Shloka 19
यात दानवदैतेयैस्तावत् सन्धिर्विधीयताम् । कालेनानुगृहीतैस्तैर्यावद् वो भव आत्मन: ॥ १९ ॥
yāta dānava-daiteyais tāvat sandhir vidhīyatām kālenānugṛhītais tair yāvad vo bhava ātmanaḥ
So long as you have not yet regained prosperity, make a truce with the Dānavas and Daityas, whom time now favors, until your own welfare is secured.
One word in this verse has two readings — kālena and kāvyena. Kālena means “favored by time,” and kāvyena means “favored by Śukrācārya,” Śukrācārya being the spiritual master of the Daityas. The demons and Daityas were favored in both ways, and therefore the demigods were advised by the Supreme Lord to execute a truce for the time being, until time favored them.
FAQs
This verse shows that even with adversaries, a temporary truce may be righteous when guided by higher wisdom—especially when circumstances (Kāla) are unfavorable—so one can act effectively at the proper time.
Because the demons were then empowered by Time, Vishnu advised the Devas to be strategic and patient, avoiding fruitless conflict until their own strength and fortune were restored.
Recognize timing: when conditions are against you, avoid ego-driven battles, seek wise compromise, and prepare steadily—then act decisively when circumstances become favorable.