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 ||
அந்த குற்றத்தின் பரிசுத்திக்காக இரட்டிப்பாக ‘கோவ்ரதம்’ கடைப்பிடித்து பிராயச்சித்தம் செய்ய வேண்டும். நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்ட தண்டு/அளவு பெருவிரல் அளவு தடிமனாகவும் முன்கை அளவு நீளமாகவும் இருக்க வேண்டும்.
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.