Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 28
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
श्रीशुक उवाच इत्युक्त: स हसन्नाह वाञ्छात: प्रतिगृह्यताम् । वामनाय महीं दातुं जग्राह जलभाजनम् ॥ २८ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca ity uktaḥ sa hasann āha vāñchātaḥ pratigṛhyatām vāmanāya mahīṁ dātuṁ jagrāha jala-bhājanam
Śukadeva berkata: Setelah Tuhan berfirman demikian, Bali tersenyum dan berkata, “Silakan ambil apa yang Engkau kehendaki.” Untuk meneguhkan janjinya memberi tanah yang diminta kepada Vāmanadeva, ia pun mengangkat kendi airnya.
FAQs
This verse shows Bali Mahārāja agreeing with a smile and formally preparing to donate by taking the water-vessel, indicating sincere consent and the traditional dharmic method of dāna.
In Vedic custom, offerings—especially gifts like land—are confirmed through a water-libation ritual; Bali took the vessel to solemnize and complete the promise to Vāmana.
Keep commitments with integrity, give with a willing heart, and let devotion guide generosity rather than ego or fear.