Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 33
Brahmā Worships Vāmana; the Demons Attack; Bali is Bound and Questioned About the Third Step
वृथा मनोरथस्तस्य दूर: स्वर्ग: पतत्यध: । प्रतिश्रुतस्यादानेन योऽर्थिनं विप्रलम्भते ॥ ३३ ॥
vṛthā manorathas tasya dūraḥ svargaḥ pataty adhaḥ pratiśrutasyādānena yo ’rthinaṁ vipralambhate
जो मनुष्य मागणाऱ्याला दिल्याचे वचन देऊनही न देता फसवतो, त्याच्यासाठी स्वर्ग दूरच राहतो, मनोरथ व्यर्थ होतो आणि तो अधःपतन होऊन नरकीय स्थितीत पडतो।
FAQs
This verse says that one who promises and then withholds what was pledged—especially from a needy petitioner—loses auspicious destiny (svarga becomes distant) and suffers a fall due to sinful deception.
Because exploiting someone’s need violates dharma and compassion; the verse highlights that such deceit turns one’s hopes futile and brings spiritual and moral degradation.
Do not make commitments lightly; if you promise help, follow through promptly. Integrity in giving, contracts, and personal assurances is a direct practice of dharma and supports steady spiritual progress.