Shloka 34
Brahmā’s Discourse to Mohinī
Harivāsara, Desire, and the Satya-Test of Rukmāṅgada
स्तवनान्नरकं याति विशुद्धोऽपि च मानवः । तथापि स्तवनं ब्रह्मन् कर्तव्यं कार्यहेतुना ॥ ३४ ॥
stavanānnarakaṃ yāti viśuddho'pi ca mānavaḥ | tathāpi stavanaṃ brahman kartavyaṃ kāryahetunā || 34 ||
ただのへつらいの讃辞によって、たとえ清らかな人であっても地獄に堕ち得る。されど婆羅門よ、正しき目的のためになされるなら、讃嘆は行うべきである。
Sanatkumara (in instruction to Narada, in the Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue frame)
Vrata: none
Rasa: {"primary_rasa":"shanta","secondary_rasa":"bhayanaka","emotional_journey":"A sober warning about the peril of empty flattery, then a measured resolution: praise is permissible when aligned with rightful purpose."}
FAQs
It warns that praise motivated by self-interest or deceit can become a moral fault with grave karmic consequences, even for an otherwise virtuous person, and it redirects speech toward dharmic intention.
It distinguishes sincere, purpose-aligned glorification from manipulative flattery—implying that true stuti in bhakti should be grounded in purity of intent and dharmic necessity, not personal gain.
It reflects the applied discipline of correct usage and intention in speech—aligned with Vyākaraṇa (proper expression) and broader śāstric sadācāra—showing that words have karmic weight depending on motive.