Shloka 66
Indrajit’s Binding, Restoration by Viśalyā, and Counsel Restraining Rāvaṇa (Āraṇyaka Parva 273)
प्रीतो5स्मि दर्शने विप्र ब्रूहि त्वं कि ददानि ते । एवमुक्तस्तु बलिना वामन: प्रत्युवाच ह,“ब्रह्म! आपका दर्शन पाकर मैं बहुत प्रसन्न हुआ हूँ। आज्ञा कीजिये, मैं आपकी सेवाके लिये क्या दूँ?” बलिके ऐसा कहनेपर भगवान् वामनने “(आपका) स्वस्ति (कल्याण हो)” ऐसा कहकर बलिको आशीर्वाद दिया और मुसकराते हुए कहा--“दानवराज! मुझे तीन पग पृथ्वी दे दीजिये”
prīto ’smi darśane vipra brūhi tvaṁ kiṁ dadāni te | evam uktas tu balinā vāmanah pratyuvāca ha |
Bhīmasena said: “O brāhmaṇa, I am delighted by your very sight. Tell me—what may I give you?” Thus addressed by the mighty one, Vāmana replied with a blessing for Bali’s welfare, and, smiling, said: “O lord of the Dānavas, grant me three paces of earth.” The episode highlights the ethical tension between generosity and discernment: true giving is tested when the request appears small yet carries profound consequences, and the giver’s integrity is measured by steadfastness to one’s pledged word.
भीमसेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage underscores the dharma of giving and keeping one’s word: a noble donor offers without arrogance, and a vow is meaningful precisely when it is tested by unforeseen implications.
A powerful figure expresses joy at seeing a brāhmaṇa and asks what gift he desires. Vāmana responds with a blessing and requests a seemingly modest gift—three paces of land—foreshadowing the well-known divine stratagem involving Bali.