Shloka 12
Nāvyāśrama-nirmāṇa and Ṛśyaśṛṅga’s Distraction (नाव्याश्रमनिर्माणम्—ऋश्यशृङ्गस्य विचलनम्)
भवता नाभिवाद्यो5हमभिवाद्यों भवान् मया । व्रतमेतादृशं ब्रह्मन् परिष्वज्यो भवान् मया,मैं आपके लिये वन्दनीय नहीं हूँ। आप ही मेरे वन्दनीय हैं। ब्रह्मन! मेरा यह नियम है, जिसके अनुसार मुझे आपका आलिंगन करना चाहिये
bhavatā nābhivādyo ’ham abhivādyo bhavān mayā | vratam etādṛśaṃ brahman pariṣvajyo bhavān mayā ||
“I am not one who should be saluted by you; rather, you are the one to be saluted by me. O Brahmin, such is my vow: that I should embrace you.”
ऋष्यशुड्र उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic etiquette and humility: reverence is directed toward the spiritually or socially senior (here addressed as “brahman”), and personal vows (vrata) can prescribe specific acts of respect—such as an embrace—when aligned with one’s ethical discipline.
R̥śyaśṛṅga speaks to a Brahmin, clarifying that he is not to be greeted with reverence by the other; instead, he himself should offer reverence. He then states his observance: according to his vow, he ought to embrace the Brahmin.