Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 173
Vāmana’s Advent, Aditi’s Hymn, Bali’s Gift, and the Mahatmya of Bhū-dāna
तपश्चरिष्येमोक्षाय देहि मे त्रिपदां महीम् । वैरोचनिस्ततो दृष्टः कलशं जलपूरितम् ॥ ७३ ॥
tapaścariṣyemokṣāya dehi me tripadāṃ mahīm | vairocanistato dṛṣṭaḥ kalaśaṃ jalapūritam || 73 ||
“মোক্ষৰ বাবে মই তপস্যা কৰিম; মোক তিন পদ ভূমি দিয়া।” তেতিয়া বৈৰোচনি (বলি) জলভৰা কলস হাতত লৈ দানক্ৰিয়াৰ বাবে সজ্জ দেখা গ’ল।
Suta (narrating the Vāmana–Bali episode as part of the Purva-bhāga narration)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It highlights the meeting-point of tapas (austerity for moksha) and dāna (sacred gifting): the aspirant’s vow is tested through selfless offering, shown by Bali preparing the water-pot to formalize the gift.
Bali’s readiness to give—symbolized by the jalapūrita-kalaśa used in donation rites—reflects surrender and faith in Vishnu’s will, a core bhakti attitude even when the request appears materially costly.
It points to ritual procedure (kalpa/ācāra): gifts are traditionally confirmed with udaka (water) using a kalaśa, indicating formal sankalpa and dāna-vidhi rather than a casual promise.