Shloka 9
The Greatness of the Month of Māgha
Māgha-snāna, Harivāsara, and the Kāṣṭhīlā-Upākhyāna
दुर्लभो वासरो विष्णोर्विधिना समुपोषितः । देवैस्तेजः परिक्षिप्तं माघमासे स्वकं जले ॥ ९ ॥
durlabho vāsaro viṣṇorvidhinā samupoṣitaḥ | devaistejaḥ parikṣiptaṃ māghamāse svakaṃ jale || 9 ||
விதிப்படி உபவாசத்துடன் கடைப்பிடிக்கப்படும் விஷ்ணுவின் அந்தத் திருநாள் அரிது; மாகமாதத்தில் தன் நீரில் செய்யும் ஸ்நானம் தேவர்களின் தேஜஸால் சூழப்படுகிறது.
Narada (teaching within the Uttara-Bhaga tirtha/vrata discourse, traditionally in dialogue flow with Sanatkumara-lineage sages)
Vrata: Viṣṇu-vrata day (likely Ekādaśī or a Viṣṇu-vāsara; not explicitly named)
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
FAQs
It elevates Māgha-month observances by declaring that a properly performed Viṣṇu-day fast and sacred bathing are rare, high-merit acts that become “filled with divine radiance,” indicating intensified puṇya and devotional efficacy.
Bhakti is shown as disciplined worship: honoring Viṣṇu through vidhi-based fasting and holy bathing, where the devotee’s embodied act (snāna in water) becomes sanctified and spiritually luminous through divine approval.
Kalpa (ritual procedure) and Jyotiṣa-style sacred timing are implied: observing the correct “day of Viṣṇu” with proper vidhi and emphasizing Māgha-māsa as an auspicious period for vrata and snāna.