Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 2
Bali Liberated, Prahlāda Blessed, and Vāmana Accepted as Universal Protector
श्रीबलिरुवाच अहो प्रणामाय कृत: समुद्यम: प्रपन्नभक्तार्थविधौ समाहित: । यल्लोकपालैस्त्वदनुग्रहोऽमरै- रलब्धपूर्वोऽपसदेऽसुरेऽर्पित: ॥ २ ॥
śrī-balir uvāca aho praṇāmāya kṛtaḥ samudyamaḥ prapanna-bhaktārtha-vidhau samāhitaḥ yal loka-pālais tvad-anugraho ’marair alabdha-pūrvo ’pasade ’sure ’rpitaḥ
巴利大王说：啊，多么奇妙！仅仅尝试向您顶礼，便能结出如此殊胜之果。我只是起意要向您致敬，然而您这位恒为归依奉献者成办利益的主，却赐我同纯净奉献者一般的成就。您对我这堕落阿修罗所施的无因慈恩，连诸天与诸世界的主宰也从未得到过。
When Vāmanadeva appeared before Bali Mahārāja, Bali Mahārāja immediately wanted to offer Him respectful obeisances, but he was unable to do so because of the presence of Śukrācārya and other demoniac associates. The Lord is so merciful, however, that although Bali Mahārāja did not actually offer obeisances but only endeavored to do so within his mind, the Supreme Personality of Godhead blessed him with more mercy than even the demigods could ever expect. As confirmed in Bhagavad-gītā (2.40) , svalpam apy asya dharmasya trāyate mahato bhayāt: “Even a little advancement on this path can protect one from the most dangerous type of fear.” The Supreme Personality of Godhead is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana because He takes only the essence of a devotee’s attitude. If a devotee sincerely surrenders, the Lord, as the Supersoul in everyone’s heart, immediately understands this. Thus even though, externally, a devotee may not render full service, if he is internally sincere and serious the Lord welcomes his service nonetheless. Thus the Lord is known as bhāva-grāhī janārdana because He takes the essence of one’s devotional mentality.
FAQs
This verse says the Lord becomes fully intent on fulfilling the welfare of one who has surrendered (prapanna-bhakta), even granting mercy that others may not have received.
Bali expresses humility and astonishment that the Lord’s rare favor—unattained even by the world-guardians—was bestowed upon him despite his birth as an asura.
Practice humility, accept the Lord’s guidance, and focus on sincere devotion—trusting that genuine surrender attracts divine support beyond ordinary expectations.