Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 39
Dharmopadeśa-Śānti: Rules of Impurity, Expiations, and Ancestor Rites
द्विगुणं गोव्रतं तस्य प्रायश्चितं विशोधयेत् । अङ्गुष्टमात्रस्थूलस्तु बाहुमात्रप्रमाणकः ॥ ३९ ॥
dviguṇaṃ govrataṃ tasya prāyaścitaṃ viśodhayet | aṅguṣṭamātrasthūlastu bāhumātrapramāṇakaḥ || 39 ||
Bagi kesalahan itu, hendaklah penebusan disucikan dengan mengamalkan Govrata dalam kadar dua kali ganda. Ukuran alat yang ditetapkan hendaklah setebal ibu jari dan sepanjang satu lengan bawah.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in a prāyaścitta context)
Vrata: Govrata
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It emphasizes that expiation (prāyaścitta) is not only an inner resolve but also a precisely regulated vow (vrata); doubling the Govrata strengthens the cleansing intent and restores dharmic order.
Though framed as expiation, it supports bhakti by insisting on disciplined, sincere observance—regulated vows are a practical way to purify conduct and become fit for sustained devotion and worship.
It reflects Śrauta/Smārta ritual precision and traditional pramāṇa (measurement) usage—thumb and forearm units used to standardize implements or ritual specifications in dharma practice.