Shiva Purana — Rudra Samhita, Shloka 65
संध्याचरित्रवर्णनम् (Sandhyā-caritra-varṇana) — “Account of Sandhyā’s Story”
तृतीये षष्ठकाले तु ह्युपवासपरो भवेत् । एवं तपस्समाप्तौ वा षष्ठे काले क्रिया भवेत्
tṛtīye ṣaṣṭhakāle tu hyupavāsaparo bhavet | evaṃ tapassamāptau vā ṣaṣṭhe kāle kriyā bhavet
Na terceira fase, no sexto tempo designado, deve-se dedicar ao jejum. Assim, quando a disciplina da austeridade for concluída, a observância ritual deve ser realizada também no sexto tempo.
Sūta Gosvāmin (narrating Shiva’s prescribed observances to the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Mahādeva
Significance: Fasting and time-regulated observance reduce sensory outwardness (a practical ‘concealment’ of distractions), preparing for the later unveiling through grace.
FAQs
It emphasizes regulated discipline: fasting (upavāsa) and ritual action (kriyā) are to be performed at prescribed times, showing that steady tapas, when concluded properly, becomes a purifying means to approach Shiva (Pati) with a clarified mind and devotion.
The verse supports Saguna Shiva worship by prescribing practical observance—fasting and then performing the concluding rite at the proper time—typically expressed as timely pūjā/arcana to Shiva (often via the Liṅga) after completing the intended austerity.
A timed vrata practice: keep upavāsa at the stated ‘sixth time’ during the third phase, and upon completing tapas, perform the concluding kriyā (such as Shiva pūjā, mantra-japa like the Pañcākṣarī, and formal completion/udvāsana) at the same prescribed time.