Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 26
Brahmacarya and Vānaprastha Duties; Gradual Dissolution of Bodily Identity
वाचमग्नौ सवक्तव्यामिन्द्रे शिल्पं करावपि । पदानि गत्या वयसि रत्योपस्थं प्रजापतौ ॥ २६ ॥ मृत्यौ पायुं विसर्गं च यथास्थानं विनिर्दिशेत् । दिक्षु श्रोत्रं सनादेन स्पर्शेनाध्यात्मनि त्वचम् ॥ २७ ॥ रूपाणि चक्षुषा राजन् ज्योतिष्यभिनिवेशयेत् । अप्सु प्रचेतसा जिह्वां घ्रेयैर्घ्राणं क्षितौ न्यसेत् ॥ २८ ॥
vācam agnau savaktavyām indre śilpaṁ karāv api padāni gatyā vayasi ratyopasthaṁ prajāpatau
Después, la palabra y el órgano del habla deben ofrecerse al fuego; la destreza artesanal y las dos manos a Indra; el poder de moverse y las piernas al Señor Viṣṇu; el placer sensual y los genitales a Prajāpati; el recto y la facultad de evacuar, en su lugar, a Mṛtyu. El oído y el sonido a las deidades de las direcciones; la piel y el tacto a Vāyu; la forma y la vista al sol; la lengua, junto con Varuṇa, al agua; y el olfato, junto con los Aśvinī-kumāras, a la tierra con sus fragancias.
FAQs
In 7.12.26, Śukadeva explains that one can purify life by ‘offering’ each faculty—speech, hands, feet, and sexuality—into its presiding principle (Agni, Indra, Time, Prajāpati), meaning to regulate and consecrate these powers rather than indulge them.
Parīkṣit is preparing for death through hearing Bhagavatam; Śukadeva therefore highlights practical renunciation—how to withdraw and sanctify the senses—so the mind can rest steadily in devotion and liberation.
Use speech for truth and devotion, use skills and hands for service, keep movement and time disciplined with sādhana, and practice sexual restraint aligned with dharma—turning each energy toward a higher purpose.