Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 50
Tithi-Nirṇaya for Vratas: Ekādaśī Rules, Saṅkrānti Punya-kāla, Eclipse Observances, and Prāyaścitta
विद्वाप्येकादशी तत्र पूर्वा स्याद्गृहणां तदा । यदिभिश्चोत्तरा ग्राह्या ह्यवीराभिस्तथैव च ॥ ५० ॥
vidvāpyekādaśī tatra pūrvā syādgṛhaṇāṃ tadā | yadibhiścottarā grāhyā hyavīrābhistathaiva ca || 50 ||
纵然明了此法则，于此情形中，居家者当取前一日之十一斋日（Ekādaśī）。然出家苦行者当取后一日之十一斋日；寡居守节者亦复如是。
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada on Ekadashi-vrata rules)
Vrata: Ekādaśī-vrata
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It teaches that Ekādaśī observance is dharma-sensitive: the correct tithi selection depends on one’s āśrama and life-condition, preserving the sanctity of the Viṣṇu-vrata while avoiding improper timing.
By regulating Ekādaśī according to eligibility (gṛhastha vs. yati vs. widow), the text frames bhakti as disciplined practice—devotion expressed through correctly performed vrata rather than mere intention.
It reflects Jyotiṣa/Vedāṅga-based tithi discernment used in vrata calendars—choosing the ‘pūrvā’ or ‘uttarā’ Ekādaśī when timing is ambiguous, based on the practitioner’s category.