Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 11
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
स तन्निकेतं परिमृश्य शून्य- मपश्यमान: कुपितो ननाद । क्ष्मां द्यां दिश: खं विवरान्समुद्रान् विष्णुं विचिन्वन् न ददर्श वीर: ॥ ११ ॥
sa tan-niketaṁ parimṛśya śūnyam apaśyamānaḥ kupito nanāda kṣmāṁ dyāṁ diśaḥ khaṁ vivarān samudrān viṣṇuṁ vicinvan na dadarśa vīraḥ
Upon seeing that the residence of Lord Viṣṇu was vacant, Hiraṇyakaśipu began searching for Lord Viṣṇu everywhere. Angry at not seeing Him, Hiraṇyakaśipu screamed loudly and searched the entire universe, including the surface of the earth, the higher planetary systems, all directions and all the caves and oceans. But Hiraṇyakaśipu, the greatest hero, did not see Viṣṇu anywhere.
FAQs
Because the Lord, by His own divine potency (māyā), can remain unseen even when one searches everywhere; mere strength and anger cannot reveal Him.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī is narrating to King Parīkṣit, describing Bali Mahārāja’s frustrated search for Lord Viṣṇu.
When outcomes slip beyond control, anger and frantic searching often increase confusion; steadiness, humility, and turning toward devotion are more effective than ego-driven force.