Shloka 14
Devahūti’s Prayers, Kapila’s Departure, and Devahūti’s Liberation
Siddhapada
अभीक्ष्णावगाहकपिशान्जटिलान्कुटिलालकान् । आत्मानं चोग्रतपसा बिभ्रती चीरिणं कृशम् ॥ १४ ॥
abhīkṣṇāvagāha-kapiśān jaṭilān kuṭilālakān ātmānaṁ cogra-tapasā bibhratī cīriṇaṁ kṛśam
Elle se mit à se baigner trois fois par jour, et ses cheveux noirs et bouclés devinrent peu à peu gris. Par l’austérité rigoureuse, son corps s’amincit progressivement et elle porta des vêtements usés.
It is the practice of the yogī, brahmacārī, vānaprastha and sannyāsī to bathe at least three times daily — early in the morning, during noontime and in the evening. These principles are strictly followed even by some gṛhasthas, especially brāhmaṇas, who are elevated in spiritual consciousness. Devahūti was a king’s daughter and almost a king’s wife also. Although Kardama Muni was not a king, by his yogic mystic power he accommodated Devahūti very comfortably in a nice palace with maidservants and all opulence. But since she had learned austerity even in the presence of her husband, there was no difficulty for her to be austere. Still, because her body underwent severe austerity after the departure of her husband and son, she became thin. To be too fat is not very good for spiritually advanced life. Rather, one should reduce because if one becomes fat it is an impediment to progress in spiritual understanding. One should be careful not to eat too much, sleep too much or remain in a comfortable position. Voluntarily accepting some penances and difficulties, one should take less food and less sleep. These are the procedures for practicing any kind of yoga, whether bhakti-yoga, jñāna-yoga or haṭha-yoga.
FAQs
This verse highlights repeated purification, simplicity of living (bark garments), and enduring austerity—external signs reflecting inner detachment and spiritual seriousness.
In the narrative, Devahūti follows the spiritual path taught by her son Kapila—using austerity and purification to steady the mind and deepen devotion toward liberation.
Adopt disciplined simplicity—regular spiritual practice, reduced indulgence, and intentional habits that purify the mind—so devotion and self-control naturally increase.