Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 17
Tithi-Nirṇaya for Vratas: Ekādaśī Rules, Saṅkrānti Punya-kāla, Eclipse Observances, and Prāyaścitta
रात्रिव्रतेषु सर्वेषु रात्रियोगो विशिष्यते । तिथिर्नक्षत्रयोगेन या पुण्या परिकीर्तिता ॥ १७ ॥
rātrivrateṣu sarveṣu rātriyogo viśiṣyate | tithirnakṣatrayogena yā puṇyā parikīrtitā || 17 ||
Parmi tous les vœux observés la nuit, la conjonction nocturne appropriée est tenue pour particulièrement essentielle ; et ce tithi (jour lunaire) qui, uni à un nakṣatra (demeure lunaire), est proclamé auspicious, est loué comme d’un mérite très élevé.
Nārada (teaching in dialogue, traditionally to the Sanatkumāra lineage)
Vrata: rātri-vrata (general category)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches that the merit of a night-vow depends greatly on correct sacred timing—especially the night-time yoga and the auspicious pairing of tithi with nakṣatra—so that the observance aligns with dharmic cosmic order.
While not directly defining bhakti, it supports devotional practice by emphasizing disciplined, scripture-aligned observance (vrata) performed at the most auspicious times, which traditionally strengthens focus and purity in worship.
It highlights Jyotiṣa (a Vedāṅga): using pañcāṅga factors—tithi and nakṣatra (and their yoga)—to determine the most auspicious timing for ritual vows.