Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 173
Vāmana’s Advent, Aditi’s Hymn, Bali’s Gift, and the Mahatmya of Bhū-dāna
तपश्चरिष्येमोक्षाय देहि मे त्रिपदां महीम् । वैरोचनिस्ततो दृष्टः कलशं जलपूरितम् ॥ ७३ ॥
tapaścariṣyemokṣāya dehi me tripadāṃ mahīm | vairocanistato dṛṣṭaḥ kalaśaṃ jalapūritam || 73 ||
«J’accomplirai l’ascèse pour la délivrance ; accorde-moi la terre de trois pas.» Alors Bali, fils de Virocana, fut vu tenant un vase rempli d’eau, prêt pour le rite du don.
Suta (narrating the Vāmana–Bali episode as part of the Purva-bhāga narration)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It highlights the meeting-point of tapas (austerity for moksha) and dāna (sacred gifting): the aspirant’s vow is tested through selfless offering, shown by Bali preparing the water-pot to formalize the gift.
Bali’s readiness to give—symbolized by the jalapūrita-kalaśa used in donation rites—reflects surrender and faith in Vishnu’s will, a core bhakti attitude even when the request appears materially costly.
It points to ritual procedure (kalpa/ācāra): gifts are traditionally confirmed with udaka (water) using a kalaśa, indicating formal sankalpa and dāna-vidhi rather than a casual promise.