Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 42
Kapila’s Advent: Brahmā’s Confirmation, the Marriage of the Nine Daughters, and Kardama’s Renunciation
व्रतं स आस्थितो मौनमात्मैकशरणो मुनि: । नि:सङ्गो व्यचरत्क्षोणीमनग्निरनिकेतन: ॥ ४२ ॥
vrataṁ sa āsthito maunam ātmaika-śaraṇo muniḥ niḥsaṅgo vyacarat kṣoṇīm anagnir aniketanaḥ
Sang resi Kardama menjalankan tapa-vrata berupa keheningan, berlindung hanya kepada Tuhan Yang Maha-Agung dan merenungkan-Nya. Tanpa keterikatan, ia mengembara di bumi laksana sannyāsī—tanpa api dan tanpa tempat tinggal.
Here the words anagnir aniketanaḥ are very significant. A sannyāsī should be completely detached from fire and any residential quarters. A gṛhastha has a relationship with fire, either for offering sacrifices or for cooking, but a sannyāsī is freed from these two responsibilities. He does not have to cook or offer fire for sacrifice because he is always engaged in Kṛṣṇa consciousness; therefore he has already accomplished all ritualistic performances of religion. Aniketanaḥ means “without lodging.” He should not have his own house, but should depend completely on the Supreme Lord for his food and lodging. He should travel.
FAQs
This verse describes a sage as silent (mauna-vrata), exclusively sheltered in the Supreme Self, unattached to company, and living without fixed home or ritual fire—signs of deep renunciation and inner reliance on the Lord.
It highlights the sage’s freedom from external dependencies and social identity—he is not bound to household life or ritual maintenance, but lives absorbed in spiritual shelter and detachment.
Practice simplifying desires, reducing unnecessary social entanglements, cultivating inner silence, and keeping steady spiritual refuge through japa, study, and devotion while fulfilling one’s duties responsibly.