Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 22
Bali Liberated, Prahlāda Blessed, and Vāmana Accepted as Universal Protector
वेदानां सर्वदेवानां धर्मस्य यशस: श्रिय: । मङ्गलानां व्रतानां च कल्पं स्वर्गापवर्गयो: ॥ २२ ॥ उपेन्द्रं कल्पयांचक्रे पतिं सर्वविभूतये । तदा सर्वाणि भूतानि भृशं मुमुदिरे नृप ॥ २३ ॥
vedānāṁ sarva-devānāṁ dharmasya yaśasaḥ śriyaḥ maṅgalānāṁ vratānāṁ ca kalpaṁ svargāpavargayoḥ
O King Parīkṣit, the devas headed by Brahmā desired Upendra—Lord Vāmanadeva—as the guardian of the Vedas, dharma, fame, prosperity, auspiciousness, sacred vows, ascent to heaven, and liberation. Thus they accepted Upendra as the supreme master of all opulences, and all beings rejoiced greatly.
FAQs
This verse states that the Lord is the underlying ordinance and sustaining principle of both the Vedas and all the demigods—He is their foundation and ultimate controller.
Svarga refers to heavenly enjoyment, while apavarga refers to liberation (moksha). The verse teaches that the Lord governs and grants both outcomes.
It encourages aligning one’s vows, ethics, and spiritual study with devotion to the Supreme, recognizing Him as the source of true prosperity, auspiciousness, and ultimate freedom.