Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 178
Nityā-paṭala-prakaraṇa
The Exposition of the Nityā-paṭala
होमेन सोमवारे च भवेत्प्राग्वन्न संशयः । खादिरेध्मानले तस्य पंचांगैस्तद्घृताप्लुतैः ॥ १७८ ॥
homena somavāre ca bhavetprāgvanna saṃśayaḥ | khādiredhmānale tasya paṃcāṃgaistadghṛtāplutaiḥ || 178 ||
En accomplissant un homa le lundi, on obtient assurément le même fruit que celui énoncé plus haut, sans aucun doute. Cette oblation doit être offerte dans un feu nourri de bois de khadira, au moyen de ses cinq parties, chacune humectée de ghee.
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta (peace)
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta (wonder)
FAQs
It emphasizes ritual certainty (niścaya) in Vedic practice: a properly performed Somavāra homa yields the previously promised fruit, highlighting the importance of correct time (vāra) and correct materials (khadira fuel, ghee).
Though primarily ritualistic, it supports bhakti indirectly by prescribing disciplined, faith-filled worship through fire-offerings—an outer form that can be aligned with inner devotion and reverence toward the divine.
Kalpa (ritual procedure) is central: weekday selection (Somavāra), prescribed fuel (khadira), and the method of offering (pañcāṅga pieces anointed with ghee) reflect technical ritual correctness.