Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 10
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
तुल्यैश्वर्यबलश्रीभि: स्वयूथैर्दैत्ययूथपै: । पिबद्भिरिव खं दृग्भिर्दहद्भि: परिधीनिव ॥ १० ॥ वृतो विकर्षन् महतीमासुरीं ध्वजिनीं विभु: । ययाविन्द्रपुरीं स्वृद्धां कम्पयन्निव रोदसी ॥ ११ ॥
tulyaiśvarya-bala-śrībhiḥ sva-yūthair daitya-yūthapaiḥ pibadbhir iva khaṁ dṛgbhir dahadbhiḥ paridhīn iva
When he assembled with his own soldiers and the demon chiefs, who were equal to him in strength, opulence and beauty, they appeared as if they would swallow the sky and burn all directions with their vision. After thus gathering the demoniac soldiers, Bali Mahārāja departed for the opulent capital of Indra. Indeed, he seemed to make the entire surface of the world tremble.
FAQs
This verse describes Bali surrounded by powerful Daitya leaders, all equally opulent and strong, with an awe-inspiring presence likened to blazing eyes that seem to consume the sky and burn the horizons.
The narrative highlights the overwhelming might of the Daityas at this point, setting the stage for the Lord’s intervention (Vāmana/Viṣṇu) to protect the devas and restore cosmic balance.
Worldly strength and splendor can appear all-consuming, but the Bhagavatam frames such power as temporary—true shelter is taken in the Supreme Lord rather than in intimidating material dominance.