Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 55
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
कर्मभिगृहमेधीयैरिष्ट्वा मामेव भक्तिमान् । तिष्ठेद् वनं वोपविशेत् प्रजावान् वा परिव्रजेत् ॥ ५५ ॥
karmabhir gṛha-medhīyair iṣṭvā mām eva bhaktimān tiṣṭhed vanaṁ vopaviśet prajāvān vā parivrajet
Le dévot chef de famille qui M’adore en accomplissant ses devoirs domestiques peut demeurer au foyer, se rendre en un lieu saint, ou, s’il a un fils responsable, accepter le sannyāsa et devenir un renonçant itinérant.
This verse describes the three alternatives for a householder. He may continue at home, or he may take vānaprastha, which involves going to a sacred place with one’s wife. Or if he has a responsible son to take over his family duties, he may take sannyāsa, the renounced order, for a definitive solution to the problems of life. In all three āśramas, ultimate success depends on sincere surrender to the Supreme Lord; therefore, the most important qualification one can have is Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
FAQs
In 11.17.55, Kṛṣṇa teaches that after worshiping Him through proper household duties, a devotee may remain at home, retire to the forest, or—having children—take up wandering renunciation (sannyāsa).
These instructions are part of Kṛṣṇa’s Uddhava Gītā teachings, where He summarizes varṇāśrama-dharma and shows how life’s stages can be aligned with devotion to attain spiritual perfection.
Do your responsibilities conscientiously while keeping devotion to God central; then simplify life progressively—through detachment, service, and spiritual practice—according to your situation and dependents.