Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 34
The Lord Appears to the Devas and Instructs the Truce; Mandara Is Brought for Churning
दूरभारोद्वहश्रान्ता: शक्रवैरोचनादय: । अपारयन्तस्तं वोढुं विवशा विजहु: पथि ॥ ३४ ॥
dūra-bhārodvaha-śrāntāḥ śakra-vairocanādayaḥ apārayantas taṁ voḍhuṁ vivaśā vijahuḥ pathi
Because of conveying the great mountain for a long distance, King Indra, Mahārāja Bali and the other demigods and demons became fatigued. Being unable to carry the mountain, they left it on the way.
FAQs
This verse shows that even powerful beings like Indra and the asuras can become exhausted and fail in their own strength, indicating that success in cosmic works ultimately depends on divine arrangement, not mere capability.
They had carried a massive load for a long distance and became too fatigued to continue; overwhelmed and unable to bear it further, they left it on the road as the narrative moves toward divine intervention.
Recognize limits, avoid pride in capacity, and seek higher guidance—when a task exceeds strength, pause, regroup, and depend on dharmic support rather than forcing progress through burnout.