Vamana Purana — Prahlada's Instructions to Bali, Shloka 9

Prahlada’s Instructions to Bali on Vishnu Worship, Monthly Gifts, and Building Hari’s Temple

Devanagari script

ब्राह्मणो नावमन्तव्यो बुधो वाप्यबुधो ऽपि वा सो ऽपि दिव्या तनुर्विष्णोस्तस्मात् तामर्चयेन्नरः

Transliteration

brāhmaṇo nāvamantavyo budho vāpyabudho 'pi vā so 'pi divyā tanurviṣṇostasmāt tāmarcayennaraḥ

Translation

ไม่พึงดูหมิ่นพราหมณ์—ไม่ว่าเป็นผู้รู้หรือไม่รู้ก็ตาม เพราะแม้เขาก็เป็นกายทิพย์ของพระวิษณุ ดังนั้นมนุษย์พึงให้ความเคารพบูชา.

Speakers

• Not specified in the excerpt; didactic injunction within Adhyaya 68.

Primary Deities

• Vishnu

Key Themes

• Non-contempt (anavamāna) as dharma
• Sanctity of brāhmaṇas irrespective of learning
• Social restraint and speech-ethics
• Theology of divine embodiment

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

{ "primaryRasa": "shanta", "secondaryRasa": "karuna", "rasaIntensity": 0, "emotionalArcPosition": "", "moodDescriptors": [] }

FAQs

Why extend reverence even to an ‘unlearned’ brāhmaṇa?

The verse prioritizes the protection of social-religious order and the avoidance of contempt (avamāna), which is treated as spiritually corrosive. It also reflects a sacral view of the brāhmaṇa status as representing Viṣṇu’s dharmic body, independent of an observer’s judgment.

Does this negate the importance of learning and conduct?

No; Purāṇic dharma literature frequently praises learning, tapas, and good conduct. This verse addresses the listener’s duty—avoid disparagement—rather than ranking individual spiritual attainment.

What practical behaviors does ‘not despise’ imply?

It implies refraining from insult, ridicule, denial of customary hospitality, and acts that undermine dignity. Positively, it supports respectful address, appropriate giving, and honoring brāhmaṇas as part of Vaiṣṇava-aligned dharma.