Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 28
Ikṣvāku Dynasty: Vikukṣi’s Offense, Purañjaya’s Victory, Māndhātā’s Birth, and Saubhari’s Fall and Renunciation
उत्थितास्ते निशम्याथ व्युदकं कलशं प्रभो । पप्रच्छु: कस्य कर्मेदं पीतं पुंसवनं जलम् ॥ २८ ॥
utthitās te niśamyātha vyudakaṁ kalaśaṁ prabho papracchuḥ kasya karmedaṁ pītaṁ puṁsavanaṁ jalam
When the brāhmaṇas got up from bed and saw the waterpot empty, they inquired who had done this work of drinking the water meant for begetting a child.
FAQs
In this verse, puṁsavana refers to a Vedic rite performed with sanctified water, traditionally intended to invoke auspiciousness for conception and the begetting of a son.
Because the water kept in the pot for the puṁsavana rite was found emptied, they suspect an unusual act and inquire who could have drunk it.
It highlights attentiveness and accountability in sacred duties—being careful with what is set apart for spiritual purposes and respectfully investigating irregularities.