Āśā-prabhava (आशाप्रभव) — On the Rise and Power of Hope/Expectation
Sumitra Itihāsa Begins
कृतमित्येव दैत्येन्द्रमुवाच स च वै द्विज: । प्रह्मादस्त्वब्रवीत् प्रीतो गृह्ुतां वर इत्युत
kṛtam ity eva daityendram uvāca sa ca vai dvijaḥ | prahlādas tv abravīt prīto gṛhyatāṁ vara ity uta ||
तब उस ब्राह्मण ने दैत्येन्द्र से कहा—“हो गया; आपने मेरी अभिलाषा पूर्ण कर दी।” यह सुनकर प्रह्लाद और भी प्रसन्न हुए और बोले—“तो एक वर अवश्य स्वीकार करो; माँगो।”
प्रह्माद उवाच
The verse underscores dāna-dharma: giving is ethically complete when the recipient feels satisfied, and a noble giver responds to gratitude by offering further help—without pride or irritation.
A brāhmaṇa tells the Daitya-lord that his desire has been fulfilled. Prahlāda, delighted by this acknowledgment, urges him to ask for a boon, continuing the cycle of generosity and goodwill.