Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 11
The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property
किं नु तेऽविदितं नाथ सर्वभूतात्मसाक्षिण: । कालेनाव्याहतदृशो वक्ष्येऽथापि तवाज्ञया ॥ ११ ॥
kiṁ nu te ’viditaṁ nātha sarva-bhūtātma-sākṣiṇaḥ kālenāvyāhata-dṛśo vakṣye ’thāpi tavājñayā
What could possibly be unknown to You, O master? With vision undisturbed by time, You witness the minds of all living beings. Nevertheless, on Your order I will speak.
Since the Lord knows everything, there is no need to inform Him about anything. Still, to fulfill the Lord’s purpose King Nṛga will speak.
FAQs
This verse addresses Kṛṣṇa as the inner witness of all beings (sarva-bhūtātma-sākṣī) whose vision is never obstructed by time, implying that nothing is unknown to Him.
She acknowledges that Kṛṣṇa already knows all circumstances, yet she agrees to speak because He has asked—showing humility and obedience within the Syamantaka-jewel narrative context.
Remembering the Lord as the constant witness encourages integrity, self-reflection, and devotional humility—acting responsibly even when no one else is watching.