Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 38
The Narration of the Trayodaśī Vow Observed Throughout the Twelve Months
गावो ममाग्रतः सन्तु गावो मे संतु पृष्ठतः । गावो मे पार्श्वतः संतु गवां मध्ये वसाम्यहम् ॥ ३८ ॥
gāvo mamāgrataḥ santu gāvo me saṃtu pṛṣṭhataḥ | gāvo me pārśvataḥ saṃtu gavāṃ madhye vasāmyaham || 38 ||
Semoga lembu berada di hadapanku; semoga lembu berada di belakangku. Semoga lembu berada di sisi-sisiku; semoga aku tinggal di tengah-tengah lembu.
Narada (as a traditional protective/auspicious utterance within the Narada Purana’s discourse)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
The verse is an auspicious protective wish (maṅgala-prārthanā) expressing refuge among cows, symbolizing dharma, purity, and sustaining sacred life; it frames cows as a living field of merit (puṇya) and well-being.
While not directly naming a deity, it supports bhakti-culture by honoring what is traditionally dear and sacred in Vaiṣṇava dharma; serving and protecting cows (go-sevā, go-rakṣā) is treated as a devotional expression that nurtures sattva and reverence.
It reflects prayoga-style usage from Vedic ritual culture—an application of correct utterance and intention (linked to Śikṣā and ritual practice) as a concise protective formula rather than a technical exposition of astrology or grammar.