Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 42
Kapila’s Advent: Brahmā’s Confirmation, the Marriage of the Nine Daughters, and Kardama’s Renunciation
व्रतं स आस्थितो मौनमात्मैकशरणो मुनि: । नि:सङ्गो व्यचरत्क्षोणीमनग्निरनिकेतन: ॥ ४२ ॥
vrataṁ sa āsthito maunam ātmaika-śaraṇo muniḥ niḥsaṅgo vyacarat kṣoṇīm anagnir aniketanaḥ
Der Weise Kardama nahm das Gelübde des Schweigens auf sich, suchte allein beim Höchsten Herrn Zuflucht und meditierte ausschließlich über Ihn. Ohne Umgang und ohne Bindung wanderte er als Sannyāsi über die Erde—ohne Beziehung zum Feuer und ohne Unterkunft.
Here the words anagnir aniketanaḥ are very significant. A sannyāsī should be completely detached from fire and any residential quarters. A gṛhastha has a relationship with fire, either for offering sacrifices or for cooking, but a sannyāsī is freed from these two responsibilities. He does not have to cook or offer fire for sacrifice because he is always engaged in Kṛṣṇa consciousness; therefore he has already accomplished all ritualistic performances of religion. Aniketanaḥ means “without lodging.” He should not have his own house, but should depend completely on the Supreme Lord for his food and lodging. He should travel.
FAQs
This verse describes a sage as silent (mauna-vrata), exclusively sheltered in the Supreme Self, unattached to company, and living without fixed home or ritual fire—signs of deep renunciation and inner reliance on the Lord.
It highlights the sage’s freedom from external dependencies and social identity—he is not bound to household life or ritual maintenance, but lives absorbed in spiritual shelter and detachment.
Practice simplifying desires, reducing unnecessary social entanglements, cultivating inner silence, and keeping steady spiritual refuge through japa, study, and devotion while fulfilling one’s duties responsibly.