Skanda Purana — Prabhasa Khanda, Shloka 45
बलिर्न जानाति सुराधिपं त्वां सुराश्च सर्वे बलियज्ञभोजिनः । त्वमेव तेऽरिं हृदि चिंतय स्वयं युक्तं तवेदं कथितं मयेति
balirna jānāti surādhipaṃ tvāṃ surāśca sarve baliyajñabhojinaḥ | tvameva te'riṃ hṛdi ciṃtaya svayaṃ yuktaṃ tavedaṃ kathitaṃ mayeti
“Bali tidak mengenalmu sebagai Penguasa para dewa, dan semua deva menikmati persembahan yajña Bali. Maka renungkanlah sendiri musuhmu di dalam hati; apa yang kukatakan ini sungguh patut bagimu.”
Nārada
Tirtha: Vastrāpatha-kṣetra
Type: kshetra
Scene: A counselor (deva/minister/sage figure) addressing the Lord of the gods: devas shown partaking in Bali’s yajña; the addressed deity stands contemplative, hand to heart, eyes lowered in inward reflection; Bali’s grandeur in background.
FAQs
Discernment and inner reflection are required even for the gods; dharma must be defended with wise strategy.
The teaching is embedded in the Vastrāpathakṣetra Māhātmya of Prabhāsa, using divine counsel to heighten the narrative sanctity.
Bali’s yajñas are referenced; the verse does not prescribe a new rite but comments on sacrificial participation.