Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 11
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 depicts Bali surrounded by demon commanders equal in opulence and strength, whose intense gaze is poetically said to ‘drink the sky’ and ‘burn the horizons,’ emphasizing overwhelming military might.
Śukadeva highlights Bali’s worldly greatness to contrast it with the Lord’s supremacy—showing that even immense demonic power is ultimately checked by Viṣṇu’s will.
External strength and prestige can appear all-consuming, but the Bhagavatam reminds seekers to cultivate humility and devotion, recognizing a higher divine order beyond material power.