Shloka 14
हिरण्यपुरवर्णनम्
Description of Hiraṇyapura and the Nivātakavacas
यत्रतत्रशयो नित्यं येन केनचिदाशित: । येन केनचिदाच्छन्न: स गोव्रत इहोच्यते,जो जहाँ कहीं भी सो लेता है, जिस किसी फल-मूल आदिसे भोजनका कार्य चला लेता है तथा वल्कल आदि जिस किसी वस्तुसे भी शरीरको ढक लेता है, वही यहाँ 'गोव्रतधारी” कहलाता है
yatratatraśayo nityaṁ yena kenacid āśitaḥ | yena kenacid ācchannaḥ sa govrata iho cyate ||
Sinabi ni Nārada: “Ang sinumang nakagawian nang humiga saan man siya mapadpad, na nabubuhay sa anumang pagkaing kanyang makuha, at tinatakpan ang katawan ng anumang naroroon—ang gayong tao ang tinatawag dito na tumutupad ng ‘govrata’ (panatang mamuhay na gaya ng baka), na may tatak ng kasimplehan, di-pagkakapit, at pagkakasiya.”
नारद उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse defines ‘govrata’ as a discipline of radical simplicity: resting wherever one is, eating whatever is obtainable, and wearing whatever covering is available. Ethically, it trains non-attachment, endurance, and contentment, reducing dependence on comfort and choice.
Nārada is explaining a specific type of vrata (vow/observance) by giving its practical marks. The focus is descriptive—identifying who qualifies as a govrata-observer through conduct rather than lineage or status.