Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 96
Vāmana’s Advent, Aditi’s Hymn, Bali’s Gift, and the Mahatmya of Bhū-dāna
बलिरुवाच । एवं गुरो न वक्तव्यं धर्ममार्गविरोधतः । यदादत्ते स्वयं विष्णुः किमस्मादधिकं वरम् ॥ ९६ ॥
baliruvāca | evaṃ guro na vaktavyaṃ dharmamārgavirodhataḥ | yadādatte svayaṃ viṣṇuḥ kimasmādadhikaṃ varam || 96 ||
Bali thưa: “Bạch Thầy, không nên nói như vậy, vì trái với con đường chánh pháp. Khi chính đức Vishnu tự tay thọ nhận lễ vật, còn ân phúc nào lớn hơn thế nữa?”
Bali
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: bhakti
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It asserts that the highest sanctity of a gift (dāna) lies in its acceptance by Vishnu Himself; such divine acceptance surpasses ordinary boons and should not be obstructed by counsel that contradicts dharma.
Bali’s focus is not on personal gain but on honoring Vishnu’s presence and will; this prioritizing of the Lord over fear or calculation reflects mature Vishnu-bhakti aligned with dharma.
No specific Vedanga (like Vyakarana, Shiksha, or Jyotisha) is taught directly here; the practical takeaway is dharma-nirnaya—discerning right conduct in dāna even when authority figures advise otherwise.