Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 7
Vānaprastha-vidhi and Sannyāsa-dharma: Austerity, Detachment, and the Paramahaṁsa Ideal
वन्यैश्चरुपुरोडाशैर्निर्वपेत् कालचोदितान् । न तु श्रौतेन पशुना मां यजेत वनाश्रमी ॥ ७ ॥
vanyaiś caru-puroḍāśair nirvapet kāla-coditān na tu śrautena paśunā māṁ yajeta vanāśramī
वनाश्रमी वानप्रस्थः कालचोदितान् चरुपुरोडाशादीन् वन्यधान्यैः निर्वपेत्। श्रौतेनापि पशुना मां न यजेत; वेदविहितेष्वपि पशुयागेषु न प्रवर्तेत॥
One who has taken the vānaprastha order of life should never perform animal sacrifices or eat meat.
FAQs
It says the forest-dweller should worship the Lord with simple offerings made from wild, naturally available foods at the prescribed times, rather than elaborate rituals.
Because the forest āśrama emphasizes austerity, non-violence, and simplicity; therefore worship should be performed with minimal means and without animal sacrifice.
Practice simple, sattvic devotion—offer what is honestly available, keep worship non-violent and uncomplicated, and align spiritual practice with one’s stage of life and capacity.