Shloka 4
The Discourse of Rukmāṅgada
Prabodhinī Ekādaśī, Kārtika-vrata, and Satya-dharma
स्थातुं कमलगर्भाभ किं पुनर्माससंख्यया । यत्रोपवासकरणं मन्यसे वसुधाधिप ॥ ४ ॥
sthātuṃ kamalagarbhābha kiṃ punarmāsasaṃkhyayā | yatropavāsakaraṇaṃ manyase vasudhādhipa || 4 ||
«Oh Brahmā de vientre de loto, ¿qué falta hace hablar de contar meses? Oh señor de la tierra, allí donde juzgues que debe hacerse el ayuno sagrado (upavāsa), allí mismo queda asegurado su mérito».
Suta (narrative voice, reporting the teaching)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It emphasizes that the essence of a vrata is sincere upavāsa (self-restraint/fasting); merit is not dependent on elaborate time-counting but on the earnest undertaking of the discipline.
By valuing inner resolve over external calculation, it supports bhakti-oriented practice: fasting becomes an offering of restraint and remembrance, rather than a merely calendrical obligation.
Indirectly, it downplays excessive reliance on calendrical computation (Jyotiṣa) when compared to the core dharmic intent of performing the vow—though proper timing remains useful, sincerity is primary.