing personal vow-based discipline over costly ritual display—fasting is typically undertaken with remembrance and dedication to the deity, aligning conduct with devotion.
Ritual application (Kalpa) is implied: the verse compares the measurable “fruit” of a vrata with a yajña, reflecting the Dharmaśāstric method of ranking observances and their results within karma-kāṇḍa practice.