Chapter 84: Brahmā’s Counsel on Tāraka, the Search for Agni, and the Genesis of Skanda
Kārttikeya
नि्तैश्व यवैगोभिमासं प्रश्नितयावक: । ब्रह्महत्यासमं पाप॑ सर्वमेतेन शुध्यते,गौओंके गोबरसे निकाले हुए जौकी लप्सीका एक मासतक भक्षण करे। इससे मनुष्य ब्रह्महत्या-जैसे पापसे भी छुटकारा पा जाता है
nityaiś ca yavago-bhimāsaṁ praśnitya-yāvakaḥ | brahmahatyā-samaṁ pāpaṁ sarvam etena śudhyate ||
ব্যাস বলেন— নিয়ত শৃঙ্খলায় গোর উৎপন্ন দ্রব্য দিয়ে প্রস্তুত যবের লেপসি এক মাস ভক্ষণ করবে। এতে ব্রহ্মহত্যার সমান গুরুতর পাপ থেকেও সে শুদ্ধ হয়।
व्यास उवाच
The verse teaches that disciplined observance—specifically a month-long vow of subsisting on a simple barley preparation associated with cow-products—functions as a powerful prāyaścitta (expiation), capable of purifying even extremely grave sins. Ethical emphasis is on restraint, ritual purity, and re-entry into dharmic conduct through regulated living.
In Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction-focused setting, Vyāsa is prescribing an expiatory regimen. He outlines a concrete practice (a month-long restricted diet) and states its purificatory result, situating it among teachings on sin, atonement, and restoration of moral order.