Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 9
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
अथारुह्य रथं दिव्यं भृगुदत्तं महारथ: । सुस्रग्धरोऽथ सन्नह्य धन्वी खड्गी धृतेषुधि: ॥ ८ ॥ हेमाङ्गदलसब्दाहु: स्फुरन्मकरकुण्डल: । रराज रथमारूढो धिष्ण्यस्थ इव हव्यवाट् ॥ ९ ॥
athāruhya rathaṁ divyaṁ bhṛgu-dattaṁ mahārathaḥ susrag-dharo ’tha sannahya dhanvī khaḍgī dhṛteṣudhiḥ
Then, after getting on the chariot given by Śukrācārya, Bali Mahārāja, decorated with a nice garland, put protective armor on his body, equipped himself with a bow, and took up a sword and a quiver of arrows. When he sat down on the seat of the chariot, his arms decorated with golden bangles and his ears with sapphire earrings, he shone like a worshipable fire.
FAQs
In Canto 8, Chapter 15, this verse portrays Bali as a fully armed mahāratha on a divine chariot, dazzling with golden ornaments and radiant like sacrificial fire—showing his royal power and heroic readiness.
The comparison highlights his brilliance and commanding presence: just as fire on the altar blazes and draws attention in a yajña, Bali on his chariot shines with splendor and potency on the battlefield.
It teaches purposeful preparation: before facing major challenges, be disciplined, properly equipped, and inwardly steady—so your actions become focused and impactful rather than impulsive.