Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 50
Deva–Asura Battle after the Nectar; Bali’s Illusions and Hari’s Intervention
सृष्टो दैत्येन सुमहान्वह्नि: श्वसनसारथि: । सांवर्तक इवात्युग्रो विबुधध्वजिनीमधाक् ॥ ५० ॥
sṛṣṭo daityena sumahān vahniḥ śvasana-sārathiḥ sāṁvartaka ivātyugro vibudha-dhvajinīm adhāk
A great devastating fire created by Bali Mahārāja began burning all the soldiers of the demigods. This fire, accompanied by blasting winds, seemed as terrible as the Sāṁvartaka fire, which appears at the time of dissolution.
FAQs
This verse compares the demon-created blaze to the Sāṁvartaka fire—the terrifying fire associated with cosmic dissolution—emphasizing the fire’s overwhelming, world-ending intensity.
In the Deva–Asura battle narrative, the asuras employ extreme, destructive tactics to overpower the devas; here the demon unleashes a wind-driven conflagration to burn the demigod army and turn the battle.
Overwhelming “fires” (crises, fear, hostility) can arise suddenly and feel apocalyptic; the Bhagavatam’s battle scenes remind a devotee to seek shelter in the Lord and remain steady rather than panic under destructive forces.