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
Apparu comme un jeune brahmane, ceint de munja, portant le cordon sacré, un vêtement de peau de daim et des cheveux en nattes, le Seigneur Vāmanadeva entra dans l’enceinte du sacrifice. Son éclat divin diminua la splendeur des prêtres et de leurs disciples; ils se levèrent, se prosternèrent et l’accueillirent selon le 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.