Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 24
The Appearance of Vāmanadeva and His Arrival at Bali’s Sacrifice
मौञ्ज्या मेखलया वीतमुपवीताजिनोत्तरम् । जटिलं वामनं विप्रं मायामाणवकं हरिम् ॥ २४ ॥ प्रविष्टं वीक्ष्य भृगव: सशिष्यास्ते सहाग्निभि: । प्रत्यगृह्णन्समुत्थाय सङ्क्षिप्तास्तस्य तेजसा ॥ २५ ॥
mauñjyā mekhalayā vītam upavītājinottaram jaṭilaṁ vāmanaṁ vipraṁ māyā-māṇavakaṁ harim
Aparecendo como um menino brāhmaṇa, com cinto de capim munja, fio sagrado, manto de pele de veado e cabelos emaranhados, o Senhor Vāmanadeva entrou no recinto do sacrifício. Seu fulgor divino eclipsou o brilho dos sacerdotes e de seus discípulos; eles se levantaram, prostraram-se e O receberam devidamente.
FAQs
This verse describes Vāmana as Hari in the form of a dwarf brāhmaṇa-brahmacārī, marked by the muñja belt, sacred thread, deerskin, and matted hair—signs of Vedic ascetic discipline and divine purpose.
Vāmana appears to approach Bali in a humble brāhmaṇa form, initiating the divine test that draws out Bali’s truthfulness and culminates in Bali’s surrender to the Lord.
Great spiritual power may come in simple, humble appearances; the verse encourages reverence, humility, and discernment rather than judging by external size or status.