Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 19
The Appearance of Vāmanadeva and His Arrival at Bali’s Sacrifice
समिद्धमाहितं वह्निं कृत्वा परिसमूहनम् । परिस्तीर्य समभ्यर्च्य समिद्भिरजुहोद् द्विज: ॥ १९ ॥
samiddham āhitaṁ vahniṁ kṛtvā parisamūhanam paristīrya samabhyarcya samidbhir ajuhod dvijaḥ
Śrī Vāmanadeva alluma le feu sacrificiel, mit en ordre l’aire du yajña, l’étendit et l’adora selon le rite, puis accomplit l’offrande au feu avec les bois de samidh.
FAQs
This verse depicts the orthodox yajña procedure—kindling the installed sacred fire, arranging the altar space, spreading kuśa grass, worshiping the fire, and offering oblations—showing Bali’s sacrifice being conducted according to Vedic dharma.
Bali’s charity to Vāmana occurs in the setting of a formal sacrifice; the brāhmaṇas maintain the sanctity and authority of the rite by properly worshiping the fire and offering oblations before the ceremonial gift is granted.
The verse highlights careful preparation, purity, and reverence before important actions—modern devotees can apply this by beginning duties with prayer, cleanliness, and disciplined intention, offering results to the Lord.