Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 57
The Description of the Caturdaśī Vrata Observed throughout the Twelve Months
यच्च बाल्ये कृतं पापं कौमारे वार्द्धकेऽपि यत् । ब्रह्मकूर्चोपवासेन तत्क्षणादेव नश्यति ॥ ५७ ॥
yacca bālye kṛtaṃ pāpaṃ kaumāre vārddhake'pi yat | brahmakūrcopavāsena tatkṣaṇādeva naśyati || 57 ||
Apa jua dosa yang dilakukan pada zaman kanak-kanak, masa remaja, atau bahkan ketika tua—dengan berpuasa menurut Brahma-kūrca, dosa itu lenyap seketika.
Narada (teaching in a dharma/vrata context, within the Anukramanika-style summary section)
Vrata: Brahma-kūrca (as upavāsa)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It emphasizes the purificatory power of a specific prayāścitta—Brahma-kūrca upavāsa—stating that disciplined fasting undertaken as dharma can eradicate accumulated pāpa from any life-stage.
While framed as expiation, the verse supports bhakti indirectly: purification through vrata removes obstacles (pāpa) that hinder steady remembrance and worship, preparing the practitioner for sustained devotion.
It reflects Kalpa (ritual procedure) in practice—upavāsa as a regulated vow (vrata/prayāścitta) used for purification, a core application of dharma-ritual discipline.