Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 88
Vāmana’s Advent, Aditi’s Hymn, Bali’s Gift, and the Mahatmya of Bhū-dāna
स्मितेन मोहयँल्लोकं वामनो भक्तवत्सलः । हविर्भोक्तुमिवायातो बलेः प्रत्यक्षतो हरिः ॥ ८८ ॥
smitena mohayaṃllokaṃ vāmano bhaktavatsalaḥ | havirbhoktumivāyāto baleḥ pratyakṣato hariḥ || 88 ||
Dengan senyuman lembut, Vāmana—yang mengasihi para bhakta—mempesonakan dunia; Hari menampakkan diri di hadapan Bali, seolah-olah datang untuk menikmati havi, persembahan korban.
Narada
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: bhakti
FAQs
It highlights Hari’s bhaktavātsalya—His special tenderness toward devotees—showing that the Lord can become directly perceptible (pratyakṣa) and orchestrate events with a seemingly simple smile to fulfill dharma.
By calling Vāmana “bhaktavatsala,” the verse teaches that devotion draws the Lord near; He personally approaches the devotee (here, Bali) and engages with their offering, indicating intimacy between bhakta and Bhagavan.
The verse points to yajña-practice through “havis” (oblations): offerings are ritually consecrated and meant for the deity, underscoring the Vedic sacrificial framework that supports dharma and devotion.