Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 40
Kṛṣṇa Visits Indraprastha; Kuntī’s Remembrance; Kālindī and Further Marriages
श्रीभगवानुवाच नरेन्द्र याच्ञा कविभिर्विगर्हिता राजन्यबन्धोर्निजधर्मवर्तिन: । तथापि याचे तव सौहृदेच्छया कन्यां त्वदीयां न हि शुल्कदा वयम् ॥ ४० ॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca narendra yācñā kavibhir vigarhitā rājanya-bandhor nija-dharma-vartinaḥ tathāpi yāce tava sauhṛdecchayā kanyāṁ tvadīyāṁ na hi śulka-dā vayam
至上主は仰せになった。「人々の王よ、己の王法に立つ王族が乞うことは賢者により非難される。されど汝との友誼を望み、汝の娘を請う。われらは対価の贈り物を差し出さぬ。」
FAQs
This verse states that learned sages condemn begging, especially for one of the royal order who should live by his own dharma; Kṛṣṇa notes this standard even while making a respectful request.
Kṛṣṇa explains He is doing so out of a desire for friendship and goodwill (sauhṛda), showing diplomatic humility while honoring dharma-based social expectations.
Even when asking for something legitimate, one should respect ethical norms, speak humbly, and prioritize relationships and goodwill over transactional motives.