Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 26
The Explanation of the Twelve-Month Caturthī Vrata
व्रतं कृत्वा समुद्याप्य धेनुं दद्यात्पयस्विनीम् । प्रभावेण व्रतस्यास्य भुक्त्वा भोगान्मनोरमान् ॥ २६ ॥
vrataṃ kṛtvā samudyāpya dhenuṃ dadyātpayasvinīm | prabhāveṇa vratasyāsya bhuktvā bhogānmanoramān || 26 ||
Après avoir accompli le vœu et l’avoir dûment conclu, qu’on fasse don d’une vache laitière. Par la puissance de ce vœu, on goûte des jouissances charmantes, exauçant les désirs du cœur.
Narada (teaching within the Narada Purana’s vrata-vidhi context; dialogue tradition with Sanatkumara lineage implied)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It emphasizes that a vow (vrata) is not complete without proper udyāpana (formal conclusion) and dana (charitable gifting), showing that disciplined observance must culminate in generosity to become spiritually fruitful.
While framed as vrata-vidhi, it supports bhakti-culture by linking devotion expressed through disciplined observance with selfless giving; the devotee’s vrata is sealed by dana, reinforcing humility and offering-oriented living.
It highlights ritual procedure (kalpa-style practice): the concept of udyāpana—formally concluding a vrata—and prescribing an appropriate gift (milch cow) as part of correct rite-completion.