Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 3
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
श्रीशुक उवाच पराजितश्रीरसुभिश्च हापितो हीन्द्रेण राजन्भृगुभि: स जीवित: । सर्वात्मना तानभजद् भृगून्बलि: शिष्यो महात्मार्थनिवेदनेन ॥ ३ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca parājita-śrīr asubhiś ca hāpito hīndreṇa rājan bhṛgubhiḥ sa jīvitaḥ sarvātmanā tān abhajad bhṛgūn baliḥ śiṣyo mahātmārtha-nivedanena
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: O King, when Bali Mahārāja lost all his opulence and died in the fight, Śukrācārya, a descendant of Bhṛgu Muni, brought him back to life. Because of this, the great soul Bali Mahārāja became a disciple of Śukrācārya and began to serve him with great faith, offering everything he had.
FAQs
This verse shows Bali Mahārāja serving the Bhṛgu sages sarvātmanā—fully and without reservation—by offering his resources and accepting discipleship as the path to restoration and spiritual alignment.
In the narrative, Bali is defeated by Indra and loses his prosperity and even life; the Bhṛgus restore him, and Bali responds by dedicating himself to their guidance and service as a disciple.
By dedicating one’s time, skills, and a portion of earnings to dharmic and devotional service—supporting teachers, temples, study, and compassionate works—while cultivating sincerity and humility like Bali.