Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 45
Aditi’s Lament and Kaśyapa’s Instruction of the Payo-vrata (Milk Vow) to Please Keśava
भुञ्जीत तैरनुज्ञात: सेष्ट: शेषं सभाजितै: । ब्रह्मचार्यथ तद्रात्र्यां श्वोभूते प्रथमेऽहनि ॥ ४४ ॥ स्नात: शुचिर्यथोक्तेन विधिना सुसमाहित: । पयसा स्नापयित्वार्चेद् यावद्व्रतसमापनम् ॥ ४५ ॥
bhuñjīta tair anujñātaḥ seṣṭaḥ śeṣaṁ sabhājitaiḥ brahmacāry atha tad-rātryāṁ śvo bhūte prathame ’hani
भोजितान् ब्राह्मणान् सम्यक् सभाज्य तैरनुज्ञातः सस्नेहैः स्वजनैः सह शेषं प्रसादं भुञ्जीत। तद्रात्रौ ब्रह्मचर्यं पालयेत्; श्वः प्रातः पुनः स्नातः शुचिः सुसमाहितः पयसा विष्णोर्मूर्तिं स्नापयित्वा यथोक्तविधिना यावद्व्रतसमापनं समर्चयेत्।
FAQs
This verse emphasizes disciplined etiquette: eat only with permission, share the remainder respectfully, and maintain brahmacarya (celibacy) during the vow.
Celibacy is prescribed as a form of self-restraint that supports mental purity and steadiness, helping the practitioner focus on worship and completion of the vrata.
Practice mindful restraint during spiritual commitments: follow guidance, avoid indulgence, share resources, and keep habits that protect clarity and devotion.