Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 7
Vānaprastha-vidhi and Sannyāsa-dharma: Austerity, Detachment, and the Paramahaṁsa Ideal
वन्यैश्चरुपुरोडाशैर्निर्वपेत् कालचोदितान् । न तु श्रौतेन पशुना मां यजेत वनाश्रमी ॥ ७ ॥
vanyaiś caru-puroḍāśair nirvapet kāla-coditān na tu śrautena paśunā māṁ yajeta vanāśramī
One who has accepted the vānaprastha life should perform seasonal sacrifices, offering caru and sacrificial cakes (puroḍāśa) made from rice and other forest grains. Yet the vānaprastha must never worship Me by animal sacrifice, even if such rites are mentioned in the Vedas.
One who has taken the vānaprastha order of life should never perform animal sacrifices or eat meat.
FAQs
It says the forest-dweller should worship the Lord with simple offerings made from wild, naturally available foods at the prescribed times, rather than elaborate rituals.
Because the forest āśrama emphasizes austerity, non-violence, and simplicity; therefore worship should be performed with minimal means and without animal sacrifice.
Practice simple, sattvic devotion—offer what is honestly available, keep worship non-violent and uncomplicated, and align spiritual practice with one’s stage of life and capacity.