Shloka 43
Brahmā’s Creation: The Kumāras, Rudra, the Prajāpatis, and the Manifestation of Vedic Sound
वैखानसा वालखिल्यौदुम्बरा: फेनपा वने । न्यासे कुटीचक: पूर्वं बह्वोदो हंसनिष्क्रियौ ॥ ४३ ॥
vaikhānasā vālakhilyau- dumbarāḥ phenapā vane nyāse kuṭīcakaḥ pūrvaṁ bahvodo haṁsa-niṣkriyau
Les quatre divisions de la vie retirée (vānaprastha) sont vaikhānasa, vālakhilya, audumbara et phenapa; et les quatre divisions du renoncement (sannyāsa) sont kuṭīcaka, bahvoda, haṁsa et niṣkriya—toutes se manifestèrent de Brahmā.
The varṇāśrama-dharma, or the institution of the four divisions and orders of social and spiritual life, is not a new invention of the modern age, as proposed by the less intelligent. It is an institution established by Brahmā from the beginning of the creation. This is also confirmed in the Bhagavad-gītā (4.13) : cātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛṣṭam.
FAQs
This verse lists recognized ascetic groups and renounced orders—such as Kuṭīcaka, Bahvoda, Haṁsa and Niṣkriya—showing that Vedic renunciation has graded traditions and disciplined lifestyles aimed at spiritual realization.
In the narration of early creation and the rise of various lineages, Śukadeva describes the appearance and presence of different classes of sages and renunciants who uphold dharma through austerity, study, and detachment.
It encourages respect for authentic spiritual disciplines and reminds a seeker to cultivate steady detachment, simplicity, and regulated practice—adopting renunciation in spirit even while living responsibly.