Shloka 2
Bali Liberated, Prahlāda Blessed, and Vāmana Accepted as Universal Protector
श्रीबलिरुवाच अहो प्रणामाय कृत: समुद्यम: प्रपन्नभक्तार्थविधौ समाहित: । यल्लोकपालैस्त्वदनुग्रहोऽमरै- रलब्धपूर्वोऽपसदेऽसुरेऽर्पित: ॥ २ ॥
śrī-balir uvāca aho praṇāmāya kṛtaḥ samudyamaḥ prapanna-bhaktārtha-vidhau samāhitaḥ yal loka-pālais tvad-anugraho ’marair alabdha-pūrvo ’pasade ’sure ’rpitaḥ
ശ്രീബലി മഹാരാജാവ് പറഞ്ഞു—അഹോ! അങ്ങേയ്ക്ക് പ്രണാമം അർപ്പിക്കാനുള്ള ശ്രമം മാത്രവും എത്ര അത്ഭുതഫലം നൽകുന്നു! ഞാൻ വെറും പ്രണാമം ചെയ്യാൻ ശ്രമിച്ചു; എങ്കിലും ശരണാഗതഭക്തരുടെ ഹിതത്തിൽ ഏകാഗ്രനായ അങ്ങ് എന്നോട് കൃപ ചെയ്തു. ലോകപാലദേവന്മാർക്കും മുമ്പൊരിക്കലും ലഭിക്കാത്ത അനുഗ്രഹം, എന്റെ പോലെയുള്ള പതിത അസുരനിൽ അങ്ങ് നിർകാരുണ്യദയയായി ചൊരിഞ്ഞു।
When Vāmanadeva appeared before Bali Mahārāja, Bali Mahārāja immediately wanted to offer Him respectful obeisances, but he was unable to do so because of the presence of Śukrācārya and other demoniac associates. The Lord is so merciful, however, that although Bali Mahārāja did not actually offer obeisances but only endeavored to do so within his mind, the Supreme Personality of Godhead blessed him with more mercy than even the demigods could ever expect. As confirmed in Bhagavad-gītā (2.40) , svalpam apy asya dharmasya trāyate mahato bhayāt: “Even a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.” The Supreme Personality of Godhead is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana because He takes only the essence of a devotee’s attitude. If a devotee sincerely surrenders, the Lord, as the Supersoul in everyone’s heart, immediately understands this. Thus even though, externally, a devotee may not render full service, if he is internally sincere and serious the Lord welcomes his service nonetheless. Thus the Lord is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana because He takes the essence of one’s devotional mentality.
FAQs
This verse says the Lord becomes fully intent on fulfilling the welfare of one who has surrendered (prapanna-bhakta), even granting mercy that others may not have received.
Bali expresses humility and astonishment that the Lord’s rare favor—unattained even by the world-guardians—was bestowed upon him despite his birth as an asura.
Practice humility, accept the Lord’s guidance, and focus on sincere devotion—trusting that genuine surrender attracts divine support beyond ordinary expectations.