Shloka 1.29.5
सिद्धाश्रम-प्रसङ्गः (Siddhashrama and the Vāmana Narrative)
एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु राजा वैरोचनिर्बलि:।।1.29.4।।निर्जित्य दैवतगणान् सेन्द्रांश्च समरुद्गणान्। कारयामास तद्राज्यं त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुत:।।1.29.5।।
etasminn eva kāle tu rājā vairocanir baliḥ ||1.29.4||
nirjitya daivatagaṇān sendrāṃś ca sa-marudgaṇān |
kārayām āsa tad rājyaṃ triṣu lokeṣu viśrutaḥ ||1.29.5||
At that very time, King Bali, son of Virocana—having conquered the hosts of the gods, along with Indra and the Maruts—ruled that sovereignty, renowned across the three worlds.
"During the period Visnu (in the incarnation of Vamana) was observing austerities at this hermitage, king Bali, son of Virochana, having vanquished Indra and maruts and devatas ruled this kingdom and became famous in all the three worlds (for his prowess and generosity.)
The verse frames a Dharma-question about rightful sovereignty: mere conquest and fame do not settle legitimacy; rule must ultimately align with cosmic order (dharma), which the later Vāmana episode will restore.
Viśvāmitra’s story shifts to the political-cosmic crisis: Bali has subdued the devas and established rule over the three worlds.
Not a virtue but a condition: Bali’s prowess and dominance are highlighted, setting up the later ethical tension between power, generosity, and rightful order.