Shloka 16
Śivarātri Vrata: Timing, Accidental Merit, and the Complete Night-Vigil Procedure
अर्धरात्रे त्रियामे च चतुर्थे च पुनयर्जत् / मूलमन्त्रं तथा जप्त्वा प्रभाते तु क्षमापयेत्
ardharātre triyāme ca caturthe ca punayarjat / mūlamantraṃ tathā japtvā prabhāte tu kṣamāpayet
Pada tengah malam, pada jaga ketiga, dan pada jaga keempat, lakukan pemujaan kembali. Setelah mengulang mantra pokok, pada fajar mohonlah pengampunan atas kekurangan upacara.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda / Vinatā-putra)
Concept: Vrata requires temporal discipline (night watches), mantra-japa, and humility through seeking forgiveness for lapses.
Vedantic Theme: Antaḥkaraṇa-śuddhi through niyama and kṣamā; surrender of doership by acknowledging imperfection.
Application: Structure observances with clear time-points; maintain mantra repetition; end with a formal apology/prāyaścitta-like kṣamā to address omissions.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Type: ritual vigil setting (home/temple)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana vrata/ācāra passages: emphasis on niśā-jāgaraṇa, mantra-japa, and kṣamā at completion
FAQs
This verse instructs that after repeated worship and mūlamantra-japa through the night, one should ask forgiveness at dawn for any ritual lapses, emphasizing humility and completion of the rite.
Indirectly, it highlights disciplined mantra-based observance and ritual correctness—practices the Garuda Purana frequently links with dharmic merit and spiritual preparedness, including in death-related contexts.
If you do any mantra, vrata, or puja, maintain regularity, repeat the core mantra with focus, and conclude with a sincere request for forgiveness for mistakes—supporting ethical, attentive practice.