Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 96
Vāmana’s Advent, Aditi’s Hymn, Bali’s Gift, and the Mahatmya of Bhū-dāna
बलिरुवाच । एवं गुरो न वक्तव्यं धर्ममार्गविरोधतः । यदादत्ते स्वयं विष्णुः किमस्मादधिकं वरम् ॥ ९६ ॥
baliruvāca | evaṃ guro na vaktavyaṃ dharmamārgavirodhataḥ | yadādatte svayaṃ viṣṇuḥ kimasmādadhikaṃ varam || 96 ||
బలి అన్నాడు—గురుదేవా, ఇలాంటి మాట చెప్పకూడదు; అది ధర్మమార్గానికి విరుద్ధం. స్వయంగా శ్రీ విష్ణువు దానం స్వీకరిస్తే, దానికంటే గొప్ప వరం ఇంకేముంటుంది?
Bali
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It asserts that the highest sanctity of a gift (dāna) lies in its acceptance by Vishnu Himself; such divine acceptance surpasses ordinary boons and should not be obstructed by counsel that contradicts dharma.
Bali’s focus is not on personal gain but on honoring Vishnu’s presence and will; this prioritizing of the Lord over fear or calculation reflects mature Vishnu-bhakti aligned with dharma.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyakarana, Shiksha, or Jyotisha) is taught directly here; the practical takeaway is dharma-nirnaya—discerning right conduct in dāna even when authority figures advise otherwise.