Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 17
Deva–Asura Battle after the Nectar; Bali’s Illusions and Hari’s Intervention
वैरोचनो बलि: सङ्ख्ये सोऽसुराणां चमूपति: । यानं वैहायसं नाम कामगं मयनिर्मितम् ॥ १६ ॥ सर्वसाङ्ग्रामिकोपेतं सर्वाश्चर्यमयं प्रभो । अप्रतर्क्यमनिर्देश्यं दृश्यमानमदर्शनम् ॥ १७ ॥ आस्थितस्तद् विमानाग्र्यं सर्वानीकाधिपैर्वृत: । बालव्यजनछत्राग्र्यै रेजे चन्द्र इवोदये ॥ १८ ॥
vairocano baliḥ saṅkhye so ’surāṇāṁ camū-patiḥ yānaṁ vaihāyasaṁ nāma kāma-gaṁ maya-nirmitam
For that battle the most celebrated commander in chief, Mahārāja Bali, son of Virocana, was seated on a wonderful airplane named Vaihāyasa. O King, this beautifully decorated airplane had been manufactured by the demon Maya and was equipped with weapons for all types of combat. It was inconceivable and indescribable. Indeed, it was sometimes visible and sometimes not. Seated in this airplane under a beautiful protective umbrella and being fanned by the best of cāmaras, Mahārāja Bali, surrounded by his captains and commanders, appeared just like the moon rising in the evening, illuminating all directions.
FAQs
In this verse, Bali is identified as Virocana’s son and the commander of the asura army, actively leading the battle.
Vaihāyasa is an aerial craft made by Maya that can travel according to the rider’s desire (kāma-ga).
Material power and technology can appear astonishing, yet they remain temporary and do not guarantee victory over divine arrangement.