Deva–Asura Battle after the Nectar; Bali’s Illusions and Hari’s Intervention
तस्यासन्सर्वतो देवा नानावाहध्वजायुधा: । लोकपाला: सहगणैर्वाय्वग्निवरुणादय: ॥ २६ ॥
tasyāsan sarvato devā nānā-vāha-dhvajāyudhāḥ lokapālāḥ saha-gaṇair vāyv-agni-varuṇādayaḥ
Surrounding Indra, the king of heaven, were the devas, seated upon many kinds of mounts and adorned with banners and weapons. Present there were Vāyu, Agni, Varuṇa, and the other lokapālas, each with his own associates.
Lokapālas are the guardians of the directions/worlds who uphold universal administration; this verse notes they assembled with their attendants—such as Vāyu, Agni, and Varuṇa—ready for battle.
He is painting the battlefield scene of the Deva–Asura conflict, showing the organized, fully-equipped presence of the demigod forces gathered on all sides.
Dharma is protected through coordinated responsibility—each person using their distinct strengths in service of a higher order, rather than acting in isolation.