Payovrata

The payovrata (Sanskrit: पयोव्रत, romanized: Payovrata) is a vrata (penance) featured in Hinduism. In the Bhagavata Purana, this penance was observed by the goddess Aditi to propitiate Vishnu.^[1]

Etymology

Payovrata literally means, 'milk vow' in Sanskrit.^[2]

Practice

The payovrata is usually observed by adherents for twelve days, during which time they subsist on a diet of milk alone.^[3]

Mythology

According to Hindu mythology, Aditi grew concerned about the plight of her sons, the devas, during the reign of the asura monarch Mahabali. Her husband, the sage Kashyapa, advised her to observe the payovrata to propitiate Vishnu. Having observed the penance for twelve days, Vishnu was born as her son, Vamana, subsequently vanquishing Mahabali.^[4]

References

1. Prabhupada, Swami. "Srimad Bhagavatam: Canto 8, Chapter 16". vedabase.io. Retrieved 2020-03-15.
2. Hudson, D. Dennis (2008-09-25). The Body of God: An Emperor's Palace for Krishna in Eighth-Century Kanchipuram. Oxford University Press. p. 598. ISBN 978-0-19-970902-1.
3. Jimutavahana's Dayabhaga: The Hindu Law of Inheritance in Bengal. Oxford University Press. 2002-02-28. p. 145. ISBN 978-0-19-803160-4.
4. Dalal, Roshen (2014-04-18). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin UK. p. 114. ISBN 978-81-8475-277-9.