Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 3
Bali Liberated, Prahlāda Blessed, and Vāmana Accepted as Universal Protector
श्रीशुक उवाच इत्युक्त्वा हरिमानत्य ब्रह्माणं सभवं तत: । विवेश सुतलं प्रीतो बलिर्मुक्त: सहासुरै: ॥ ३ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca ity uktvā harim ānatya brahmāṇaṁ sabhavaṁ tataḥ viveśa sutalaṁ prīto balir muktaḥ sahāsuraiḥ
Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: After speaking in this way, Bali Mahārāja offered his obeisances first to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Hari, and then to Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva. Thus he was released from the bondage of the nāga-pāśa [the ropes of Varuṇa], and in full satisfaction he entered the planet known as Sutala.
FAQs
This verse states that after offering obeisances to Lord Hari, and also to Brahmā and Śiva, Bali—freed along with his asura followers—entered Sutala in a joyful and satisfied state.
After completing his surrender to Vāmana (Hari), Bali offers respect to the supreme Lord and to the great devas Brahmā and Śiva who are present as exalted witnesses and authorities in the cosmic order.
Even when outcomes seem like loss, sincere surrender and humility before God and saintly authority can transform fear into inner freedom, contentment, and devotion-centered purpose.