Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 115
Vāmana’s Advent, Aditi’s Hymn, Bali’s Gift, and the Mahatmya of Bhū-dāna
एतच्छॄत्वा बलिः प्राह राज्यं याचितवान्नहि । ग्रामं वा नगरं चापि धनं वा किं कृतं त्वया ॥ १५ ॥
etacchṝtvā baliḥ prāha rājyaṃ yācitavānnahi | grāmaṃ vā nagaraṃ cāpi dhanaṃ vā kiṃ kṛtaṃ tvayā || 15 ||
Nghe vậy, Bali nói: “Ngươi đâu có xin một vương quốc, cũng chẳng xin một làng hay một thành, lại càng không xin của cải. Vậy rốt cuộc ngươi định làm gì (ý nguyện là gì)?”
Bali
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: adbhuta
Secondary Rasa: shanta
FAQs
The verse highlights discernment in charity: Bali recognizes that the petitioner’s aim is beyond ordinary gains (kingdom, wealth), pointing to a deeper divine purpose behind the request.
By sensing that the request is not material, the narrative frames devotion as recognizing Vishnu’s higher will—where apparent begging or small requests can conceal a transformative divine plan.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyakarana, Jyotisha, or Shiksha) is directly taught in this line; the practical takeaway is ethical discernment in dana (gift-giving) and intention (bhāva) in ritualized charity.