Vamana Purana — Kali's Complaint to Brahma (Part 2), Shloka 8
Kali’s Complaint to Brahma and the Arrival of Śrī (Jayaśrī) in Bali’s Reign
म भूमिं च तथा नाकं राज्यं लक्ष्मीं यसो ऽव्ययः समाहरिष्यति बलेः कर्तुः सद्धर्मगोचरम्
ma bhūmiṃ ca tathā nākaṃ rājyaṃ lakṣmīṃ yaso 'vyayaḥ samāhariṣyati baleḥ kartuḥ saddharmagocaram
وہ اَویَی (لازوال) زمین اور اسی طرح آسمان، سلطنت، لکشمی اور یَش—جو سَدھرم کے دائرے میں عظیم فاعل بَلی کے قبضے میں آ گئے تھے—سب کو پھر سے واپس سمیٹ لے گا۔
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FAQs
The verb suggests ‘gathering back/withdrawing’ rather than annihilating. In the Vāmana narrative, Viṣṇu reclaims the cosmic jurisdictions (earth/heaven/sovereignty) to restore balance, not to negate Bali’s virtues or gifts.
Purāṇic nuance allows Bali to be both powerful and, in certain respects, dharmic (notably generosity and truthfulness). ‘Saddharma-gocara’ can indicate that the transfer of realms occurs through a dharmic mechanism (boon, gift, vow) rather than mere violence—hence Viṣṇu’s approach as a supplicant.
Kingship is not only territory; it includes legitimacy, prosperity, and renown. The verse frames sovereignty as a composite of realms (bhūmi/nāka) and royal attributes (rājya/lakṣmī/yaśas), all ultimately contingent on Viṣṇu’s sustaining order.