Shloka 7
Māsopavāsa Vrata for Hari (From Āśvina Ekādaśī to Viṣṇu Utthāna): Saṅkalpa, Niyamas, and Pāraṇa
दुग्धादिप्राशनं कुर्याद्व्रतस्थो मूर्छितो ऽन्तरा / दुग्धाद्यैर्न व्रतं नश्येद्भुक्तिमुक्तिमवाप्नुयात्
dugdhādiprāśanaṃ kuryādvratastho mūrchito 'ntarā / dugdhādyairna vrataṃ naśyedbhuktimuktimavāpnuyāt
व्रतस्थो यद्यन्तरा मूर्छितो भवेत्, तदा दुग्धादिप्राशनं कुर्यात्। दुग्धादिभक्षणेन व्रतं न नश्यति; अपि तु भुक्तिं च मुक्तिं च अवाप्नुयात्॥
Lord Viṣṇu (in instruction to Garuḍa)
Concept: Āpaddharma within vrata: in incapacity, light sustenance (milk etc.) does not annul the vow; disciplined intent is primary.
Vedantic Theme: Sattva-śuddhi as support for bhakti/jñāna; inner resolve (saṅkalpa) outweighs mere external austerity when preservation of life is at stake.
Application: If fasting causes fainting/medical risk, take simple sattvic nourishment (milk/clear liquids) without guilt, and continue the vow with mindful intention.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana (Vrata-khanda/Kartika-vrata context): general principle that vrata is preserved by sattvic substitutes in distress; Garuda Purana: emphasis on bhukti-mukti fruits of Vishnu-oriented observances
FAQs
This verse shows that dharma accommodates emergencies: if a devotee faints during a vow, taking milk-like sustenance is permitted and does not invalidate the vrata.
Indirectly, it emphasizes disciplined observance guided by compassion and practicality; such balanced dharma supports both bhukti (orderly worldly life) and mukti (spiritual liberation).
If fasting causes dizziness or fainting, prioritize health and safety; taking simple, sattvic nourishment like milk is a dharmic allowance rather than a failure of the vow.