Shloka 28
The Lord Appears to the Devas and Instructs the Truce; Mandara Is Brought for Churning
दृष्ट्वारीनप्यसंयत्ताञ्जातक्षोभान्स्वनायकान् । न्यषेधद् दैत्यराट् श्लोक्य: सन्धिविग्रहकालवित् ॥ २८ ॥
dṛṣṭvārīn apy asaṁyattāñ jāta-kṣobhān sva-nāyakān nyaṣedhad daitya-rāṭ ślokyaḥ sandhi-vigraha-kālavit
Although his commanders, stirred by anger, were ready to slay the demigods, Mahārāja Bali—celebrated king of the asuras, expert in when to make peace and when to fight—seeing the demigods approach without hostility, forbade his men to attack them.
Vedic etiquette enjoins: gṛhe śatrum api prāptaṁ viśvastam akutobhayam. When enemies come to their opponent’s place, they should be received in such a way that they will forget that there is animosity between the two parties. Bali Mahārāja was well conversant with the arts of peacemaking and fighting. Thus he received the demigods very well, although his commanders and captains were agitated. This kind of treatment was prevalent even during the fight between the Pāṇḍavas and the Kurus. During the day, the Pāṇḍavas and Kurus would fight with the utmost strength, and when the day was over they would go to each other’s camps as friends and be received as such. During such friendly meetings, one enemy would offer anything the other enemy wanted. That was the system.
FAQs
This verse states that Bali Mahārāja restrained his agitated commanders because he understood the proper time for sandhi (peace/treaty) and vigraha (war), teaching that timing and restraint are essential in righteous leadership.
Because the opposing side was not yet fully engaged or prepared, and his own leaders were acting out of agitation; Bali, skilled in diplomacy and strategy, checked them to act according to the right moment rather than impulse.
It advises pausing before reacting in anger—restrain impulsive followers or emotions, assess readiness and consequences, and choose reconciliation or firm action only when it is truly appropriate.