Shloka 51

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

Devanagari script

तस्माद् यन्मम बालेय त्वत्पित्राम्बु करे महत् दत्तं तेनायुरेतस्य कल्पं यावद् भविष्यति

Transliteration

tasmād yanmama bāleya tvatpitrāmbu kare mahat dattaṃ tenāyuretasya kalpaṃ yāvad bhaviṣyati

Translation

پس اے بلی کے بیٹے، تمہارے والد نے پانی کے ساتھ جو عظیم دان میرے ہاتھ میں دیا، اسی عمل کے سبب اس کی عمر ایک کلپ تک قائم رہے گی۔

Speakers

• Vishnu (Vamana/Trivikrama) to Bali’s son/descendant (bāleya)
• in the aftermath of the donation

Primary Deities

• Vishnu (Vamana/Trivikrama)
• Bali

Key Themes

• Dana (charity) and its fruit
• Ritual legality of gifts (udaka-dāna)
• Divine recompense and protection
• Merit extending across cosmic time (kalpa)

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

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

FAQs

What is the significance of giving ‘water in the hand’ (ambu-kare) in dāna?

Udaka (water) poured or held in the donor’s hand is a classical marker of formal transfer—an outward seal of intention and legality. The verse highlights that Bali’s gift was ritually complete, hence it yields extraordinary fruit.

Does ‘lifespan for a kalpa’ mean literal immortality?

In Purāṇic idiom it denotes an aeon-long extension of life and status—an exceptional boon measured in cosmic units. It signals divine protection and enduring sovereignty rather than absolute, unending immortality.

Why address Bali’s descendant rather than Bali directly?

The address ‘bāleya’ frames the boon as dynastic and exemplary: Bali’s act becomes a model for his lineage and for listeners, showing that properly performed generosity and truthfulness secure lasting welfare.