Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 35
ब्रह्मण्योऽसि यथा विष्णो तथासौ दैत्यपुंगवः । धनुषा च तथैवोक्तः शार्ङ्गपाणिश्च विस्मितः । चिंतयामास बहुधा विमृश्य सुचिरं बहु
brahmaṇyo'si yathā viṣṇo tathāsau daityapuṃgavaḥ | dhanuṣā ca tathaivoktaḥ śārṅgapāṇiśca vismitaḥ | ciṃtayāmāsa bahudhā vimṛśya suciraṃ bahu
„O Viṣṇu, wie du den Brāhmaṇas ergeben bist, so ist es auch jener, der Vornehmste unter den Daityas.“ So angesprochen, geriet Śārṅgapāṇi, der den Bogen Śārṅga führt, in Staunen und sann auf vielerlei Weise nach, lange und tief erwägend.
Narrator (continuing the account of Viṣṇu’s response)
Scene: Sudarśana explains Bali’s brahmaṇya equals Viṣṇu’s; Viṣṇu (Śārṅgapāṇi) stands astonished, bow at his side, absorbed in long contemplation, searching for a dharmic solution.
FAQs
True greatness is measured by dharma—reverence for sacred duty can be present even in an adversary, demanding thoughtful, righteous resolution.
The Kedāra Khaṇḍa provides the sacred setting; this verse emphasizes dharmic character rather than a particular tīrtha’s merit.
None explicitly; the implied dharma is brahmaṇyatā—supporting and honoring Brāhmaṇas and sacred order.