Vamana Purana — Bali Learns of Vamana, Shloka 4

Bali Learns of Vamana in Aditi’s Womb and Prahlada Teaches Refuge in Hari

Devanagari script

पुलस्त्य उवाच तत्पौत्रवचनं श्रुत्वा मुहूर्तं ध्यानमास्तितः किमर्थं तेजसो हानिरिति कस्मादतीव च

Transliteration

pulastya uvāca tatpautravacanaṃ śrutvā muhūrtaṃ dhyānamāstitaḥ kimarthaṃ tejaso hāniriti kasmādatīva ca

Translation

Pulastya said: Having heard that grandson’s words, he remained in contemplation for a moment—(considering) for what reason there was a loss of splendor, and why it was so severe.

Speakers

• Pulastya speaking (in the Purāṇic frame)
• responding to a descendant’s query; this verse signals a shift into explanatory discourse

Key Themes

• Purāṇic frame narration
• Contemplation before teaching
• Etiology of decline (tejas-hāni)

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

{ "primaryRasa": "shanta", "secondaryRasa": "adbhuta", "rasaIntensity": 0, "emotionalArcPosition": "", "moodDescriptors": [] }

FAQs

Why does Pulastya pause in ‘dhyāna’ before answering?

The pause marks the transition from question to authoritative teaching. In Purāṇic style, a ṛṣi’s brief contemplation signals that the forthcoming explanation is grounded in insight (smṛti/jñāna) rather than conjecture.

Who is the ‘grandson’ (pautra) here?

The verse uses relational language typical of layered narration. ‘Pautra’ can denote a literal grandson within a genealogical setting or, more broadly, a junior descendant/interlocutor in the frame dialogue; the key function is to mark generational hierarchy and transmission of knowledge.

What does ‘atīva’ add to the question about tejas-loss?

It indicates not merely a normal fluctuation of fortune but an unusually intense decline, prompting a deeper causal account—often involving dharmic lapse, ritual disruption, or a decisive shift in divine support.