शुक्रपुरीमाहात्म्यम् Śukra Purī Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

There was a Daitya named Mahābali, the best among the mighty. He was devoted to Brahmins, generous, true to his word, and firm in his vows.

śrīsadgururuvāca

āsīnmahābalirnāma daityo balavatāṃ varaḥ

brahmaṇyaśca vadānyaśca satyasandho dṛḍhavrataḥ

महाबलिर्नाम · mahābalirnāma — named Mahābali

दैत्यः · daityaḥ — a demon/asura

बलवतां · balavatāṃ — of the mighty

वरः · varaḥ — the best

ब्रह्मण्यः · brahmaṇyaḥ — devoted to Brahmins

वदान्यः · vadānyaḥ — generous

सत्यसन्धः · satyasandhaḥ — true to his word

दृढव्रतः · dṛḍhavrataḥ — firm in his vows

महाबलिर्नाम दैत्यः बलवतां वरः आसीत्। सः ब्रह्मण्यः वदान्यः सत्यसन्धः दृढव्रतः च आसीत्।

named Mahābali · a demon/asura · of the mighty · the best · devoted to Brahmins · generous · true to his word · firm in his vows

This verse introduces Mahābali, establishing his character as a virtuous yet powerful king, which sets the stage for his eventual interaction with the Lord. It highlights the irony that such a noble soul would become the subject of the Lord's divine play.

With the Bhārgavas, the foremost of sages, he performed the Viśvajit sacrifice. From it, he obtained victory over the universe and thus became the lord of the worlds.

cakre sa viśvajidyāgaṃ bhārgavairmunipuṅgavaiḥ

lebhe ca viśvavijayaṃ lokanātho'bhavattataḥ

चक्रे · cakre — performed

सः · saḥ — he

विश्वजिद्यागम् · viśvajidyāgam — the Viśvajit sacrifice

भार्गवैः · bhārgavaiḥ — by the Bhārgavas

मुनिपुङ्गवैः · munipuṅgavaiḥ — by the foremost sages

लेभे · lebhe — obtained

विश्वविजयम् · viśvavijayam — victory over the universe

लोकनाथः · lokanāthaḥ — lord of the worlds

अभवत् · abhavat — became

सः भार्गवैः मुनिपुङ्गवैः सह विश्वजिद्यागं चक्रे। ततः सः विश्वविजयं लेभे लोकनाथः च अभवत्।

performed · he · the Viśvajit sacrifice · by the Bhārgavas · by the foremost sages · obtained · victory over the universe · lord of the worlds · became

This verse explains the source of Mahābali's immense power and his rise to universal lordship, providing the reason for his pride and the subsequent cosmic imbalance.

Therefore, being very proud, he dwelt constantly on the bank of the Narmadā, in the great sacred place of Bhṛgukaccha, and performed sacrifices again and again.

tasmātsugarvito nityaṃ nivasannarmadātaṭe

bhṛgukacche mahākṣetre cakre yajñaṃ punaḥ punaḥ

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

सुगर्वितः · sugarvitaḥ — very proud

नित्यम् · nityam — constantly

निवसन् · nivasan — dwelling

नर्मदातटे · narmadātaṭe — on the bank of Narmadā

भृगुकच्छे · bhṛgukacche — in Bhṛgukaccha

महाक्षेत्रे · mahākṣetre — in the great sacred place

चक्रे · cakre — performed

यज्ञम् · yajñam — sacrifice

पुनः पुनः · punaḥ punaḥ — again and again

तस्मात् सुगर्वितः सः नित्यं नर्मदा तटे भृगुकच्छे महाक्षेत्रे निवसन् पुनः पुनः यज्ञं चक्रे।

therefore · very proud · constantly · dwelling · on the bank of Narmadā · in Bhṛgukaccha · in the great sacred place · performed · sacrifice · again and again

This verse describes the location and the repetitive nature of Mahābali's rituals, emphasizing his obsession with power and his physical presence in a sacred geography that will later be sanctified by the Lord.

By the strength of his arms alone, all the gods were defeated. Having abandoned heaven, they wandered the earthly world, greatly distressed.

tasya bāhubalenaiva nirjitā nikhilāḥ surāḥ

svargaṃ tyaktyaiva bhūloke caranti sma suduḥkhitāḥ

तस्य · tasya — his

बाहुबलेन · bāhubalena — by the strength of arms

एव · eva — only

निर्जिताः · nirjitāḥ — defeated

निखिलाः · nikhilāḥ — all

सुराः · surāḥ — gods

स्वर्गम् · svargam — heaven

त्यक्त्वा · tyaktvā — having abandoned

भूलोके · bhūloke — on the earthly realm

चरन्ति · caranti — wandered

सुदुःखिताः · suduḥkhitāḥ — greatly distressed

तस्य बाहुबलेन एव निखिलाः सुराः निर्जिताः। ते स्वर्गं त्यक्त्वा भूलोके सुदुःखिताः चरन्ति स्म।

his · by the strength of arms · only · defeated · all · gods · heaven · having abandoned · on the earthly realm · wandered · greatly distressed

This verse establishes the conflict: the displacement of the gods. It sets the moral necessity for the Lord's incarnation to restore cosmic order.

Thus, with her sons vanquished, the glorious mother of the gods, Aditi, prompted by Kaśyapa, undertook a vow.

evaṃ putreṣu naṣṭeṣu devamātā yaśasvinī|

aditiśca vrataṃ cakre kaśyapena pracoditā

एवम् · evam — thus

पुत्रेषु · putreṣu — when sons

नष्टेषु · naṣṭeṣu — were defeated

देवमाता · devamātā — mother of gods

यशस्विनी · yaśasvinī — glorious

अदितिः · aditiḥ — Aditi

व्रतम् · vratam — vow

चक्रे · cakre — performed

कश्यपेन · kaśyapena — by Kaśyapa

प्रचोदिता · pracoditā — prompted

एवं पुत्रेषु नष्टेषु सती यशस्विनी देवमाता अदितिः कश्यपेन प्रचोदिता व्रतम् चक्रे।

thus · when sons · were defeated · mother of gods · glorious · Aditi · vow · performed · by Kaśyapa · prompted

This verse marks the turning point where the divine mother Aditi intervenes, initiating the process of the Lord's descent to earth to address the suffering of the gods.

Pleased by her devotion, the Lord who has Garuḍa as his banner, the ocean of mercy, became her son on the day of Śravaṇa Dvādaśī.

**7. & 8.** He was known as Upendra, and due to his short stature, Vāmana. Initiated according to the scriptures, he went to Bali's sacrificial arena—the Lord, a young boy with a top-knot, carrying a staff, wearing a single sacred thread, clad in a loincloth, dark in complexion, holding a water pot.

tasyā bhaktyā prasannastu bhagavān garuḍadhvajaḥ

putro'bhavatkṛpāsindhuḥ śravaṇadvādaśītithau

तस्याः · tasyāḥ — her

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — by devotion

प्रसन्नः · prasannaḥ — pleased

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

गरुडध्वजः · garuḍadhvajaḥ — he who has Garuda as banner

पुत्रः · putraḥ — son

अभवत् · abhavat — became

कृपासिन्धुः · kṛpāsindhuḥ — ocean of mercy

श्रवणद्वादशीतिथौ · śravaṇadvādaśītithau — on the day of Sravana Dvadasi

तस्याः भक्त्या प्रसन्नः भगवान् गरुडध्वजः कृपासिन्धुः श्रवणद्वादशीतिथौ पुत्रः अभवत्।

her · by devotion · pleased · the Lord · he who has Garuda as banner · son · became · ocean of mercy · on the day of Sravana Dvadasi

This verse describes the manifestation of the Lord as a result of Aditi's devotion, identifying him as the 'ocean of mercy' who descends to restore balance.

upendra iti vikhyāto vāmanatvācca vāmanaḥ

upanīto yathāśāstraṃ yajñavāṭīṃ baleryayau

उपेन्द्र · upendra — Upendra

इति · iti — thus

विख्यातः · vikhyātaḥ — known

वामनत्वात् · vāmanatvāt — due to short stature

च · ca — and

वामनः · vāmanaḥ — Vamana

उपनीतः · upanītaḥ — initiated

यथाशास्त्रम् · yathāśāstram — according to scriptures

यज्ञवाटीम् · yajñavāṭīm — sacrificial arena

बलेः · baleḥ — of Bali

ययौ · yayau — went

सः उपेन्द्र इति विख्यातः वामनत्वात् वामनः च अभवत्। सः यथाशास्त्रम् उपनीतः बलेः यज्ञवाटीं ययौ।

Upendra · thus · known · due to short stature · and · Vamana · initiated · according to scriptures · sacrificial arena · of Bali · went

This verse introduces the Vāmana avatar, highlighting his name and his deliberate journey to the sacrificial arena of Bali, signaling the start of the divine confrontation.

śikhinaṃ daṇḍinaṃ bālamekayajñopavītinam

kaupīnadhāriṇaṃ śyāmaṃ kamaṇḍaludharaṃ prabhum

शिखिनम् · śikhinam — with a top-knot

दण्डिनम् · daṇḍinam — carrying a staff

बालम् · bālam — a boy

एकयज्ञोपवीतिनम् · ekayajñopavītinam — wearing one sacred thread

कौपीनधारिणम् · kaupīnadhāriṇam — clad in a loincloth

श्यामम् · śyāmam — dark-complexioned

कमण्डलुधरम् · kamaṇḍaludharam — holding a water pot

प्रभुम् · prabhum — the Lord

प्रभुं शिखिनं दण्डिनं बालम् एकयज्ञोपवीतिनं कौपीनधारिणं श्यामं कमण्डलुधरं च (अहं पश्यामि)।

with a top-knot · carrying a staff · a boy · wearing one sacred thread · clad in a loincloth · dark-complexioned · holding a water pot · the Lord

This verse provides a vivid description of the Lord's appearance as a young Brahmacārī, emphasizing his simplicity and divine charm which will soon captivate Mahābali.

Beholding Vāmana, whose eyes were like lotus petals and who was exceedingly beautiful, all the sages and Mahābali were enchanted.

puṇḍarīkadalākṣaṃ ca vāmanaṃ bahusundaram

vilokya mumuhuḥ sarve munayaśca mahābaliḥ

पुण्डरीकदलाक्षम् · puṇḍarīkadalākṣam — lotus-eyed

च · ca — and

वामनम् · vāmanam — Vamana

बहुसुन्दरम् · bahusundaram — exceedingly beautiful

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

मुमुहुः · mumuhuḥ — were enchanted

सर्वे · sarve — all

मुनयः · munayaḥ — sages

च · ca — and

महाबलिः · mahābaliḥ — Mahabali

पुण्डरीकदलाक्षं बहुसुन्दरं वामनं विलोक्य सर्वे मुनयः महाबलिः च मुमुहुः।

lotus-eyed · and · Vamana · exceedingly beautiful · having seen · were enchanted · all · sages · and · Mahabali

This verse captures the immediate effect of the Lord's presence on the assembly, showing that even the wise and the powerful are enchanted by his divine beauty.

The great hero brought him forth and worshipped Vāmana. With hands folded in reverence, he then spoke words of welcome.

ānīya taṃ mahāvīraḥ pūjayāmāsa vāmanam

baddhāñjalipuṭo bhaktyā svāgataṃ cābravīttadā

आनीय · ānīya — having brought

तम् · tam — him

महावीरः · mahāvīraḥ — the great hero

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

वामनम् · vāmanam — Vamana

बद्धाञ्जलिपुटो · baddhāñjalipuṭo — with folded hands

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

स्वागतम् · svāgatam — welcome

च · ca — and

अब्रवीत् · abravīt — spoke

तदा · tadā — then

महावीरः तं वामनम् आनीय पूजयामास। तदा बद्धाञ्जलिपुटो भक्त्या स्वागतं च अब्रवीत्।

having brought · him · the great hero · worshipped · Vamana · with folded hands · with devotion · welcome · and · spoke · then

This verse depicts Mahābali's noble response to the guest, demonstrating his inherent generosity and respect for Brahmins, which defines his character even in the face of the Lord's test.

Mahābali said:

Welcome to you, O fortunate one, O exceedingly beautiful boy! Merely by the sight of you, even the best of sages are bewildered.

mahābaliruvāca

svāgataṃ te mahābhāga bahusundara bālaka

tava darśanamātreṇa muhyanti munipuṅgavāḥ

स्वागतम् · svāgataṃ — welcome

ते · te — to you

महाभाग · mahābhāga — O fortunate one

बहुसुन्दर · bahusundara — exceedingly beautiful

बालक · bālaka — O boy

तव · tava — your

दर्शनमात्रेण · darśanamātreṇa — merely by the sight

मुह्यन्ति · muhyanti — are bewildered

मुनिपुङ्गवाः · munipuṅgavāḥ — the best of sages

महाभाग बालक ते स्वागतम्। तव दर्शनमात्रेण मुनिपुङ्गवाः मुह्यन्ति।

welcome · to you · O fortunate one · exceedingly beautiful · O boy · your · merely by the sight · are bewildered · the best of sages

Mahābali expresses his initial awe upon seeing the divine boy, highlighting the immediate charismatic impact of Vāmana's presence. This sets the stage for his generous offer, establishing his character as a noble and welcoming host.

Truly, you are of such great power, O you whose face is graced with a gentle smile! O you who are dark as a cloud, O you with eyes like lotuses, my salutations to you!

nūnamevaṃ prabhāvo'si mandahāsavarānana

meghaśyāma namastubhyaṃ puṇḍarīkāyatekṣaṇa

नूनम् · nūnam — truly

एवम् · evam — thus

प्रभावः · prabhāvaḥ — power

असि · asi — you are

मन्दहासवरानन · mandahāsavarānana — O you with a face graced by a gentle smile

मेघश्याम · meghaśyāma — O you dark as a cloud

नमः · namaḥ — salutations

तुभ्यम् · tubhyam — to you

पुण्डरीकायतेक्षण · puṇḍarīkāyatekṣaṇa — O you with lotus-like eyes

त्वं नूनम् एवं प्रभावः असि। हे मन्दहासवरानन मेघश्याम पुण्डरीकायतेक्षण, तुभ्यं नमः।

truly · thus · power · you are · O you with a face graced by a gentle smile · O you dark as a cloud · salutations · to you · O you with lotus-like eyes

Mahābali continues his praise, intuitively sensing the divine nature of the boy through his physical beauty and radiance. This verse serves to emphasize the Lord's 'Saulabhya' (easy accessibility) which captivates even the mighty Daitya king.

Today our ancestors are satisfied, and our family deities are worshipped. By your arrival alone, I am blessed; there is no doubt.

adya naḥ pitarastṛptāḥ kuladevāśca pūjitāḥ

tavāgamanamātreṇa dhanyo'smi na hi saṃśayaḥ

अद्य · adya — today

नः · naḥ — our

पितरः · pitaraḥ — ancestors

तृप्ताः · tṛptāḥ — satisfied

कुलदेवाः · kuladevāḥ — family deities

च · ca — and

पूजिताः · pūjitāḥ — worshipped

तवागमनमात्रेण · tavāgamanamātreṇa — by your arrival alone

धन्यः · dhanyaḥ — blessed

अस्मि · asmi — I am

न · na — not

हि · hi — indeed

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

अद्य नः पितरः तृप्ताः, कुलदेवाः च पूजिताः। तवागमनमात्रेण अहं धन्यः अस्मि, अत्र संशयः न हि।

today · our · ancestors · satisfied · family deities · and · worshipped · by your arrival alone · blessed · I am · not · indeed · doubt

Mahābali interprets the arrival of the divine boy as a supreme auspicious event that fulfills all his religious duties. This underscores the traditional belief that the presence of a holy person is equivalent to the performance of all sacrifices.

I will give you everything, whatever you desire, O Vāmana. There is no other donor like me in the world, greater even than the wish-fulfilling tree.

ahaṃ sarvaṃ pradāsyāmi yadyadicchasi vāmana

nāstyevamādṛśo dātā bhuvane kalpakādhikaḥ

अहम् · ahaṃ — I

सर्वम् · sarvaṃ — everything

प्रदास्यामि · pradāsyāmi — will give

यद्यत् · yadyat — whatever

इच्छसि · icchasi — you desire

वामन · vāmana — O Vāmana

न · na — not

अस्ति · asti — is

एवम् · evam — like this

आदृशः · ādṛśaḥ — such

दाता · dātā — donor

भुवने · bhuvane — in the world

कल्पकाधिकः · kalpakādhikaḥ — greater than the wish-fulfilling tree

हे वामन, अहं सर्वं प्रदास्यामि यत् यत् इच्छसि। भुवने मत्सदृशः कल्पकाधिकः दाता न अस्ति।

I · everything · will give · whatever · you desire · O Vāmana · not · is · like this · such · donor · in the world · greater than the wish-fulfilling tree

Mahābali's pride as a donor is fully displayed here, setting the stage for the Lord's request. It highlights the irony that the one who claims to be the greatest donor is about to be tested by the Supreme Giver.

The Lord said:

You speak in a manner befitting your lineage, O King. You are also a disciple of the Bhṛgus; therefore, you speak thus.

śrībhagavānuvāca

sadṛśaṃ bhāṣase rājaṃstāvakaṃ yādṛśaṃ kulam

bhṛgūṇāmapi śiṣyo'si tasmādevaṃ prabhāṣase

सदृशम् · sadṛśaṃ — befitting

भाषसे · bhāṣase — you speak

राजन् · rājan — O King

तावकम् · tāvakaṃ — your

यादृशम् · yādṛśaṃ — such as

कुलम् · kulam — lineage

भृगूणाम् · bhṛgūṇām — of the Bhṛgus

अपि · api — also

शिष्यः · śiṣyaḥ — disciple

असि · asi — you are

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

एवम् · evam — thus

प्रभाषसे · prabhāṣase — you speak

राजन्, त्वं तावकं कुलम् यादृशं तथा सदृशं भाषसे। त्वं भृगूणाम् अपि शिष्यः असि, तस्मात् एवं प्रभाषसे।

befitting · you speak · O King · your · such as · lineage · of the Bhṛgus · also · disciple · you are · therefore · thus · you speak

The Lord acknowledges Bali's noble character and his lineage, validating the King's self-perception while subtly hinting at the inevitability of the upcoming transaction.

Give me land of just three paces, O best of kings. For all should acquire only as much wealth as is necessary.

mama trīṇi padānyeva dehi bhūmiṃ nṛpottama

saṃpāditavyaṃ sarvaiśca vittaṃ yāvatprayojanam

मम · mama — my

त्रीणि · trīṇi — three

पदानि · padāni — paces

एव · eva — only

देहि · dehi — give

भूमिम् · bhūmiṃ — land

नृपोत्तम · nṛpottama — O best of kings

संपादितव्यम् · saṃpāditavyaṃ — should be acquired

सर्वैः · sarvaiḥ — by all

वित्तम् · vittaṃ — wealth

यावत् · yāvat — as much as

प्रयोजनम् · prayojanam — necessary

नृपोत्तम, मम त्रीणि पदानि एव भूमिं देहि। सर्वैः वित्तं यावत् प्रयोजनं तावत् एव संपादितव्यम्।

my · three · paces · only · give · land · O best of kings · should be acquired · by all · wealth · as much as · necessary

The Lord makes a seemingly modest request, which is the crux of the entire narrative. This verse introduces the concept of 'need-based' wealth, a philosophical teaching embedded in the divine play.

Mahābali said:

O, scion of a Brahmin! Choose as much gold as you wish. I will give you the entire earth, or heaven, or the three worlds.

mahābaliruvāca

aho brāhmaṇadāyāda yatheṣṭaṃ kāñcanaṃ vṛṇu

sarvāṃ bhūmiṃ pradāsyāmi svargaṃ vā bhuvanatrayam

अहो · aho — O

ब्राह्मणदायाद · brāhmaṇadāyāda — scion of a Brahmin

यथेष्टम् · yatheṣṭam — as much as you wish

काञ्चनम् · kāñcanam — gold

वृणु · vṛṇu — choose

सर्वाम् · sarvāṃ — entire

भूमिम् · bhūmiṃ — earth

प्रदास्यामि · pradāsyāmi — I will give

स्वर्गम् · svargaṃ — heaven

वा · vā — or

भुवनत्रयम् · bhuvanatrayam — the three worlds

अहो ब्राह्मणदायाद, यथेष्टं काञ्चनं वृणु। अहं सर्वां भूमिं स्वर्गं वा भुवनत्रयं प्रदास्यामि।

O · scion of a Brahmin · as much as you wish · gold · choose · entire · earth · I will give · heaven · or · the three worlds

Bali, blinded by his own generosity and the Lord's maya, offers the entire universe. This verse highlights the contrast between the Lord's simplicity and the King's grandiosity.

I wish to give you everything; do not be hesitant, O Lord. By accepting my gift, you yourself will become a giver of wealth.

sarvaṃ te dātumicchāmi saṅkocaṃ mā kuru prabho

maddānaṃ pratigṛhyeva svayaṃ hi dhanado bhavet

सर्वम् · sarvaṃ — everything

ते · te — to you

दातुम् · dātum — to give

इच्छामि · icchāmi — I wish

सङ्कोचम् · saṅkocam — hesitation

मा · mā — do not

कुरु · kuru — do

प्रभो · prabho — O Lord

मद्दानम् · maddānaṃ — my gift

प्रतिगृह्य · pratigṛhya — by accepting

एव · eva — indeed

स्वयम् · svayam — yourself

धनदः · dhanadaḥ — giver of wealth

भवेत् · bhavet — will become

प्रभो, अहं ते सर्वं दातुम् इच्छामि, सङ्कोचं मा कुरु। मद्दानं प्रतिगृह्य त्वं स्वयं हि धनदः भवेत्।

everything · to you · to give · I wish · hesitation · do not · do · O Lord · my gift · by accepting · indeed · yourself · giver of wealth · will become

Bali urges the Lord to accept more, showing his intense desire to be a benefactor. This reflects the bhava of a devotee who wants to give everything to the Lord, even if the Lord asks for little.

The Lord said:

Let this be true indeed; you are such a great donor. However, I am but a mendicant. I choose a piece of land for my austerities.

śrībhagavānuvāca

evaṃ hi satyamevāstu tvaṃ dātā tādṛśo mahān

kintvahaṃ bhikṣurevāsmi tapobhūmimahaṃ vṛṇe

एवम् · evam — thus

हि · hi — indeed

सत्यम् · satyam — truth

एव · eva — only

अस्तु · astu — let it be

त्वम् · tvaṃ — you

दाता · dātā — donor

तादृशः · tādṛśaḥ — such

महान् · mahān — great

किन्तु · kintu — however

अहम् · ahaṃ — I

भिक्षुः · bhikṣuḥ — mendicant

एव · eva — only

अस्मि · asmi — am

तपोभूमिम् · tapobhūmim — land for austerities

अहम् · ahaṃ — I

वृणे · vṛṇe — choose

एवं हि सत्यम् एव अस्तु, त्वं तादृशः महान् दाता। किन्तु अहं भिक्षुः एव अस्मि, अहं तपोभूमिं वृणे।

thus · indeed · truth · only · let it be · you · donor · such · great · however · I · mendicant · only · am · land for austerities · I · choose

The Lord maintains his role as a humble mendicant, reinforcing the lesson that true satisfaction comes from simplicity. This verse serves as a pivot point where the Lord gently rejects the excess to fulfill his specific divine purpose.

If you have even a little good fortune, O Mahābali, give this gift. I am satisfied with just this much; indeed, I am already complete in myself.

yadi te bhāgyaleśo'sti dehi dānaṃ mahābale

etāvataiva tṛpto'smi pūrṇo'smi svayameva hi

यदि · yadi — if

ते · te — your

भाग्यलेशः · bhāgyaleśaḥ — a little good fortune

अस्ति · asti — is

देहि · dehi — give

दानम् · dānaṃ — gift

महाबले · mahābale — O Mahābali

एतावतैव · etāvataiva — with just this much

तृप्तः · tṛptaḥ — satisfied

अस्मि · asmi — I am

पूर्णः · pūrṇaḥ — complete

अस्मि · asmi — I am

स्वयमेव · svayameva — in myself

हि · hi — indeed

हे महाबले, यदि ते भाग्यलेशः अस्ति तर्हि दानं देहि। एतावतैव अहं तृप्तः अस्मि, अहं स्वयम् एव पूर्णः अस्मि।

if · your · a little good fortune · is · give · gift · O Mahābali · with just this much · satisfied · I am · complete · I am · in myself · indeed

The Lord emphasizes that he is 'Pūrṇa' (complete in himself), a profound theological statement that contrasts with the worldly pursuit of accumulation. This verse highlights the Lord's self-sufficiency even while acting as a seeker.

The Revered Guru said:

As Vāmana spoke these sweet words, Bali, not recognizing him as the supreme Viṣṇu, desired to make the grant.

śrīsadgururuvāca

evaṃ hi madhuraṃ vākyaṃ vadantaṃ vāmanaṃ baliḥ

avijñāya paraṃ viṣṇuṃ dānaṃ kartumiyeṣa saḥ

एवम् · evaṃ — thus

मधुरम् · madhuraṃ — sweet

वाक्यम् · vākyaṃ — words

वदन्तम् · vadantaṃ — speaking

वामनम् · vāmanaṃ — Vāmana

बलिः · baliḥ — Bali

अविज्ञाय · avijñāya — not recognizing

परम् · param — the supreme

विष्णुम् · viṣṇuṃ — Viṣṇu

दानम् · dānaṃ — the gift

कर्तुम् · kartum — to make

इयेष · iyeṣa — desired

बलिः एवम् मधुरम् वाक्यम् वदन्तम् वामनम् परम् विष्णुम् अविज्ञाय दानम् कर्तुम् इयेष।

thus · sweet · words · speaking · Vāmana · Bali · not recognizing · the supreme · Viṣṇu · the gift · to make · desired

This verse marks the transition from the Lord's request to Bali's internal state, highlighting the divine play (līlā) where Bali is temporarily blinded to the Lord's true identity to facilitate the upcoming cosmic sacrifice.

But Śukra, the preceptor of the Daityas, recognizing Vāmana as Viṣṇu, was intent on protecting his disciple and hastily spoke to him.

vijñāya vāmanaṃ viṣṇuṃ śukro daityapurohitaḥ

uvāca śiṣyaṃ sahasā śiṣyarakṣaṇatatparaḥ

विज्ञाय · vijñāya — having recognized

वामनम् · vāmanaṃ — Vāmana

विष्णुम् · viṣṇuṃ — as Viṣṇu

शुक्रः · śukraḥ — Śukra

दैत्यपुरोहितः · daityapurohitaḥ — the priest of the Daityas

उवाच · uvāca — spoke

शिष्यम् · śiṣyaṃ — to the disciple

सहसा · sahasā — hastily

शिष्यरक्षणतत्परः · śiṣyarakṣaṇatatparaḥ — intent on protecting the disciple

दैत्यपुरोहितः शुक्रः वामनम् विष्णुम् विज्ञाय शिष्यरक्षणतत्परः सन् सहसा शिष्यम् उवाच।

having recognized · Vāmana · as Viṣṇu · Śukra · the priest of the Daityas · spoke · to the disciple · hastily · intent on protecting the disciple

This verse introduces the conflict, as Śukra's spiritual vision pierces the Lord's illusion, prompting him to intervene to save his disciple from the impending loss of his kingdom.

Śukra said:

This is an illusory boy-celibate; he is Śrīpati (Viṣṇu), there is no doubt. He is no mere Brahmacārī, but Viṣṇu, who has the universe as his family.

śukra uvāca

māyāmāṇavako'yaṃ tu śrīpatirnātra saṃśayaḥ

naivāyaṃ brahmacārī ca viṣṇurviśvakuṭumbakaḥ

मायामाणवकः · māyāmāṇavakaḥ — illusory boy

अयम् · ayam — this

तु · tu — indeed

श्रीपतिः · śrīpatiḥ — Lord of Lakṣmī

न · na — not

अत्र · atra — here

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

न · na — not

एव · eva — at all

अयम् · ayam — this

ब्रह्मचारी · brahmacārī — celibate student

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Viṣṇu

विश्वकुटुम्बकः · viśvakuṭumbakaḥ — he whose family is the universe

अयम् मायामाणवकः तु श्रीपतिः, अत्र संशयः न। अयम् ब्रह्मचारी न एव, अपि तु विश्वकुटुम्बकः विष्णुः।

illusory boy · this · indeed · Lord of Lakṣmī · not · here · doubt · not · at all · this · celibate student · Viṣṇu · he whose family is the universe

Śukra explicitly identifies the boy as Śrīpati (Lord of Lakṣmī), warning Bali that this is no ordinary mendicant but the cosmic Lord who encompasses all beings.

He is deceiving you, O great hero. By accepting this excellent gift, he wishes to give everything to your enemy, Indra.

vañcayan tvāṃ mahāvīra gṛhītvā dānamuttamam

dātumicchati sarvasvamindrāya ripave tava

वञ्चयन् · vañcayan — deceiving

त्वाम् · tvāṃ — you

महावीर · mahāvīra — O great hero

गृहीत्वा · gṛhītvā — having accepted

दानम् · dānaṃ — the gift

उत्तमम् · uttamam — excellent

दातुम् · dātum — to give

इच्छति · icchati — he wishes

सर्वस्वम् · sarvasvam — everything

इन्द्राय · indrāya — to Indra

रिपवे · ripave — to the enemy

तव · tava — your

महावीर, अयम् त्वाम् वञ्चयन् उत्तमम् दानम् गृहीत्वा तव रिपवे इन्द्राय सर्वस्वम् दातुम् इच्छति।

deceiving · you · O great hero · having accepted · the gift · excellent · to give · he wishes · everything · to Indra · to the enemy · your

Śukra warns Bali of the strategic trap, framing the Lord's request as a deceptive move to transfer Bali's hard-earned prosperity to his rival, Indra.

Tell the boy, "I will not give it," O Mahābali. Quickly send this deceitful Brahmacārī back to his home.

na dāsyāmīti taṃ bālaṃ prati brūhi mahābale

śīghraṃ preṣaya tadgehaṃ kapaṭaṃ brahmacāriṇam

न · na — not

दास्यामि · dāsyāmi — I will give

इति · iti — thus

तम् · tam — to him

बालम् · bālam — the boy

प्रति · prati — towards

ब्रूहि · brūhi — speak

महाबले · mahābale — O Mahābali

शीघ्रम् · śīghram — quickly

प्रेषय · preṣaya — send

तद्गेहम् · tadgeham — to his home

कपटम् · kapaṭam — deceitful

ब्रह्मचारिणम् · brahmacāriṇam — the Brahmacārī

महाबले, तम् बालम् प्रति 'न दास्यामि' इति ब्रूहि। शीघ्रम् कपटम् ब्रह्मचारिणम् तद्गेहम् प्रेषय।

not · I will give · thus · to him · the boy · towards · speak · O Mahābali · quickly · send · to his home · deceitful · the Brahmacārī

This verse shows Śukra's urgency in commanding Bali to break his promise, emphasizing the necessity of rejecting the mendicant to preserve Bali's sovereignty.

In matters concerning women, in jest, in marriage, for one's livelihood, when life is in danger, for the sake of cows and Brahmins, and in case of violence—a falsehood is not considered reprehensible.

strīṣu narma vivāhe ca vṛttyarthe prāṇasaṅkaṭe

gobrāhmaṇārthe hiṃsāyāṃ nānṛtaṃ syājjugupsitam

स्त्रीषु · strīṣu — in matters of women

नर्म · narma — in jest

विवाहे · vivāhe — in marriage

च · ca — and

वृत्त्यर्थे · vṛttyarthe — for livelihood

प्राणसङ्कटे · prāṇasaṅkaṭe — in danger of life

गोब्राह्मणार्थे · gobrāhmaṇārthe — for cows and Brahmins

हिंसायाम् · hiṃsāyāṃ — in violence

न · na — not

अनृतम् · anṛtam — falsehood

स्यात् · syāt — is

जुगुप्सितम् · jugupsitam — reprehensible

स्त्रीषु, नर्मणि, विवाहे, वृत्त्यर्थे, प्राणसङ्कटे, गोब्राह्मणार्थे, हिंसायाम् च अनृतम् जुगुप्सितम् न स्यात्।

in matters of women · in jest · in marriage · and · for livelihood · in danger of life · for cows and Brahmins · in violence · not · falsehood · is · reprehensible

Śukra provides a legalistic justification for lying, citing traditional exceptions where falsehood is permissible, thereby attempting to absolve Bali of the sin of breaking his vow.

Mahābali said:

I will give everything if this boy is the Lord of all. Indeed, it is my great fortune to have obtained such an opportunity in this world.

mahābaliruvāca

ahaṃ sarvaṃ pradāsyāmi yadi sarveśvaro'rbhakaḥ

mamaiva tu mahābhāgyaṃ bhuvane prāptamīdṛśam

अहम् · aham — I

सर्वम् · sarvam — everything

प्रदास्यामि · pradāsyāmi — will give

यदि · yadi — if

सर्वेश्वरः · sarveśvaraḥ — Lord of all

अर्भकः · arbhakaḥ — the boy

मम · mama — my

एव · eva — indeed

तु · tu — but

महाभाग्यम् · mahābhāgyam — great fortune

भुवने · bhuvane — in the world

प्राप्तम् · prāptam — obtained

ईदृशम् · īdṛśam — such

यदि अयम् अर्भकः सर्वेश्वरः, तर्हि अहम् सर्वम् प्रदास्यामि। भुवने ममैव ईदृशम् महाभाग्यम् प्राप्तम्।

I · everything · will give · if · Lord of all · the boy · my · indeed · but · great fortune · in the world · obtained · such

Bali remains steadfast in his devotion, prioritizing the opportunity to serve the Lord over his own kingdom, thus demonstrating the true quality of a great devotee.

He who maintains his adherence to truth even in the midst of great calamity is himself worthy of worship in the world by all the gods; there is no doubt.

yaḥ pālayet satyaniṣṭhāṃ mahatyāmāpadi svayam

sa eva pūjyo bhuvane devaiḥ sarvairna saṃśayaḥ

यः · yaḥ — he who

पालयेत् · pālayet — maintains

सत्यनिष्ठां · satyaniṣṭhāṃ — adherence to truth

महत्याम् · mahatyām — great

आपदि · āpadi — in calamity

स्वयम् · svayam — himself

सः · saḥ — he

एव · eva — indeed

पूज्यः · pūjyaḥ — worshipful

भुवने · bhuvane — in the world

देवैः · devaiḥ — by the gods

सर्वैः · sarvaiḥ — by all

न · na — not

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

यः महत्याम् आपदि स्वयम् सत्यनिष्ठां पालयेत्, सः एव भुवने सर्वैः देवैः पूज्यः, अत्र संशयः न।

he who · maintains · adherence to truth · great · in calamity · himself · he · indeed · worshipful · in the world · by the gods · by all · not · doubt

Bali asserts that maintaining truth in the face of adversity is the highest dharma, elevating his commitment to the Lord above the warnings of his preceptor.

The Revered Guru said:

Having spoken thus, as Bali fearlessly prepared to make the grant, Bhārgava (Śukra), desiring to protect his disciple, devised a plan.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityuktvā nirbhayaṃ dānaṃ kartumeva samudyatam

bhārgavaścintayāmāsa śiṣyarakṣaṇakāṅkṣayā

इत्युक्त्वा · ityuktvā — having spoken thus

निर्भयम् · nirbhayam — fearlessly

दानम् · dānaṃ — the gift

कर्तुम् · kartum — to do

एव · eva — indeed

समुद्यतम् · samudyatam — prepared

भार्गवः · bhārgavaḥ — Śukra

चिन्तयामास · cintayāmāsa — thought/devised

शिष्यरक्षणकाङ्क्षया · śiṣyarakṣaṇakāṅkṣayā — with a desire to protect the disciple

इत्युक्त्वा निर्भयम् दानम् कर्तुम् एव समुद्यतम् बलिम् दृष्ट्वा, भार्गवः शिष्यरक्षणकाङ्क्षया चिन्तयामास।

having spoken thus · fearlessly · the gift · to do · indeed · prepared · Śukra · thought/devised · with a desire to protect the disciple

The narrative shifts to Śukra's desperate attempt to sabotage the ritual, illustrating the tension between the guru's worldly protection and the disciple's spiritual surrender.

Then the great-minded Śukra entered the spout of the water pot and, at the time of Bali's grant, blocked the stream of water.

tadā kamaṇḍalornālaṃ prāptaḥ śukro mahāmatiḥ

rurodha jaladhārāṃ tāṃ pradānasamaye baleḥ

तदा · tadā — then

कमण्डलोः · kamaṇḍaloḥ — of the water pot

नालम् · nālam — the spout

प्राप्तः · prāptaḥ — having entered

शुक्रः · śukraḥ — Śukra

महामतिः · mahāmatiḥ — the great-minded one

रुरोध · rurodha — blocked

जलधारां · jaladhārāṃ — the stream of water

ताम् · tām — that

प्रदानसमये · pradānasamaye — at the time of the gift

बलेः · baleḥ — of Bali

तदा महामतिः शुक्रः कमण्डलोः नालम् प्राप्तः, बलेः प्रदानसमये ताम् जलधाराम् रुरोध।

then · of the water pot · the spout · having entered · Śukra · the great-minded one · blocked · the stream of water · that · at the time of the gift · of Bali

This verse describes the physical act of obstruction, where Śukra uses his yogic power to enter the water pot, setting the stage for the Lord's divine intervention.

Knowing this, Lord Viṣṇu, with the tip of a darbha grass, poked the eye of Śukra, who was inside the spout.

tajjñātvā bhagavān viṣṇurdarbhāgreṇa mahāmuneḥ

loḍhayāmāsa śukrasya netraṃ nālagatasya ca

तत् · tat — that (the situation)

ज्ञात्वा · jñātvā — having known

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

दर्भाग्रेण · darbhāgreṇa — with the tip of a darbha grass

महामुनेः · mahāmuneḥ — of the great sage (Shukra)

लोढयामास · loḍhayāmāsa — poked/pierced

शुक्रस्य · śukrasya — of Shukra

नेत्रम् · netram — the eye

नालगतस्य · nālagatasya — who was inside the spout

तत् ज्ञात्वा भगवान् विष्णुः दर्भाग्रेण नालगतस्य महामुनेः शुक्रस्य नेत्रं लोढयामास।

that (the situation) · having known · the Lord · Vishnu · with the tip of a darbha grass · of the great sage (Shukra) · poked/pierced · of Shukra · the eye · who was inside the spout

This verse depicts the divine intervention of Lord Vishnu to remove the obstacle created by Shukra, ensuring the completion of Bali's sacrifice. It highlights the Lord's absolute authority over those who attempt to obstruct his divine play.

Śukra came out, and consequently became blind in one eye. For his transgression against Viṣṇu, he was thus taught a lesson by Viṣṇu himself.

bahirjagāma śukro'pi netrahīno'bhavattataḥ

apacāreṇa vai viṣṇoḥ śikṣito viṣṇunāpi saḥ

बहिः · bahiḥ — out

जगाम · jagāma — went

शुक्रः · śukraḥ — Shukra

अपि · api — also

नेत्रहीनः · netrahīnaḥ — blind in one eye

अभवत् · abhavat — became

ततः · tataḥ — then

अपचारेण · apacāreṇa — by the transgression

विष्णोः · viṣṇoḥ — of Vishnu

शिक्षितः · śikṣitaḥ — taught a lesson

विष्णुना · viṣṇunā — by Vishnu

शुक्रः अपि बहिः जगाम ततः नेत्रहीनः अभवत्। विष्णोः अपचारेण सः विष्णुना एव शिक्षितः।

out · went · Shukra · also · blind in one eye · became · then · by the transgression · of Vishnu · taught a lesson · by Vishnu

This verse explains the consequence of Shukra's interference, marking the beginning of his penance. It underscores the principle that even a great preceptor faces repercussions for opposing the Lord's will.

At that very moment, Viṣṇu grew, assuming a most wondrous form of supreme measure. With one step, the mighty one traversed the earth, and with another, the heavens.

tadaiva viṣṇurvavṛdhe mahādbhutaṃ

rūpaṃ gṛhītvā parayaiva mātrayā

bhuvaṃ padaikena vicakrame sa

divaṃ tathānyena mahāparākramaḥ

तदा · tadā — then

एव · eva — at that very moment

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

ववृधे · vavṛdhe — grew

महाद्भुतम् · mahādbhutam — wondrous

रूपम् · rūpam — form

गृहीत्वा · gṛhītvā — having assumed

भुवम् · bhuvam — the earth

पदैकेन · padaikena — with one step

विचक्रमे · vicakrame — traversed

दिवम् · divam — the heavens

अन्येन · anyena — with another

तदा एव विष्णुः महाद्भुतं रूपं गृहीत्वा ववृधे। सः महापराक्रमः पदैकेन भुवम् अन्येन दिवं विचक्रमे।

then · at that very moment · Vishnu · grew · wondrous · form · having assumed · the earth · with one step · traversed · the heavens · with another

The verse describes the cosmic expansion of Vamana into Trivikrama, demonstrating his supreme nature. This act serves as the climax of the sacrifice, where the Lord claims the entire universe.

Seeing him as Trivikrama, the lotus-seated Brahmā performed worship with devotion. He offered the supremely sacred foot-wash water, and that very holy water became the Gaṅgā.

trivikramaṃ taṃ kamalāsanaśca

vilokya bhaktyā vidadhe ca pūjām

dadau ca pādyaṃ paramaṃ pavitraṃ

tadeva tīrthaṃ hi babhūva gaṅgā

त्रिविक्रमम् · trivikramam — the one who took three steps

तम् · tam — him

कमलासनः · kamalāsanaḥ — Brahma

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

विदधे · vidadhe — performed

पूजाम् · pūjām — worship

ददौ · dadau — offered

पाद्यम् · pādyam — foot-wash water

पवित्रम् · pavitram — sacred

गङ्गा · gaṅgā — the Ganges

कमलासनः तं त्रिविक्रमं विलोक्य भक्त्या पूजाम् विदधे। सः परमं पवित्रं पाद्यं ददौ, तदेव तीर्थं गङ्गा बभूव।

the one who took three steps · him · Brahma · having seen · with devotion · performed · worship · offered · foot-wash water · sacred · the Ganges

This verse introduces the origin of the Ganga, sanctified by the touch of the Lord's feet. It emphasizes the devotion of Brahma and the sanctity of the Lord's divine form.

Then, the ocean of compassion, seeing Bali with folded hands seated before him, said:

"Give me my third step, O King, otherwise your word will become untrue."

tato baliṃ vīkṣya kṛpāsamudro

baddhāñjaliṃ taṃ purato niṣaṇṇam

padaṃ tṛtīyaṃ mama dehi rājan

na cedasatyaṃ vacanaṃ tava syāt

ततः · tataḥ — then

बलिम् · balim — Bali

वीक्ष्य · vīkṣya — having seen

कृपासमुद्रः · kṛpāsamudraḥ — the ocean of compassion

बद्धाञ्जलिम् · baddhāñjalim — with folded hands

पदम् · padam — step

तृतीयम् · tṛtīyam — third

मम · mama — my

देहि · dehi — give

राजन् · rājan — O King

ततः कृपासमुद्रः पुरतः निषण्णं बद्धाञ्जलिं बलिं वीक्ष्य उवाच, राजन् मम तृतीयं पदं देहि, न चेत् तव वचनं असत्यं स्यात्।

then · Bali · having seen · the ocean of compassion · with folded hands · step · third · my · give · O King

The Lord demands the third step from Bali, testing his commitment to his vow. This moment highlights the tension between the King's promise and the Lord's divine play.

Bali, his eyes filled with tears of love, then bowed to Viṣṇu and spoke again: "This head of mine is the third step. O ocean of mercy, protect my truthfulness."

balistadā premabharāśrunetraḥ

praṇamya viṣṇuṃ punarevamūce

padaṃ tṛtīyaṃ hi śiro mamedaṃ

satyaṃ ca me pāhi kṛpānidhe tvam

बलिः · baliḥ — Bali

प्रेमभराश्रुनेत्रः · premabharāśrunetraḥ — eyes filled with tears of love

प्रणम्य · praṇamya — having bowed

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Vishnu

पदम् · padam — step

तृतीयम् · tṛtīyam — third

शिरः · śiraḥ — head

मम · mama — my

सत्यम् · satyam — truthfulness

पाहि · pāhi — protect

कृपानिधे · kṛpānidhe — O ocean of mercy

तदा प्रेमभराश्रुनेत्रः बलिः विष्णुं प्रणम्य पुनरेवम् ऊचे, मम इदं शिरः तृतीयं पदं, कृपानिधे त्वं मे सत्यं पाहि।

Bali · eyes filled with tears of love · having bowed · Vishnu · step · third · head · my · truthfulness · protect · O ocean of mercy

Bali's response demonstrates his unwavering devotion and commitment to truth, even at the cost of his own kingdom. It marks the ultimate surrender of the devotee to the Lord.

Then Viṣṇu, the destroyer of his devotees' afflictions, mercifully placed his lotus foot on the head of the Daitya lord and bestowed his supreme grace upon the grandson of Prahlāda.

tadaiva viṣṇuḥ kṛpayā padābjaṃ

nidhāya daityeśavarottamāṅge

prahlādapautrasya paraṃ prasādaṃ

cakāra bhaktārtivināśakārī

तदा · tadā — then

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Vishnu

कृपया · kṛpayā — with mercy

पदाब्जम् · padābjam — lotus foot

निधाय · nidhāya — having placed

दैत्येशवरोत्तमाङ्गे · daityeśavarottamāṅge — on the head of the Daitya lord

प्रह्लादपौत्रस्य · prahlādapautrasya — of the grandson of Prahlada

प्रसादम् · prasādam — grace

चकार · cakāra — bestowed

भक्तार्तिविनाशकारी · bhaktārtivināśakārī — destroyer of devotees' afflictions

तदा भक्तार्तिविनाशकारी विष्णुः कृपया दैत्येशस्य उत्तमाङ्गे पदाब्जं निधाय प्रह्लादपौत्रस्य परं प्रसादं चकार।

then · Vishnu · with mercy · lotus foot · having placed · on the head of the Daitya lord · of the grandson of Prahlada · grace · bestowed · destroyer of devotees' afflictions

The Lord bestows his grace upon Bali, validating his devotion. This act transforms the sacrifice into a divine union between the Lord and his devotee.

Thus, having received the entire earth from the most generous Bali for Mahendra (Indra), he sent his devotee Bali to Rasātala, a place surpassing the joys of heaven.

evaṃ baleḥ prāpya mahāvadānyāt

mahendrāya bhuvaṃ ca sarvām

taṃ preṣayāmāsa baliṃ svabhaktaṃ

rasātalaṃ svargasukhātiriktam

एवम् · evam — thus

बलेः · baleḥ — from Bali

प्राप्य · prāpya — having received

महेन्द्राय · mahendrāya — for Indra

भुवम् · bhuvam — the earth

प्रेषयामास · preṣayāmāsa — sent

बलिम् · balim — Bali

स्वभक्तम् · svabhaktam — his own devotee

रसातलम् · rasātalam — to Rasatala

स्वर्गसुखातिरिक्तम् · svargasukhātiriktam — surpassing heavenly joys

एवं महावदान्यात् बलेः भुवं प्राप्य महेन्द्राय दत्त्वा, सः स्वभक्तं बलिं स्वर्गसुखातिरिक्तं रसातलं प्रेषयामास।

thus · from Bali · having received · for Indra · the earth · sent · Bali · his own devotee · to Rasatala · surpassing heavenly joys

This verse concludes the episode of the sacrifice, showing the Lord's care for both Indra and Bali. It illustrates that the Lord's actions are always for the ultimate good of his devotees.

Worshipped by all the gods, this Upendra went to the city of Devendra (Indra). And the merciful friend of devotees, the mace-bearer, stands at the door of Bali's home.

sarvaiśca devairabhipūjito'yaṃ

jagāma devendrapurīmupendraḥ

balergṛhadvāri tathā kṛpālu-

rgadādharastiṣṭhati bhaktabandhuḥ

सर्वैः · sarvaiḥ — by all

देवैः · devaiḥ — gods

अभिपूजितः · abhipūjitaḥ — worshipped

उपेन्द्रः · upendraḥ — Upendra

जगाम · jagāma — went

देवेन्द्रपुरीम् · devendrapurīm — to the city of Indra

बलेः · baleḥ — of Bali

गृहद्वारि · gṛhadvāri — at the door of the house

कृपालुः · kṛpāluḥ — merciful

गदाधरः · gadādharaḥ — mace-bearer

तिष्ठति · tiṣṭhati — stands

सर्वैः देवैः अभिपूजितः अयं उपेन्द्रः देवेन्द्रपुरीं जगाम। तथा कृपालुः भक्तबन्धुः गदाधरः बलेः गृहद्वारि तिष्ठति।

by all · gods · worshipped · Upendra · went · to the city of Indra · of Bali · at the door of the house · merciful · mace-bearer · stands

The verse highlights the Lord's eternal presence as a protector of his devotees, even after the cosmic play. It establishes the intimate bond between the Lord and Bali.

Śukra, deprived of his eye and exceedingly distressed, desiring to worship Hari, came to the bank of the Kāverī river.

śukro netravihīnastu nitarāṃ duḥkhito harim|

ārādhayitukāmastu kāverītaṭamāgataḥ

शुक्रः · śukraḥ — Shukra

नेत्रविहीनः · netravihīnaḥ — deprived of his eye

नितराम् · nitarām — exceedingly

दुःखितः · duḥkhitaḥ — distressed

हरिम् · harim — Hari

आराधयितुकामः · ārādhayitukāmaḥ — desiring to worship

कावेरीतटम् · kāverītaṭam — to the bank of the Kaveri

आगतः · āgataḥ — came

नेत्रविहीनः शुक्रः नितरां दुःखितः सन् हरिम् आराधयितुकामः कावेरीतटम् आगतः।

Shukra · deprived of his eye · exceedingly · distressed · Hari · desiring to worship · to the bank of the Kaveri · came

This verse shifts the focus to Shukra's repentance and his journey to the Kaveri river, setting the stage for the establishment of the holy site of Shukrapuri.

Reaching the northern bank of the Kāverī, the great sage performed a most severe penance with the desire to regain his sight.

uttaraṃ tīramāsādya kāveryā munipuṅgavaḥ |

tapaścakre mahāghoraṃ svadṛṣṭiṃ prāptumicchayā

उत्तरम् · uttaram — northern

तीरम् · tīram — bank

आसाद्य · āsādya — having reached

कावेर्याः · kāveryāḥ — of the Kaveri river

मुनिपुङ्गवः · munipuṅgavaḥ — the best of sages (Śukra)

तपः · tapaḥ — penance

चक्रे · cakre — performed

महाघोरम् · mahāghoram — very severe

स्वदृष्टिम् · svadṛṣṭim — his own sight

प्राप्तुम् · prāptum — to regain

इच्छया · icchayā — with the desire

मुनिपुङ्गवः कावेर्याः उत्तरं तीरम् आसाद्य स्वदृष्टिं प्राप्तुम् इच्छया महाघोरं तपः चक्रे।

northern · bank · having reached · of the Kaveri river · the best of sages (Śukra) · penance · performed · very severe · his own sight · to regain · with the desire

This verse marks the transition of the narrative from the cosmic events of the Vamana-Bali episode to the specific geographical origin of the Divya Desam. It establishes the site of the penance as the northern bank of the Kaveri, setting the stage for the divine manifestation.

At that very time, Lord Viṣṇu, holding the conch, discus, and mace, appeared before Śukra and restored his sight.

tadaiva bhagavān viṣṇuḥ śaṅkhacakragadādharaḥ

śukrasya purato gatvā tasya dṛṣṭiṃ dadau punaḥ

तदैव · tadaiva — at that very time

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Lord

विष्णुः · viṣṇuḥ — Viṣṇu

शङ्खचक्रगदाधरः · śaṅkhacakragadādharaḥ — bearer of conch, discus, and mace

शुक्रस्य · śukrasya — of Śukra

पुरतः · purataḥ — in front

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

तस्य · tasya — his

दृष्टिम् · dṛṣṭim — sight

ददौ · dadau — gave/restored

पुनः · punaḥ — again

तदैव शङ्खचक्रगदाधरः भगवान् विष्णुः शुक्रस्य पुरतः गत्वा तस्य दृष्टिं पुनः ददौ।

at that very time · the Lord · Viṣṇu · bearer of conch, discus, and mace · of Śukra · in front · having gone · his · sight · gave/restored · again

This verse highlights the Lord's immediate response to sincere devotion, emphasizing that even after a conflict, the Lord is ever-ready to bestow grace upon those who seek Him with a repentant heart.

That very place became a pre-eminent and divinely beautiful holy site. In the Chola kingdom, it became famous as the city of Śukrapurī.

tadeva kṣetrapravaraṃ cāsīddevamanoramam |

khyātaṃ śukrapurītyeva nagaraṃ colamaṇḍale

तदेव · tadeva — that very

क्षेत्रप्रवरम् · kṣetrapravaram — pre-eminent holy site

आसीत् · āsīt — became

देवमनोरमम् · devamanoramam — divinely beautiful

ख्यातम् · khyātam — famous

शुक्रपुरीत्येव · śukrapurītyeva — as Śukrapurī

नगरम् · nagaram — city

चोलमण्डले · colamaṇḍale — in the Chola region

तदेव क्षेत्रप्रवरं देवमनोरमम् आसीत्। चोलमण्डले शुक्रपुरीत्येव नगरं ख्यातम्।

that very · pre-eminent holy site · became · divinely beautiful · famous · as Śukrapurī · city · in the Chola region

This verse serves to sanctify the location, elevating it from a mere geographical spot to a 'Kṣetra' (holy site) and establishing its identity as a Divya Desam within the Chola kingdom.

Beholding the eternal god Viṣṇu, named Śṛṅgārasundara (the Beautifully Adorned One), one is freed from all sins; of this, there is no doubt.

śṛṅgārasundaraṃ nāma devaṃ viṣṇuṃ sanātanam|

vilokya sarvapāpebhyo mucyate nātra saṃśayaḥ

शृङ्गारसुन्दरम् · śṛṅgārasundaram — the beautifully adorned one

नाम · nāma — named

देवम् · devam — the deity

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Viṣṇu

सनातनम् · sanātanam — the eternal

विलोक्य · vilokya — having seen

सर्वपापेभ्यः · sarvapāpebhyaḥ — from all sins

मुच्यते · mucyate — is freed

नात्र · nātra — not here/in this

संशयः · saṃśayaḥ — doubt

शृङ्गारसुन्दरं नाम सनातनं विष्णुं देवं विलोक्य सर्वपापेभ्यः मुच्यते, अत्र संशयः न।

the beautifully adorned one · named · the deity · Viṣṇu · the eternal · having seen · from all sins · is freed · not here/in this · doubt

This verse introduces the specific deity of the temple, Śṛṅgārasundara, and provides the phala-śruti (the fruit of hearing/seeing), which is the removal of all sins.

Even one who is blind, if he serves the god Viṣṇu situated in Śukrapurī with faith every day, he indeed regains his sight.

Thus the fourteenth chapter, named "The Glory of Śukrapurī," in the Third Part of the Divyadeśavaibhavam, composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

netrahīno'pi yo viṣṇuṃ devaṃ śukrapurīsthitam

sevate śraddhayā nityaṃ netraṃ ca labhate hi saḥ

नेत्रहीनः · netrahīnaḥ — a blind person

अपि · api — even

यः · yaḥ — who

विष्णुं देवम् · viṣṇuṃ devam — Lord Viṣṇu

शुक्रपुरीस्थितम् · śukrapurīsthitam — situated in Śukrapurī

सेवते · sevate — serves/worships

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

नित्यम् · nityam — daily

नेत्रम् · netram — sight

लभते · labhate — attains

हि · hi — indeed

सः · saḥ — he

यः नेत्रहीनः अपि शुक्रपुरीस्थितं विष्णुं देवं नित्यं श्रद्धया सेवते, सः हि नेत्रं लभते।

a blind person · even · who · Lord Viṣṇu · situated in Śukrapurī · serves/worships · with faith · daily · sight · attains · indeed · he

This concluding verse serves as a final testament to the efficacy of the site, specifically addressing the miracle of sight restoration, which mirrors the grace shown to Śukra.