Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 35
ब्रह्मण्योऽसि यथा विष्णो तथासौ दैत्यपुंगवः । धनुषा च तथैवोक्तः शार्ङ्गपाणिश्च विस्मितः । चिंतयामास बहुधा विमृश्य सुचिरं बहु
brahmaṇyo'si yathā viṣṇo tathāsau daityapuṃgavaḥ | dhanuṣā ca tathaivoktaḥ śārṅgapāṇiśca vismitaḥ | ciṃtayāmāsa bahudhā vimṛśya suciraṃ bahu
«Ô Viṣṇu, de même que tu es voué aux Brāhmaṇa et les honores, ainsi l’est aussi celui-là, le plus éminent des Daitya.» À ces mots, Śārṅgapāṇi, porteur de l’arc Śārṅga, fut saisi d’étonnement et médita de maintes façons, longtemps et profondément.
Narrator (continuing the account of Viṣṇu’s response)
Scene: Sudarśana explains Bali’s brahmaṇya equals Viṣṇu’s; Viṣṇu (Śārṅgapāṇi) stands astonished, bow at his side, absorbed in long contemplation, searching for a dharmic solution.
FAQs
True greatness is measured by dharma—reverence for sacred duty can be present even in an adversary, demanding thoughtful, righteous resolution.
The Kedāra Khaṇḍa provides the sacred setting; this verse emphasizes dharmic character rather than a particular tīrtha’s merit.
None explicitly; the implied dharma is brahmaṇyatā—supporting and honoring Brāhmaṇas and sacred order.