Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 8
Prāyaścitta for Mahāpātakas and the Sin-destroying Power of Viṣṇu-smaraṇa
तदभावे मुनिश्रष्ट कपालं वान्यमेव वा । तद्द्रव्यं ध्वजदंडे तु धृत्वा वनचरो भवेत् ॥ ८ ॥
tadabhāve muniśraṣṭa kapālaṃ vānyameva vā | taddravyaṃ dhvajadaṃḍe tu dhṛtvā vanacaro bhavet || 8 ||
اے بہترین مُنی! اگر وہ (کھوپڑی) میسر نہ ہو تو کاسۂ کَپال یا کوئی اور مناسب برتن لے؛ اور مطلوبہ چیز کو جھنڈے کے ڈنڈے پر باندھ کر جنگل میں رہنے والا بنے۔
Sanatkumara (addressing Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
FAQs
It emphasizes inner resolve over external resources: when standard means are unavailable, a renunciant may adopt austere substitutes and continue disciplined life as a forest-dweller.
By prioritizing steadfast practice over material dependence, it supports bhakti as sincerity-based—devotion continues even with minimal implements, sustained by detachment and dedication.
Ritual pragmatics (kalpa-oriented application): it permits sanctioned substitutions for implements/materials, showing how dharma practice adapts when prescribed items are unobtainable.