Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 12
Ajāmila Delivered: Viṣṇudūtas Establish the Supremacy of the Holy Name
नैकान्तिकं तद्धि कृतेऽपि निष्कृते मन: पुनर्धावति चेदसत्पथे । तत्कर्मनिर्हारमभीप्सतां हरे- र्गुणानुवाद: खलु सत्त्वभावन: ॥ १२ ॥
naikāntikaṁ tad dhi kṛte ’pi niṣkṛte manaḥ punar dhāvati ced asat-pathe tat karma-nirhāram abhīpsatāṁ harer guṇānuvādaḥ khalu sattva-bhāvanaḥ
Even when performed, ritual atonement is not absolute, for the mind again runs upon the impure path. Therefore, for one who seeks release from karmic reactions, the glorification of Hari—singing His name, fame, and līlās—is the most perfect atonement, for it uproots the heart’s impurity completely.
The statements in this verse have been confirmed previously in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (1.2.17) :
FAQs
This verse says atonement is not conclusive if the mind returns to sinful paths; lasting purification comes from glorifying Lord Hari, which strengthens sattva and reforms the heart.
Because Ajāmila’s deliverance highlights that bhakti—especially remembrance and glorification of the Lord—can uproot karmic reactions at the root, unlike temporary expiations that may not change the mind.
Along with correcting behavior, build daily habits of bhakti—hearing and speaking about God’s qualities, chanting, and keeping saintly association—so the mind gains higher taste and doesn’t relapse into harmful patterns.