Skanda Purana — Mahesvara Khanda, Shloka 35
ब्रह्मण्योऽसि यथा विष्णो तथासौ दैत्यपुंगवः । धनुषा च तथैवोक्तः शार्ङ्गपाणिश्च विस्मितः । चिंतयामास बहुधा विमृश्य सुचिरं बहु
brahmaṇyo'si yathā viṣṇo tathāsau daityapuṃgavaḥ | dhanuṣā ca tathaivoktaḥ śārṅgapāṇiśca vismitaḥ | ciṃtayāmāsa bahudhā vimṛśya suciraṃ bahu
“Wahai Viṣṇu, sebagaimana Engkau berbakti dan memuliakan para Brāhmaṇa, demikian pula dia, yang terunggul di antara kaum Daitya.” Setelah ditegur demikian, Śārṅgapāṇi—pemegang busur Śārṅga—tercengang, lalu merenung dengan pelbagai cara, menimbang-nimbang lama dan mendalam.
Narrator (continuing the account of Viṣṇu’s response)
Scene: Sudarśana explains Bali’s brahmaṇya equals Viṣṇu’s; Viṣṇu (Śārṅgapāṇi) stands astonished, bow at his side, absorbed in long contemplation, searching for a dharmic solution.
FAQs
True greatness is measured by dharma—reverence for sacred duty can be present even in an adversary, demanding thoughtful, righteous resolution.
The Kedāra Khaṇḍa provides the sacred setting; this verse emphasizes dharmic character rather than a particular tīrtha’s merit.
None explicitly; the implied dharma is brahmaṇyatā—supporting and honoring Brāhmaṇas and sacred order.