Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 15
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
Ensuite, devas et démons observèrent le jeûne; après le bain, ils versèrent du ghee et des offrandes dans le feu, et firent l’aumône aux vaches, aux brāhmaṇas et aux autres ordres selon leur dû. Sous la direction des dvijas, ils accomplirent les rites de bon augure. Puis, revêtus de vêtements neufs à leur gré, parés d’ornements, ils s’assirent face à l’est sur des sièges de kuśa.
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 highlights dharmic giving—donations to cows, brāhmaṇas, and living beings—as a purifying act performed alongside worship and sacrifice.
They prepare themselves through purification rites—fasting, sacred bath, and yajña—before the crucial moment of receiving and safeguarding the amṛta during the churning episode.
Adopt a rhythm of self-discipline (simple fasting), cleanliness, prayer, and regular charity—especially supporting spiritual education and compassion to all beings.