Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvitiya Skandha, Shloka 18
Bhagavān’s Avatāras, Their Protections (Poṣaṇa), and the Limits of Knowing Him
नार्थो बलेरयमुरुक्रमपादशौच- माप: शिखाधृतवतो विबुधाधिपत्यम् । यो वै प्रतिश्रुतमृते न चिकीर्षदन्य- दात्मानमङ्ग मनसा हरयेऽभिमेने ॥ १८ ॥
nārtho baler ayam urukrama-pāda-śaucam āpaḥ śikhā-dhṛtavato vibudhādhipatyam yo vai pratiśrutam ṛte na cikīrṣad anyad ātmānam aṅga manasā haraye ’bhimene
Bali Mahārāja placed upon his head the water that had washed the lotus feet of Urukrama. Though forbidden by his spiritual master, he thought of nothing but his vow. To fulfill the measure of the Lord’s third step, he offered even his own body to Hari; for him, the heavenly kingdom won by strength was of no worth.
Bali Mahārāja, by gaining the transcendental favor of the Lord in exchange for his great material sacrifice, was able to have a place in Vaikuṇṭhaloka with equal or greater facilities of eternal enjoyment; therefore he was not at all the loser by sacrificing the kingdom of heaven, which he had possessed by his material strength. In other words, when the Lord snatches away one’s hard-earned material possessions and favors one with His personal transcendental service for eternal life, bliss and knowledge, such taking away by the Lord should be considered a special favor upon such a pure devotee.
FAQs
This verse says Bali did not see heavenly rulership as the true reward; keeping his vow, he offered even himself in his heart to Lord Hari, valuing surrender over power.
Śukadeva highlights Bali’s unwavering truthfulness and bhakti: despite losing everything, Bali did not seek another benefit and internally dedicated himself to the Lord.
Keep promises even under pressure, practice generosity without bargaining for results, and place spiritual integrity above status, recognition, or material gain.