Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 61
Tithi-Nirṇaya for Vratas: Ekādaśī Rules, Saṅkrānti Punya-kāla, Eclipse Observances, and Prāyaścitta
एवं तिथिं विनिश्चित्य स्मृतिमार्गेण पंडितः । यः करोति व्रतादीनि तस्य स्यादक्षयं फलम् ॥ ६१ ॥
evaṃ tithiṃ viniścitya smṛtimārgeṇa paṃḍitaḥ | yaḥ karoti vratādīni tasya syādakṣayaṃ phalam || 61 ||
Assim, tendo determinado corretamente a tithi, o erudito que cumpre votos (vrata) e observâncias afins segundo o método da Smṛti alcança um fruto imperecível, que não se esgota.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada in the Smriti-based procedure of vrata observance)
Vrata: vratādīni (general class of vows/observances; no single named vrata)
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
It teaches that spiritual merit becomes “akṣaya” (unfailing) when vows are performed with correct timing (tithi) and in accordance with Smṛti-based dharma.
By emphasizing disciplined observance of vratas at the proper tithi, it supports bhakti through regulated devotional practice, where correct procedure strengthens the devotional offering and its lasting fruit.
It highlights calendrical/astronomical calculation used in ritual timing—tithi determination (a Jyotiṣa-linked practical skill) applied to Dharmaśāstra/Smṛti observances.