Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 22
Avadhūta’s Teachers: Python, Ocean, Moth, Bee, Elephant, Deer, Fish—and Piṅgalā’s Song of Detachment
पिङ्गला नाम वेश्यासीद् विदेहनगरे पुरा । तस्या मे शिक्षितं किञ्चिन्निबोध नृपनन्दन ॥ २२ ॥
piṅgalā nāma veśyāsīd videha-nagare purā tasyā me śikṣitaṁ kiñcin nibodha nṛpa-nandana
O son of kings, previously in the city of Videha there dwelled a prostitute named Piṅgalā. Now please hear what I have learned from that lady.
FAQs
Pingalā is a courtesan of Videha whose life experience becomes a teaching example; the Avadhūta presents her as a source of practical wisdom leading toward detachment and inner peace.
King Yadu asks about the Avadhūta’s gurus and realizations; Dattātreya explains that he learned lessons from many sources, and here introduces Pingalā as one such teacher.
It encourages turning away from anxious dependence on external validation or gain and cultivating inner contentment, clarity, and spiritual focus.