Shloka 20
Budhāṣṭamī / Mahārudra Vrata: Procedure, Mantra, and the Story of Kauśika and Vijayā
अथोद्विग्ना कोशिकोक्तं ज्ञात्वा मुक्तिप्रदं व्रतम् / चक्रे च सा ततो मुक्ता माता तस्माच्चरेद्व्रतम्
athodvignā kośikoktaṃ jñātvā muktipradaṃ vratam / cakre ca sā tato muktā mātā tasmāccaredvratam
于是她心生惊惶，从憍尸迦得知那能赐解脱（mokṣa）的誓戒。她依之修行，遂得解脱；因此，母亲应当奉持此誓戒。
Lord Vishnu (narrating to Garuda)
Afterlife Stage: Moksha
Concept: A specific vrata can be ‘mukti-prada’—capable of loosening bondage and granting release from suffering; ritual discipline functions as a salvific remedy.
Vedantic Theme: Upāya (means) toward liberation: purification and grace mediated through dharmic observance; movement from bondage (bandha) to release (mokṣa).
Application: Adopt disciplined observances (vrata, japa, charity) as corrective practices when facing consequences; seek guidance from the wise and act promptly.
Primary Rasa: karuna
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: vrata-kathā sections where specific observances remove pāpa and alter gati; Garuda Purana: mokṣa-oriented teachings that combine dharma (vrata) with devotion
FAQs
This verse states that a specific vow, when properly understood and performed, becomes a direct cause of ‘mukti’ (spiritual release), highlighting vrata as a practical dharmic means toward liberation.
It presents a simple sequence—right instruction (from Kośika), understanding, and disciplined observance—leading to freedom, implying that correct guidance and practice are essential steps on the moksha path.
Seek authentic instruction before undertaking vows, follow them with consistency and purity of intent, and treat dharmic observances as inner discipline—not merely external ritual.