Shloka 14
Bali Mahārāja’s Surrender, Prahlāda’s Praise, and the Lord’s Mercy
Sutala and Future Indrahood
तस्मै बलिर्वारुणपाशयन्त्रित: समर्हणं नोपजहार पूर्ववत् । ननाम मूर्ध्नाश्रुविलोललोचन: सव्रीडनीचीनमुखो बभूव ह ॥ १४ ॥
tasmai balir vāruṇa-pāśa-yantritaḥ samarhaṇaṁ nopajahāra pūrvavat nanāma mūrdhnāśru-vilola-locanaḥ sa-vrīḍa-nīcīna-mukho babhūva ha
Bound by Varuṇa’s ropes, Bali Mahārāja could not honor Prahlāda Mahārāja as he had before. He only bowed his head in obeisance; his eyes trembled, flooded with tears, and his face lowered in shame.
Since Bali Mahārāja had been arrested by Lord Vāmanadeva, he was certainly to be considered an offender. Bali Mahārāja seriously felt that he was an offender to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Certainly Prahlāda Mahārāja would not like this. Therefore Bali Mahārāja was ashamed and hung his head.
FAQs
This verse shows Bali, though bound by Varuṇa’s noose and unable to worship as before, bowing with tears and a lowered face—teaching that humility and repentance can accompany devotion even amid consequences.
Because he was physically restrained by Varuṇa’s noose, which prevented him from performing the customary acts of honor and worship.
When circumstances limit what you can “do,” keep the inner posture of devotion—accept responsibility, remain respectful, and bow the ego, as Bali does through tears, humility, and submission.