Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 23

Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti

Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties

Devanagari script

मेखलाजिनदण्डाक्षब्रह्मसूत्रकमण्डलून् । जटिलोऽधौतदद्वासोऽरक्तपीठ: कुशान् दधत् ॥ २३ ॥

Transliteration

mekhalājina-daṇḍākṣa- brahma-sūtra-kamaṇḍalūn jaṭilo ’dhauta-dad-vāso ’rakta-pīṭhaḥ kuśān dadhat

Translation

The brahmacārī should regularly dress with a belt of straw and deerskin garments. He should wear matted hair, carry a rod and waterpot and be decorated with akṣa beads and a sacred thread. Carrying pure kuśa grass in his hand, he should never accept a luxurious or sensuous sitting place. He should not unnecessarily polish his teeth, nor should he bleach and iron his clothes.

Synonyms

• mekhalā-ajina-daṇḍa-akṣa-brahma-sūtra-kamaṇḍalūn: girdle, deerskin, staff, rosary, sacred thread, and water-pot
• mekhalā-ajina-daṇḍa-akṣa-brahma-sūtra-kamaṇḍalūn: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: mekhalā (प्रातिपदिक) + ajina (प्रातिपदिक) + daṇḍa (प्रातिपदिक) + akṣa (प्रातिपदिक) + brahma-sūtra (प्रातिपदिक) + kamaṇḍalu (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, बहुवचन; बहुपद-द्वन्द्व (समाहार/इतरेतर) सूची: 'girdle, deerskin, staff, rosary, sacred thread, water-pot'

• jaṭilaḥ: with matted hair
• jaṭilaḥ: Visheshana (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: jaṭila (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन

• adhauta-dat-vāsaḥ: wearing unwashed, donated clothes
• adhauta-dat-vāsaḥ: Visheshana (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: adhauta (प्रातिपदिक) + dat (√dā, कृदन्त) + vāsa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन; बहुव्रीहि: 'one whose clothing is unwashed and given (by others)'

• arakta-pīṭhaḥ: with an undyed (plain) seat
• arakta-pīṭhaḥ: Visheshana (विशेषण)
• Type: Adjective
• Root: a-rakta (प्रातिपदिक) + pīṭha (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन; बहुव्रीहि: 'one whose seat is not dyed/red'

• kuśān: kuśa grass
• kuśān: Karma (कर्म)
• Type: Noun
• Root: kuśa (प्रातिपदिक)
• Form: पुंलिङ्ग, द्वितीया, बहुवचन

• dadhat: bearing
• dadhat: Karta (कर्ता)
• Type: Verb
• Root: √dhṛ (धातु)
• Form: कृदन्त: शतृ (Present Active Participle), पुंलिङ्ग, प्रथमा, एकवचन; 'bearing/holding'

Purport

The word adhauta-dad-vāsa indicates that a renounced brahmacārī is not concerned with a glistening smile to attract the opposite sex, nor does he pay much attention to his outer garments. Brahmacārī life is meant for austerity and obedience to the spiritual master so that later in life, when one becomes a businessman, politician or intellectual brāhmaṇa, one will be able to call upon resources of character, discipline, self-control, austerity and humility. Student life, as described here, is far different from the mindless hedonism known as modern education. Of course, in the modern age, Kṛṣṇa conscious brahmacārīs cannot artificially adopt the ancient dress and ritualistic duties described here; but the essential values of self-control, purity and obedience to a bona fide spiritual master are just as necessary today as they were in Vedic times.

Characters & Entities

• Krishna
• Uddhava

FAQs

What does the Srimad Bhagavatam say about the signs of a renunciant (sannyasi)?

This verse lists traditional marks of renunciation—simple ascetic attire and items like the staff, sacred thread, water-pot, prayer beads, kuśa grass, and matted hair—indicating a life dedicated to restraint and spiritual practice.

Why did Krishna speak about external symbols like staff, kamaṇḍalu, and deerskin to Uddhava?

In the Uddhava Gita context, Krishna teaches Uddhava the duties and disciplines of varṇa and āśrama; these items summarize the regulated, detached lifestyle meant to support inner renunciation and devotion.

How can this teaching be applied in modern life without adopting monastic dress?

Adopt the principle behind the symbols: live simply, reduce unnecessary possessions, maintain purity and discipline, and keep daily spiritual practices that support remembrance of the Lord.