Shloka 18

Vamana's Three Steps — Vamana’s Three Steps and the Binding of Bali

Devanagari script

पाणौ तु पतिते तोये दिव्यं रूपं चकार ह त्रैलोक्यक्रमणार्थाय बहुरूपं जगन्मयम्

Transliteration

pāṇau tu patite toye divyaṃ rūpaṃ cakāra ha trailokyakramaṇārthāya bahurūpaṃ jaganmayam

Translation

पाणौ तु पतिते तोये स दिव्यं रूपं चकार ह। त्रैलोक्यक्रमणार्थाय बहुरूपं जगन्मयम्॥

Speakers

• Narrator voice describing Viṣṇu’s transformation immediately after the ritual water-offering

Primary Deities

• Vishnu
• Bali

Key Themes

• Theophany triggered by ritual completion
• Trivikrama and cosmic sovereignty
• Ritual act (water) as juridical-spiritual seal
• Universe-bodied deity (jaganmaya)

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

{ "primaryRasa": "adbhuta", "secondaryRasa": "vira", "rasaIntensity": 0, "emotionalArcPosition": "", "moodDescriptors": [] }

FAQs

What is the significance of ‘when the water fell upon the hand’?

It marks the completion of the dāna rite (udaka-dāna). The narrative emphasizes that only after the gift becomes ritually irrevocable does Viṣṇu reveal the cosmic form—underscoring dharma’s binding power and Bali’s consent.

How should ‘jaganmayam’ be understood here?

It indicates a cosmic body: the deity’s form is described as pervading or constituted by the universe. This aligns with Purāṇic theophany language where the divine form contains worlds, directions, and beings, preparing for the ‘three strides’ across the cosmos.

Does this verse specify the three worlds geographically?

It uses the cosmological term ‘trailokya’ (three worlds) rather than naming earthly rivers, tīrthas, or regions. No specific sacred geography is mentioned in this śloka.