Shloka 44
Āśā-prabhava (आशाप्रभव) — On the Rise and Power of Hope/Expectation
Sumitra Itihāsa Begins
एवमस्त्विति स प्राह प्रह्मादो विस्मितस्तदा । उपाकृत्य तु विप्राय वरं दुःखान्वितो5भवत्
evam astv iti sa prāha prahrādo vismitas tadā | upākṛtya tu viprāya varaṁ duḥkhānvito 'bhavat ||
तेव्हा विस्मित झालेला प्रह्लाद म्हणाला— “एवमस्तु।” आणि त्याने ब्राह्मणाला तो वर दिला. पण वर देताच तो अंतःकरणात फार दुःखी झाला.
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights satya and dharma: once a promise or assent is given, a righteous person strives to fulfill it even when it brings personal sorrow, showing integrity and responsibility in giving boons or commitments.
Prahlāda, though surprised, agrees (“evam astu”) and grants the brāhmaṇa a boon; after completing the grant, he is overcome with grief, implying the boon’s consequences are heavy yet he upholds his word.