Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 24
The Appearance of Vāmanadeva and His Arrival at Bali’s Sacrifice
मौञ्ज्या मेखलया वीतमुपवीताजिनोत्तरम् । जटिलं वामनं विप्रं मायामाणवकं हरिम् ॥ २४ ॥ प्रविष्टं वीक्ष्य भृगव: सशिष्यास्ते सहाग्निभि: । प्रत्यगृह्णन्समुत्थाय सङ्क्षिप्तास्तस्य तेजसा ॥ २५ ॥
mauñjyā mekhalayā vītam upavītājinottaram jaṭilaṁ vāmanaṁ vipraṁ māyā-māṇavakaṁ harim
Appearing as a brāhmaṇa boy—wearing a munja-grass belt, the sacred thread, a deerskin upper garment, and matted locks—Lord Vāmanadeva entered the sacrificial arena. His divine effulgence eclipsed the splendor of the priests and their disciples, who rose from their seats, bowed in obeisance, and welcomed Him according to proper rite.
FAQs
This verse describes Vāmana as Hari in the form of a dwarf brāhmaṇa-brahmacārī, marked by the muñja belt, sacred thread, deerskin, and matted hair—signs of Vedic ascetic discipline and divine purpose.
Vāmana appears to approach Bali in a humble brāhmaṇa form, initiating the divine test that draws out Bali’s truthfulness and culminates in Bali’s surrender to the Lord.
Great spiritual power may come in simple, humble appearances; the verse encourages reverence, humility, and discernment rather than judging by external size or status.