Shloka 13
Mohinī-prashna
The Question about Mohinī
अग्निमन्तो न विप्रा हि मन्यंते समुपोषणम् । वेदबाह्य कथं धर्मं भवांश्चरितुमिच्छति ॥ १३ ॥
agnimanto na viprā hi manyaṃte samupoṣaṇam | vedabāhya kathaṃ dharmaṃ bhavāṃścaritumicchati || 13 ||
अग्निमन्तो हि विप्राः समुपोषणं न मन्यन्ते। वेदबाह्यं कथं धर्मं भवान् चरितुमिच्छति॥
Sanatkumara (addressing Narada in an instructive dialogue tone)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It stresses that religious austerities (like fasting) must remain consistent with Vedic dharma—especially for those bound to daily fire-ritual obligations—so that practice is disciplined rather than merely extreme.
By implying that devotion should be practiced within dharma: bhakti is strengthened when vows and austerities support (not violate) one’s prescribed duties, avoiding “non-Vedic” displays that disrupt legitimate obligations.
It points to Kalpa (ritual procedure) and Dharma-śāstra application: an āhitāgni’s daily agnihotra and related rites require regulated diet and conduct, so total fasting may be inappropriate unless the Vedic rule-set permits it.