By Swami Harshananda
Bakapañcaka literally means ‘pentad related to the crane’.
Vratas or religious vows and observances are an integral part of the religion. They are common even today. Among the several such vratas, ‘Bakapañcaka’ is the one listed by religious digests.
This vrata is observed in the five days beginning from Kārttika śukla ekādaśi[1] to purnimā.[2]. It was named as Bakapañcaka because it was believed that even a baka or a crane will not eat meat in these days. Hence, abstainance from eating meat during these five days is the main discipline expected of the votary.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore