Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 31
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
प्रतिश्रुतं त्वयैतस्मै यदनर्थमजानता । न साधु मन्ये दैत्यानां महानुपगतोऽनय: ॥ ३१ ॥
pratiśrutaṁ tvayaitasmai yad anartham ajānatā na sādhu manye daityānāṁ mahān upagato ’nayaḥ
تم نے نادانی میں اسے زمین دینے کا جو وعدہ کیا ہے وہ تباہی کا سبب بنے گا۔ میں اسے اچھا نہیں سمجھتا؛ اس سے دَیتّیوں کو بڑا نقصان پہنچے گا۔
FAQs
This verse warns that a promise made in ignorance can become harmful (anartha) and lead to great adversity, even for one’s entire community.
In the Vamana episode, Bali had promised charity to the dwarf brāhmaṇa (Vāmana). Virocana criticizes the vow as dangerous and inauspicious for the Daityas, thinking Bali did not grasp its true implications.
Make commitments thoughtfully—seek clarity before promising—yet also recognize that true integrity is tested when keeping one’s word becomes difficult.