Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 3
Bali Liberated, Prahlāda Blessed, and Vāmana Accepted as Universal Protector
श्रीशुक उवाच इत्युक्त्वा हरिमानत्य ब्रह्माणं सभवं तत: । विवेश सुतलं प्रीतो बलिर्मुक्त: सहासुरै: ॥ ३ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca ity uktvā harim ānatya brahmāṇaṁ sabhavaṁ tataḥ viveśa sutalaṁ prīto balir muktaḥ sahāsuraiḥ
Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: Having spoken thus, Bali Mahārāja first offered obeisances to Hari, and then to Lord Brahmā and Lord Śiva. Released from Varuṇa’s nāga-pāśa, he entered Sutala in full satisfaction, together with the asuras.
FAQs
This verse states that after offering obeisances to Lord Hari, and also to Brahmā and Śiva, Bali—freed along with his asura followers—entered Sutala in a joyful and satisfied state.
After completing his surrender to Vāmana (Hari), Bali offers respect to the supreme Lord and to the great devas Brahmā and Śiva who are present as exalted witnesses and authorities in the cosmic order.
Even when outcomes seem like loss, sincere surrender and humility before God and saintly authority can transform fear into inner freedom, contentment, and devotion-centered purpose.