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
قال شُكاديفا غوسوامي: أيها الملك، لما هُزم بالي على يد إندرا زال عنه مجده وفقد حياته في القتال؛ عندئذٍ أعاده شُكراچاريا، من نسل بهṛگو، إلى الحياة. لذلك صار بالي، ذو النفس العظيمة، تلميذًا له، وخدم آل بهṛگو بإيمان عميق، مقدّمًا كل ما يملك في تسليمٍ كامل للذات.
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.