Live the Bhāgavatam · SB 8.9.14-15
Manvantara· The Manus and right dutyPrepare Carefully for Sacred Ceremonies
“The demigods and demons then observed a fast. After bathing, they offered clarified butter and oblations into the fire and gave charity to the cows and to the brāhmaṇas and members of the other orders of society, namely the kṣatriyas, vaiśyas and śūdras, who were all rewarded as they deserved. Thereafter, the demigods and demons performed ritualistic ceremonies under the directions of the brāhmaṇas. Then they dressed themselves with new garments according to their own choice, decorated their bodies with ornaments, and sat facing east on seats made of kuśa grass.”
What the purport teaches
- The demigods and demons fasted, bathed, offered oblations and gave charity. They performed ceremonies under the direction of the brāhmaṇas.
- The Vedas enjoin bathing in the Ganges, Yamunā or sea before performing a ritualistic ceremony and offering clarified butter into the fire.
- The purport emphasizes that a sannyāsī or someone about to perform a ritualistic ceremony should not wear clothing sewn with a needle.
Try this today
Take a moment today to attend to bodily cleanliness before a sacred activity.
Ask yourself
How much care do I give to cleanliness and preparation before sacred activities?
Carry the question through the day, then answer it in your own words before sleep.
The study points, practice and question are short summaries drawn from Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport. Read the full purport to go deeper.