Shloka 29
Bhṛgu Tests the Trimūrti; Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna Visit Mahā-Viṣṇu and Recover the Brāhmaṇa’s Sons
अहं प्रजा: वां भगवन् रक्षिष्ये दीनयोरिह । अनिस्तीर्णप्रतिज्ञोऽग्निं प्रवेक्ष्ये हतकल्मष: ॥ २९ ॥
ahaṁ prajāḥ vāṁ bhagavan rakṣiṣye dīnayor iha anistīrṇa-pratijño ’gniṁ pravekṣye hata-kalmaṣaḥ
Tuanku, saya akan melindungi zuriat tuan dan isteri yang dalam kesusahan. Jika saya gagal menepati janji ini, saya akan masuk ke dalam api untuk menebus dosa saya.
Chivalrous Arjuna could not tolerate the shame of being unable to fulfill his promise. As Kṛṣṇa says in Bhagavad-gītā (2.34) , sambhāvitasya cākīrtir maraṇād atiricyate: “For a respected person, dishonor is worse than death.”
FAQs
This verse shows Arjuna’s resolve to protect the brahmana’s children and his willingness to accept severe consequence if he fails—highlighting that a noble promise must be honored.
Arjuna made a public pledge to relieve the brahmana couple’s grief; entering fire expresses the seriousness of his kshatriya honor and accountability if his promise proved untrue.
Make commitments thoughtfully, and once made, uphold them with integrity—especially when others are depending on your protection, support, or responsibility.