Shloka 14
हिरण्यपुरवर्णनम्
Description of Hiraṇyapura and the Nivātakavacas
यत्रतत्रशयो नित्यं येन केनचिदाशित: । येन केनचिदाच्छन्न: स गोव्रत इहोच्यते
yatratatraśayo nityaṁ yena kenacid āśitaḥ | yena kenacid ācchannaḥ sa govrata iho cyate ||
Nārada dit : «Celui qui, par habitude, s’étend pour dormir où qu’il se trouve, qui se soutient de la nourriture qu’il peut obtenir, et qui couvre son corps de ce qui est disponible—celui-là est ici décrit comme observant le “govrata” (le vœu de vivre à la manière d’une vache), marqué par la simplicité, le détachement et le contentement.»
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse defines ‘govrata’ as a discipline of radical simplicity: resting wherever one is, eating whatever is obtainable, and wearing whatever covering is available. Ethically, it trains non-attachment, endurance, and contentment, reducing dependence on comfort and choice.
Nārada is explaining a specific type of vrata (vow/observance) by giving its practical marks. The focus is descriptive—identifying who qualifies as a govrata-observer through conduct rather than lineage or status.