Copyright (c) The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
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Bhaktivedanta VedaBase: Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.19
SYNONYMS
pancadasam -- the fifteenth in the line; vamanakam -- the dwarf brahmana; kritva -- by assumption of; agat -- went; adhvaram -- arena of sacrifice; baleh -- of King Bali; pada-trayam -- three steps only; yacamanah -- begging; pratyaditsuh -- willing at heart to return; tri-pishtapam -- the kingdom of the three planetary systems.
TRANSLATION
In the fifteenth incarnation, the Lord assumed the form of a dwarf-brahmana [Vamana] and visited the arena of sacrifice arranged by Maharaja Bali. Although at heart He was willing to regain the kingdom of the three planetary systems, He simply asked for a donation of three steps of land.
PURPORT
The Almighty God can bestow upon anyone the kingdom of the universe from a very small beginning, and similarly, He can take away the kingdom of the universe on the plea of begging a small piece of land.
Copyright (c) The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International, Inc.
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness