Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 11
Bali Mahārāja Upholds Truth; Vāmana Reveals the Universal Form and Takes the Two Steps
यजन्ति यज्ञंक्रतुभिर्यमादृता भवन्त आम्नायविधानकोविदा: । स एव विष्णुर्वरदोऽस्तु वा परो दास्याम्यमुष्मै क्षितिमीप्सितां मुने ॥ ११ ॥
yajanti yajñaṁ kratubhir yam ādṛtā bhavanta āmnāya-vidhāna-kovidāḥ sa eva viṣṇur varado ’stu vā paro dāsyāmy amuṣmai kṣitim īpsitāṁ mune
O great sage, great saintly persons like you, being completely aware of the Vedic principles for performing ritualistic ceremonies and yajñas, worship Lord Viṣṇu in all circumstances. Therefore, whether that same Lord Viṣṇu has come here to give me all benedictions or to punish me as an enemy, I must carry out His order and give Him the requested tract of land without hesitation.
As stated by Lord Śiva:
FAQs
This verse suggests that even when sacrifices are performed according to Vedic rules, the ultimate benefactor is Viṣṇu (or the Supreme Lord), who is the true giver of boons—beyond merely ritual mechanics.
He acknowledges that ritualists approved by cosmic law (Yama) may worship through Vedic rites, yet he still recognizes Viṣṇu as the ultimate bestower; therefore he resolves to grant the requested land regardless of which divine agency is invoked.
Perform duties and spiritual practices with integrity, but keep the heart fixed on the Supreme as the final source of results—then charity and promises are upheld without pride or sectarian rivalry.