Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 32
Ekādaśī Vrata-Vidhi and the Galava–Bhadrashīla Itihāsa
Dharmakīrti before Yama
न विवेकसमो बन्धुनैकादश्याः परं व्रतम् । अत्राप्युदाहरंतीममितिहासं पुरातनम् ॥ ३२ ॥
na vivekasamo bandhunaikādaśyāḥ paraṃ vratam | atrāpyudāharaṃtīmamitihāsaṃ purātanam || 32 ||
ವಿವೇಕದ ಸಮಾನ ಮಿತ್ರನಿಲ್ಲ; ಏಕಾದಶೀ ವ್ರತಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠ ವ್ರತವಿಲ್ಲ। ಇದೇ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ನಾನು ಒಂದು ಪುರಾತನ ಇತಿಹಾಸವನ್ನು ಉದಾಹರಿಸುತ್ತೇನೆ।
Narada
Vrata: Ekādaśī
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
The verse ranks viveka (spiritual discernment) as one’s greatest ally and Ekādaśī as the foremost vrata, framing both as direct supports for dharma and liberation-oriented living.
By declaring Ekādaśī the highest vow, it points to disciplined observance as a prime expression of Viṣṇu-bhakti—devotion made concrete through vrata, restraint, and remembrance.
The practical takeaway is vrata-vidhi (ritual discipline): observing Ekādaśī according to calendrical tithi (a Jyotiṣa-linked practice) and guided by viveka in conduct and intention.