Shloka 2
Bali Liberated, Prahlāda Blessed, and Vāmana Accepted as Universal Protector
श्रीबलिरुवाच अहो प्रणामाय कृत: समुद्यम: प्रपन्नभक्तार्थविधौ समाहित: । यल्लोकपालैस्त्वदनुग्रहोऽमरै- रलब्धपूर्वोऽपसदेऽसुरेऽर्पित: ॥ २ ॥
śrī-balir uvāca aho praṇāmāya kṛtaḥ samudyamaḥ prapanna-bhaktārtha-vidhau samāhitaḥ yal loka-pālais tvad-anugraho ’marair alabdha-pūrvo ’pasade ’sure ’rpitaḥ
พลีมหาราชทูลว่า: น่าอัศจรรย์ยิ่งนัก แม้เพียงความพยายามจะถวายบังคมแด่พระองค์ก็ให้ผลใหญ่! ข้าพระองค์เพียงตั้งใจกราบนอบน้อม แต่พระองค์ผู้ทรงมุ่งช่วยผู้ภักดีที่พึ่งพิง ก็ทรงประทานความสำเร็จนั้นแก่ข้าพระองค์ เมตตาอันไร้เหตุที่พระองค์ทรงมีต่อข้าพระองค์—อสูรผู้ตกต่ำ—แม้เหล่าเทวะและผู้ปกครองโลกทั้งหลายก็ไม่เคยได้รับมาก่อน
When Vāmanadeva appeared before Bali Mahārāja, Bali Mahārāja immediately wanted to offer Him respectful obeisances, but he was unable to do so because of the presence of Śukrācārya and other demoniac associates. The Lord is so merciful, however, that although Bali Mahārāja did not actually offer obeisances but only endeavored to do so within his mind, the Supreme Personality of Godhead blessed him with more mercy than even the demigods could ever expect. As confirmed in Bhagavad-gītā (2.40) , svalpam apy asya dharmasya trāyate mahato bhayāt: “Even a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.” The Supreme Personality of Godhead is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana because He takes only the essence of a devotee’s attitude. If a devotee sincerely surrenders, the Lord, as the Supersoul in everyone’s heart, immediately understands this. Thus even though, externally, a devotee may not render full service, if he is internally sincere and serious the Lord welcomes his service nonetheless. Thus the Lord is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana because He takes the essence of one’s devotional mentality.
FAQs
This verse says the Lord becomes fully intent on fulfilling the welfare of one who has surrendered (prapanna-bhakta), even granting mercy that others may not have received.
Bali expresses humility and astonishment that the Lord’s rare favor—unattained even by the world-guardians—was bestowed upon him despite his birth as an asura.
Practice humility, accept the Lord’s guidance, and focus on sincere devotion—trusting that genuine surrender attracts divine support beyond ordinary expectations.