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 ||
ಯಾವಾಗಲೂ ಎಲ್ಲೆಂದರಲ್ಲಿ ಮಲಗಿ, ಏನು ದೊರಕಿದರೂ ಅದನ್ನೇ ಆಹಾರವಾಗಿ ಜೀವನ ನಡೆಸಿ, ಏನು ಸಿಕ್ಕಿದರೂ ಅದರಿಂದಲೇ ದೇಹವನ್ನು ಮುಚ್ಚಿಕೊಳ್ಳುವವನೇ ಇಲ್ಲಿ ‘ಗೋವ್ರತ’ ಪಾಲಿಸುವವನು ಎಂದು ಹೇಳಲ್ಪಟ್ಟಿದ್ದಾನೆ।
नारद उवाच
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.