Shloka 39
Chapter 84: Brahmā’s Counsel on Tāraka, the Search for Agni, and the Genesis of Skanda
Kārttikeya
नि्तैश्व यवैगोभिमासं प्रश्नितयावक: । ब्रह्महत्यासमं पाप॑ सर्वमेतेन शुध्यते,गौओंके गोबरसे निकाले हुए जौकी लप्सीका एक मासतक भक्षण करे। इससे मनुष्य ब्रह्महत्या-जैसे पापसे भी छुटकारा पा जाता है
nityaiś ca yavago-bhimāsaṁ praśnitya-yāvakaḥ | brahmahatyā-samaṁ pāpaṁ sarvam etena śudhyate ||
Vyāsa diz: Com disciplina constante, deve-se viver por um mês de um mingau de cevada preparado com produtos derivados da vaca. Ao empreender essa observância, a pessoa é purificada até mesmo de pecados tão graves quanto o brahmahatyā, o homicídio de um brâmane. O verso apresenta a pureza associada ao que provém da vaca e a dieta regulada como meio de limpeza moral e de retorno à vida conforme o dharma.
व्यास उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches that disciplined observance—specifically a month-long vow of subsisting on a simple barley preparation associated with cow-products—functions as a powerful prāyaścitta (expiation), capable of purifying even extremely grave sins. Ethical emphasis is on restraint, ritual purity, and re-entry into dharmic conduct through regulated living.
In Anuśāsana Parva’s instruction-focused setting, Vyāsa is prescribing an expiatory regimen. He outlines a concrete practice (a month-long restricted diet) and states its purificatory result, situating it among teachings on sin, atonement, and restoration of moral order.