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 ||
Bạch bậc chủ tể các hiền triết, ai thực hành trai giới theo tháng tám lần sẽ nhận quả phước gấp năm, tương đương tế lễ mang danh Naramedha.
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.