Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 14
Mohinī-mūrti Distributes Amṛta; Rāhu is Severed; Results Differ by Shelter
अथोपोष्य कृतस्नाना हुत्वा च हविषानलम् । दत्त्वा गोविप्रभूतेभ्य: कृतस्वस्त्ययना द्विजै: ॥ १४ ॥ यथोपजोषं वासांसि परिधायाहतानि ते । कुशेषु प्राविशन्सर्वे प्रागग्रेष्वभिभूषिता: ॥ १५ ॥
athopoṣya kṛta-snānā hutvā ca haviṣānalam dattvā go-vipra-bhūtebhyaḥ kṛta-svastyayanā dvijaiḥ
Then the demigods and demons observed a fast. After bathing, they offered ghee and oblations into the sacred fire and gave charity to cows, to the brāhmaṇas, and to the other orders according to merit. Under the guidance of the twice-born, they performed auspicious rites. Thereafter, wearing new garments as they pleased and adorned with ornaments, they all sat facing east upon seats of kuśa grass.
The Vedas enjoin that for every ritualistic ceremony one must first become clean by bathing either in the water of the Ganges or Yamunā or in the sea. Then one may perform the ritualistic ceremony and offer clarified butter into the fire. In this verse the words paridhāya āhatāni are especially significant. A sannyāsī or a person about to perform a ritualistic ceremony should not dress himself in clothing sewn with a needle.
FAQs
This verse describes fasting (upoṣa), purification by bathing, offering oblations into the sacred fire, and receiving brāhmaṇa blessings as acts that sanctify one before an important undertaking.
Here charity to cows and brāhmaṇas is shown as a dhārmic act that supports sacred culture and invites auspiciousness, aligning one’s actions with devotion and purity.
Before major decisions, adopt a simple vow of restraint, practice cleanliness, offer sincere worship, and give meaningful charity—especially to spiritual and charitable causes—seeking blessings from saintly persons.