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
ಶ್ರೀಶುಕನು ಹೇಳಿದರು—ಭಗವಂತನು ಹೀಗೆ ಹೇಳಿದಾಗ ಬಲಿ ನಗುತ್ತಾ, “ನಿಮಗೆ ಇಷ್ಟವಾದುದನ್ನು ಸ್ವೀಕರಿಸಿರಿ” ಎಂದನು. ವಾಮನದೇವನಿಗೆ ಬೇಡಿದ ಭೂಮಿಯನ್ನು ದಾನಮಾಡುವ ಪ್ರತಿಜ್ಞೆಯನ್ನು ದೃಢಪಡಿಸಲು ಅವನು ಜಲಪಾತ್ರವನ್ನು ಹಿಡಿದನು.
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.