Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 45
Aditi’s Lament and Kaśyapa’s Instruction of the Payo-vrata (Milk Vow) to Please Keśava
भुञ्जीत तैरनुज्ञात: सेष्ट: शेषं सभाजितै: । ब्रह्मचार्यथ तद्रात्र्यां श्वोभूते प्रथमेऽहनि ॥ ४४ ॥ स्नात: शुचिर्यथोक्तेन विधिना सुसमाहित: । पयसा स्नापयित्वार्चेद् यावद्व्रतसमापनम् ॥ ४५ ॥
bhuñjīta tair anujñātaḥ seṣṭaḥ śeṣaṁ sabhājitaiḥ brahmacāry atha tad-rātryāṁ śvo bhūte prathame ’hani
One should perfectly honor the respectable brāhmaṇas one has fed, and then, after taking their permission, one should take prasāda with his friends and relatives. For that night, one should observe strict celibacy, and the next morning, after bathing again, with purity and attention one should bathe the Deity of Viṣṇu with milk and worship Him according to the methods formerly stated in detail.
FAQs
This verse emphasizes disciplined etiquette: eat only with permission, share the remainder respectfully, and maintain brahmacarya (celibacy) during the vow.
Celibacy is prescribed as a form of self-restraint that supports mental purity and steadiness, helping the practitioner focus on worship and completion of the vrata.
Practice mindful restraint during spiritual commitments: follow guidance, avoid indulgence, share resources, and keep habits that protect clarity and devotion.