Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 11
उपवासफलात्मकविधिः — Upavāsa as Yajña-Equivalent Merit
Angiras Teaching
अंगियरा उवाच ब्रह्मक्षत्रे त्रिरात्रं तु विहितं कुरुनन्दन । द्विस्त्रिरात्रमथैकाहं निर्दिष्ट पुरुषर्षभ
aṅgirā uvāca | brahmakṣatre trirātraṃ tu vihitaṃ kurunandana | dvistrirātram athaikāhaṃ nirdiṣṭa puruṣarṣabha ||
安吉罗说道：“库鲁之喜啊，婆罗门与刹帝利当行三夜之斋戒。又，众人之最者，在某些情形中亦指示：行两次三夜之斋戒，继以一日——合为七日。”
अंगियरा उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that dharma includes regulated self-discipline: specific fasts (trirātra and, in some cases, a seven-day sequence) are prescribed for Brahmins and Kshatriyas, emphasizing restraint and adherence to class-based religious duties.
Sage Aṅgiras is instructing a Kuru prince about prescribed observances. He states the standard three-night fast for Brahmins and Kshatriyas and notes an extended option—two three-night fasts plus one additional day—totaling seven days.