Shloka 9
Varṣā-Śarad Vṛndāvana-Śobha: The Beauty of the Rainy and Autumn Seasons in Vraja
श्रुत्वा पर्जन्यनिनदं मण्डुका: ससृजुर्गिर: । तूष्णीं शयाना: प्राग् यद्वद्ब्राह्मणा नियमात्यये ॥ ९ ॥
śrutvā parjanya-ninadaṁ maṇḍukāḥ sasṛjur giraḥ tūṣṇīṁ śayānāḥ prāg yadvad brāhmaṇā niyamātyaye
Hearing the rumble of the rain clouds, the frogs that had been lying silent suddenly began to croak. In the same way, brāhmaṇa students who keep silence during their observances begin reciting their lessons when summoned by the teacher.
Śrīla Prabhupāda comments: “After the first rainfall, when there is a thundering sound in the clouds, all the frogs begin to croak, like students suddenly engaged in reading their studies. Students are generally supposed to rise early in the morning. They do not usually arise of their own accord, however, but only when there is a bell sounded in the temple or other spiritual institution. By the order of the spiritual master they immediately rise, and after finishing their morning duties they sit down to study the Vedas or chant Vedic mantras. Everyone is sleeping in the darkness of Kali-yuga, but when there is a great ācārya, by his calling only everyone takes to the study of the Vedas to acquire actual knowledge.”
FAQs
This verse uses the image of brāhmaṇas becoming vocal at the end of their regulated vows (niyama-atyaye), implying disciplined restraint during observance and appropriate expression or recitation upon completion.
Because the frogs remain silent for a time and then suddenly begin calling when the rains arrive, paralleling how brāhmaṇas may remain restrained during a vow and then speak/chant at its conclusion.
Adopt a clear spiritual discipline (daily japa, study, fasting, or a vrata) with steady restraint, and mark its completion with gratitude—renewing your commitment rather than practicing sporadically.