Shloka 55

Vamana's Three Steps — Binding of Bali

Devanagari script

बलिरुवाच सुतले वसतो नाथ मम भोगाः कुतो ऽव्ययाः भविष्यन्ति तु येनाहं निवत्स्यामि निरामयः

Transliteration

baliruvāca sutale vasato nātha mama bhogāḥ kuto 'vyayāḥ bhaviṣyanti tu yenāhaṃ nivatsyāmi nirāmayaḥ

Translation

Bali said: ‘O Lord, while dwelling in Sutala, from where will my enjoyments and resources become inexhaustible—by which I may reside (there) free from affliction?’

Speakers

• Bali speaking to Śrī Bhagavān (Trivikrama/Vishnu)

Primary Deities

• Vishnu (Trivikrama)
• Bali

Key Themes

• Dependence on divine provision
• Inexhaustible prosperity (avyaya-bhoga)
• Devotee’s practical concern within a boon
• Security and well-being (nirāmaya)

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

{ "primaryRasa": "karuna", "secondaryRasa": "shanta", "rasaIntensity": 0, "emotionalArcPosition": "", "moodDescriptors": [] }

FAQs

Why does Bali ask about ‘bhoga’ (enjoyments) after receiving a divine command to dwell in Sutala?

The question reflects a king’s dharmic responsibility to sustain a realm and household. In Purāṇic dialogues, even devotees ask practical questions so the Lord’s boon can be specified: not merely relocation, but stable, protected sovereignty with adequate resources.

What is the nuance of ‘avyayāḥ bhogāḥ’ in this context?

It implies resources that do not diminish through use—an idiom for divinely secured prosperity. It also signals that Bali’s well-being in Sutala is not precarious; it is underwritten by the Lord’s protection.

Does ‘nirāmayaḥ’ refer only to physical health?

Primarily it means ‘free from disease/affliction,’ but in Purāṇic usage it can extend to freedom from troubles, threats, and destabilizing forces—especially relevant for a ruler settling in a new cosmic domain (Sutala).