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
Dann bestieg Bali, der große Wagenkämpfer, den himmlischen Wagen, den Śukrācārya aus der Bhṛgu-Linie ihm gegeben hatte. Mit einer schönen Girlande geschmückt, legte er die Rüstung an, ergriff den Bogen, nahm das Schwert und trug den Köcher. Mit goldenen Armreifen an den Armen und funkelnden Makara-Ohrringen, auf dem Sitz des Wagens thronend, strahlte er wie das verehrungswürdige Opferfeuer auf dem Altar.
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.