Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 19
Māsopavāsa (Month-long Fast) and Repeated Parāka Observances: Procedure and Fruits
मासोपावासान्यः कुर्यादष्टकृत्वो मुनीश्वर । नरमेधाख्ययज्ञस्य फलं पञ्चगुणं लभेत् ॥ १९ ॥
māsopāvāsānyaḥ kuryādaṣṭakṛtvo munīśvara | naramedhākhyayajñasya phalaṃ pañcaguṇaṃ labhet || 19 ||
ข้าแต่มุนีศวร ผู้ใดประกอบอุโบสถรายเดือนแปดครั้ง ผู้นั้นย่อมได้ผลแห่งยัญที่เรียกว่านรเมธะเป็นห้าเท่า
Narada (teaching, addressing a senior sage as munīśvara in the dialogue context)
Vrata: māsa-upavāsa (eightfold performance)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: none
FAQs
It elevates disciplined fasting (māsopavāsa) as a powerful dharmic practice whose merit can surpass even major Vedic sacrifices, emphasizing accessible tapas and self-restraint.
While the verse speaks in terms of ritual merit (phala), it supports bhakti-oriented living by recommending regular self-discipline; such vrata-based restraint traditionally becomes an aid to sustained worship and purity.
It reflects Kalpa (ritual procedure) and Dharma-śāstra style phala-śruti—how specific observances (upavāsa done monthly, counted as eight performances) are quantified and linked to yajña-like results.