Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 6
Bali Mahārāja’s Empowerment and Conquest of Indra’s City
Prelude to Vāmana’s Petition
धनुश्च दिव्यं पुरटोपनद्धं तूणावरिक्तौ कवचं च दिव्यम् । पितामहस्तस्य ददौ च माला- मम्लानपुष्पां जलजं च शुक्र: ॥ ६ ॥
dhanuś ca divyaṁ puraṭopanaddhaṁ tūṇāv ariktau kavacaṁ ca divyam pitāmahas tasya dadau ca mālām amlāna-puṣpāṁ jalajaṁ ca śukraḥ
There also appeared a divine bow plated with gold, two quivers filled with unfailing arrows, and celestial armor. Then Prahlāda Mahārāja, Bali’s grandfather, offered him a garland of flowers that would never fade, and Śukrācārya bestowed upon him a sacred conchshell.
FAQs
In this verse, Śukrācārya equips Bali with celestial weapons and protective items—gold-plated bow, inexhaustible quivers, divine armor, and auspicious symbols—showing how leaders were ritually and materially prepared for dhārmic warfare.
Because Bali was about to lead the Daityas in battle, Śukrācārya, as his guru and elder, strengthened him with both martial equipment (weapons/armor) and auspicious emblems (unfading garland and lotus) to support victory and confidence.
Before facing major challenges, prepare in a balanced way—build practical resources and skills, and also cultivate inner steadiness and auspicious intention through guidance from mentors.