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 ||
Dẫu vậy, Prahlāda kinh ngạc trong khoảnh khắc ấy vẫn nói: “Được như vậy,” rồi ban ân huệ cho bà-la-môn. Nhưng sau khi đã làm trọn lời xin ấy, ông trở nên vô cùng đau đớn, u uất.
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.